Membership Types, Voting Rights, and Responsibilities

The Academy for Behavior Change is a membership-driven 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization. Membership supports the collective advancement of the behavior change profession, including shared standards, collaboration, education, and field leadership.


Membership is distinct from any credentialing or certification programs administered by the Institute for Behavior Change and/or Academy-affiliated partners. Credentialing activities are established by a separate organization (Institute for Behavior Change) to ensure fairness, impartiality, and independence.

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Voting Membership

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What is Voting Membership? 

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Voting Members are individuals who submit an accepted statement of intent for voting membership with their membership application and participate directly in the governance of the Academy. Voting Members help shape the organization’s leadership, policies, and strategic direction.

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Application Process

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Individuals interested in obtaining Voting Membership must submit a membership application that includes:

  • Contact information
  • Private, exclusive forum for networking, discussions, and collaboration with other founding members
  • A statement of interest in Voting Membership
  • Recognition that is permanent and never offered again
  • Special badge and logo usage guidelines

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Renew & Approval
  • Applications are reviewed by a delegated committee.
  • Featured on all major reports, summits, and the Academy website
  • Applicants are typically notified of a decision within 60 days.
  • Applicants who are not approved will receive a general explanation and may reapply after addressing identified gaps.

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Onboarding for New Voting Members

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Upon acceptance, Voting Members receive:

  • Elect Directors & Officers
  • Founding Members receive
  • Nominate candidates for Board & Officer positions
  • Vote on bylaw amendments that affect member rights
  • Vote on other matters presented for member consideration
  • Attend Voting Member meetings (in person or remotely)
  • Receive advance notice of meetings and access to agendas
  • Inspect certain corporate records, as permitted by law
  • Receive annual reports and financial summaries
  • Submit proposals and feedback for Board consideration
  • Participate in committees and governance activities

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Rights & Benefits of Voting Members

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Voting Members have the right to:

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Responsibilities of Voting Members

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Voting Members are expected to:

  • Pay dues on time
  • Participate in meetings and elections when possible
  • Act in good faith and in the best interests of the Academy
  • Stay informed about organizational activities
  • Comply with bylaws, policies, and codes of conduct

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Meetings & Voting

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Meetings
  • Voting members meet at least annually.
  • Additional regular or special meetings may be scheduled.
  • Remote participation is permitted when authorized and counts toward quorum.

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Decision-Making
  • Most decisions require a majority vote of Voting Members present or participating remotely, unless a higher threshold is required.
  • Voting may occur:
    • At meetings
    • By electronic (member portal) vote, when permitted
  • Proxy voting is not permitted

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Annual Voting Member Meeting

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The Annual Meeting: 

  • Is held in the fourth quarter of the calendar year
  • Includes: 
    • Reports on organizational activities and finances
    • Election of Directors and Officers
    • Strategic updates
    • Member discussion and questions
  • Meeting notices are sent at least 7 days in advance
  • Secret ballots are used if requested

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Suspension, Removal, & Resignation

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Grounds for Suspension or Removal

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Voting Membership may be suspended or terminated for:

  • Non-payment of dues
  • Loss of eligibility
  • Violation of bylaws or policies
  • Serious misconduct affecting the organization

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Process
  • Members receive written notice and an opportunity to respond before removal (except in cases of non-payment).
  • Decisions are communicated in writing.
  • Removal results in immediate loss of Voting Member rights.

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Resignation
  • Voting Members may resign at any time by submitting written notice.
  • Former members may reapply in the future as new applicants.

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Nonvoting Membership

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What is Nonvoting Membership? 

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Nonvoting Members support the Academy’s mission and the advancement of the behavior change profession but do not participate in governance voting. All members submitting an intent for voting membership with their application will have voting rights. Only student members receive nonvoting membership.

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Categories of Nonvoting Membership
  • Student Members
  • Employees or representatives of organizational partners who do not hold professional membership

(Current categories and eligibility criteria are published on the membership page.)

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What Nonvoting Members Do Not Have

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Nonvoting Members do not:

  • Vote on bylaws or corporate governance matters
  • Vote in Board or Officer elections
  • Hold governance decision-making authority

Nonvoting Members (student members) may apply for Voting Membership when transitioning to Professional Membership.

  • Priority consideration for strategic advisory roles and participation in high-level roundtables shaping the Academy’s early direction. While roles and positions are not guaranteed, members will have first opportunity to submit an application and will be considered for positions ahead of general application periods.
  • Ability to provide early input on Academy programs and specializations
  • The Academy’s bylaws and key governance policies
  • Opportunity for your organization’s profile to be highlighted as a pioneer and leader in the Academy’s launch phase
  • Meeting schedules and engagement options

Last updated: January 26, 2026