FAQ

The new governance changes are designed to prioritize the voices and contributions of data management professionals, ensuring that DAMA International's direction and decisions are guided by those most knowledgeable and invested in the field.

The new model empowers individual members by giving them a stronger voice and influence within DAMA International, fostering greater engagement and participation, and ensuring their interests and needs are accurately represented.

The major changes include a shift to a professional governance model, enhanced member engagement, improved transparency and accountability, alignment with best practices, and future-proofing the organization to remain relevant and effective.

The new bylaws include provisions for open and transparent operations, clear accountability mechanisms, and regular performance monitoring, ensuring that all actions and decisions are made with the best interests of the members in mind.

DAMA Chapters will see changes in how they interact with DAMA International, with specific roles or functions within the chapters being adjusted to align with the new governance structure. They will also have more support through the introduction of Chapter Regional Coordinators.

The new bylaws introduce revised procedures for elections and voting, including a staggered election cycle for board members and the role of the Governance and Nominations Committee in managing the annual election process to enhance transparency and member participation.

Aligning with best practices ensures operational excellence, enhances credibility and reputation, mitigates risks, and helps the organization remain adaptable, innovative, and at the forefront of the data management profession.

The new governance model makes DAMA International more resilient and agile, ensures long-term sustainability, attracts and retains top talent, leverages new technologies, maintains a competitive edge, and better meets the evolving needs of its members.

The new bylaws will become effective September 1, 2024, with communication and feedback opportunities about the approved by-law changes occurring in Summer 2024. The transition period will involve several key milestones and ongoing updates to ensure a smooth transition.

Members are encouraged to participate in online discussions and stay informed through regular updates provided via the website. Transition doesn’t stop on September 1, 2024, when the bylaws become effective. It is a process that will continue beyond that date. Sign up for push notifications about the changes and let your voice be heard.

The transition will include communication with DAMA Chapters and Individual Professional Members, training sessions for new governance roles, regular updates, and feedback opportunities to ensure all members are well-informed and supported throughout the process.

The changes are expected to bring benefits such as enhanced engagement opportunities, clearer communication channels, and a more dynamic and cohesive global community of data management experts, positively impacting sponsors, partners, and the broader data management community.

That is correct that the new Bylaws, like the Chapter Affiliation Agreement, state that the Chapter President and two other Board Officers of the Chapter shall be registered as Individual Professional Members of DAMA-I. The reason behind this requirement is that it should be made clear that the Affiliated Chapters are not only independent entities but also the local representatives or “ambassadors” of DAMA International. An ambassador needs to be in a good relationship with the mother association and it is a normal way that this relationship is fixed in a DAMA-International Individual Professional membership of (three) Chapter board members. We know that quite a few Chapter members are only interested in the work of the local Data Management community (Chapter), but all should know that this work is supported by DAMA International. It is not our goal to make chapter-only members into DAMA-International Individual Professional Members.

DAMA International will inform all Individual Central. Members. Individual Professional Members will be allowed to fully participate in the nomination and election process starting with the 2026 cycle for two at Large Directors and will receive notices about this starting in 2025.

Yes, you can be both a Chapter and an Individual Professional Member. Information on how to become an Individual Professional Member will become available via the DAMA International website after the new bylaws become effective.