The International Communication Association (ICA) is an academic group for those interested in various aspects of communication. This includes research, teaching, and use of human and mediated communication types. The organization provides a number of information sources to their members, including newsletters, journals, and conferences. There is the opportunity for consistent learning throughout the year in online, in-person and paper form. Students, academicians, and practitioners at all levels can obtain membership. Read on to learn more about this organization, its history, and offerings.
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About the ICA
The ICA is a global organization, meaning they have members from all over the world. Around 45,000 individuals hold membership from approximately 85 countries. The bulk of members come from an academic environment. They are professors, researchers, and graduate students. A smaller percentage come from professions such as business, government, media, law and communication technology. Anyone with an interest in the broad field of communications can join. Along with individual membership, entire institutions and associations can obtain group memberships. ICA has its main headquarters in the United States, specifically Washington, D.C. It is recognized by the United Nations as a non-governmental organization.
Brief ICA History
The ICA has been around since 1950. First known as the National Society for the Study of Communication (NSSC), the society started with just a small group of researchers from the United States. It was founded in Texas as a subsidiary organization of the Speech Association of America (SSA). It was in 1967 that the group parted ways with the SSA and began welcoming members from around the world. In 1969, it officially changed its name to the International Communication Association. Headquarters were moved to Washington, D.C. from Austin, Texas in 2001.
Benefits of Joining the ICA
There are numerous member benefits for joining the ICA. First, it’s a place for networking. This can be done in-person at the national conference or through smaller regional meetings. The association website offers online opportunities for professionals to engage. They can find each other’s profile information through searching by interest or geographical area. There is a group for students and those new to the profession called the Student and Early Career Scholar Committee (SECAC). It offers a great opportunity for these networks to collaborate, network and support each other.
There are discounts and grants for ICA members on such things as conference registration, memberships to relevant organizations and travel expenses to conferences. Members receive access to current journals and back copies of online publications. There are a variety of publications and newsletters from which to choose that cater to specific interests as well as provide the latest research within the field at large. Along these lines, members can join smaller groups based on their particular field of study or interest. This allows for more customized networking and learning.
Finally, there are various leadership opportunities available. This is a wonderful way to give back and to advance one’s own career accomplishments.
The ICA is an organization that is clearly meant to benefit its members. Anyone with an interest in this field, whether it be from an academic or practical perspective, would benefit from considering membership in the International Communications Association.