External Relations Group Membership and Benefits

External Relations Group members gain networking and professional development opportunities, access to data and resources, and connections on a national platform.

To become an External Relations Group member*, please fill out this interest form.

*Annual membership dues are $130 per person. In addition to the valuable services listed here, member dues support the Awards for Excellence competition, offering a national platform to showcase your institution’s best programming, projects, and publications. Dues also fund nationally renowned speakers for the annual AAMC External Relations Conference, and External Relations Group members receive a registration discount for the conference. Dues invoices are emailed to new members after we confirm your request to join. Dues are assessed per individual, not institution, and must be paid before a member is considered in good standing. Dues are not refundable if a member leaves their position of employment during the membership period.

Steering Committee

The Steering Committee determines the External Relations Group’s annual professional development activities and resource development. The committee plays a central role in advancing group members’ growth by developing innovative educational programming, fostering mentoring and networking opportunities, seeking collaboration with other AAMC affinity groups, and ensuring alignment with the evolving needs of their respective communities.

Discipline Advisory Groups

Discipline Advisory Group  members contribute their expertise and experience to inform and guide the content of the annual AAMC External Relations Conference and year-round programming. The different groups include: 

• Alumni Relations 
• Communications 
• Community Relations 
• Development
• Marketing

Conference Planning Committee 

The Conference Planning Committee comprises the External Relations Group Steering Committee and representatives from the five Discipline Advisory Groups.

Awards for Excellence Judges

Every year, a selection of External Relations Group members volunteer their time to peer review, evaluate, discuss, and determine the best of the best from Awards for Excellence submissions. 

Nominating Committee

The Nominating Committee reviews and selects a slate of Steering Committee members from nominations submitted by the External Relations Group membership.

As an External Relations Group member, you will:

• Stay informed about the External Relations Group, the AAMC, and the world of academic medicine through announcements, newsletters, job postings, and data resources.
• Develop your skills and knowledge base through professional and leadership development programs tailored to your profession.
• Network with peers and tap into their support and expertise via conferences and webinars, an online virtual community, and a membership directory.
• Receive national recognition for your work through the annual awards program.