Membership Policy

1. Purpose

This Membership Policy establishes guidelines for membership eligibility, categories, fees, and benefits to ensure fair and inclusive participation in AGILE.

2. How Members Supports the Community

Your contribution as a member enables us to:

1. Maintain and enhance the quality of AGILE publications and co-hosted events.
2. Promote equitable access to knowledge through open-access initiatives.
3. Support authors and researchers globally, especially from underrepresented regions.
4. Provide publishing opportunities for students by offering APCs waivers.

3. Membership Eligibility

Membership is open to individuals and organizations that support the mission and objectives of AGILE. Membership applications must be submitted through the official channels and approved by the AGILE Board.

4. Types of Membership

1. Sustaining Member: Organizations that agree with the objectives of AGILE, join and are involved in its operations. Sustaining Member will have the eligibility to serve on AGILE committees, to serve as Guest Editors for periodicals and books published by AGILE, or leadership positions and vote on key initiatives or policies.
2. Regular Members: Individuals who agree with the objectives of AGILE, join, and are involved in its operations. Regular Members will have the eligibility to serve on AGILE committees, to serve as Guest Editors for periodicals and books published by AGILE, or leadership positions and vote on key initiatives or policies.
3. Affiliate Members: Individuals who agree with the objectives of AGILE and join. Affiliate Members will enjoy all benefits of Regular Members except the eligibility to serve on AGILE committees, to serve as Guest Editors for Special Issues published by AGILE, or leadership positions and vote on key initiatives or policies.
4. Student Members: Individuals who agree with the objectives of the AGILE, join, and complete the procedures to prove their student status. Student Members will enjoy all benefits of Affiliate Members.

4. Membership Categories

To promote accessibility and equity, AGILE adopts a two-tier membership structure for all membership categories based on the World Bank country classification system:

1. Category A: Members residing in Low-income and Lower-middle-income countries as defined by the World Bank [1].
2. Category B: Members residing in Upper-middle-income and High-income countries as defined by the World Bank [1].

AGILE will apply the most recent World Bank classification to determine membership categories.

[1]https://datacatalogapi.worldbank.org/ddhxext/ResourceDownload?resource_unique_id=DR0090754 (Accessed on 24 February 2025)

5. Membership Period and Fee

Membership is valid for each Japanese fiscal year, starting from April 1 of the current year and ending on March 31 of the following year. The annual membership fees are structured as follows:

5.1. Category A:

5.2 Category B:

1. Sustaining Member:       60,000JPY per unit (multiple units allowed).
2. Regular Member:           6,000JPY.
3. Affiliate Member:          3,000JPY.
4. Student Member:             2,000JPY.

Fees are reviewed annually and may be adjusted by the Board of Directors. Special discounts or scholarships may be offered at the discretion of the Board to ensure broad participation.

Student members will retain their student status for the entire Japanese fiscal year, from April 1 of the current year to March 31 of the following year, even if they transition to non-student status during that period.

6. Benefits of Membership

AGILE Members will enjoy the following exclusive benefits:

6.1 Discounted Article Processing Charges (APCs) for TGIJ [2] and tickets to events co-organized by AGILE:

To ensure cost-effective dissemination of research findings with the following:

1. 50% discount on APCs (subject to acceptance by TGIJ and peer-review) for first or corresponding authors belonging to Sustaining Member institution or organization.
2. 30% discount on APCs (subject to acceptance by TGIJ and peer-review) by Student Member as first or corresponding authors. Student Member will receive priority consideration for APC waivers in TGIJ published by AGILE.
3. 20% discount on APCs (subject to acceptance by TGIJ and peer-review) by Regular Members and Affiliate Members as first or corresponding authors.
4. Discounted tickets for events co-hosted by AGILE. The quantum of discount will depend on negotiations with event organizers.

6.2 Gain access to special events, webinars, and networking opportunities designed to foster collaboration within AGILE community.

1. Access to member-only workshops.
2. Opportunities to connect with domain experts and mentors in the field.
3. Invitations to contribute to articles, or workshops
4. Spotlighting members’ work on the society’s platform or through member profiles

6.3 Priority Access:

1. Receive early notifications about journal updates, calls for papers, and other significant announcements.
2. Regular and Sustaining Members are eligible to serve as Guest Editors for Special Issues on topics relevant to their expertise.

6.4 Recognition:

Sustaining Member support will be acknowledged on the AGILE website, publications and in our annual reports showcasing your commitment to advancing the objectives of AGILE.

7. Membership Renewal and Termination

1. Membership is valid for one year from the date of registration and must be renewed annually.
2. Failure to renew within 30 days of expiration will result in suspension of benefits until payment is received.
3. Membership may be terminated due to violations of association policies, misconduct, or failure to comply with ethical standards.

7. Appeals and Special Considerations

Members facing financial hardship may apply for reduced fees or temporary waivers. The Board will review such requests on a case-by-case basis.

8. Amendments to This Policy

This policy may be reviewed and amended by the Board of Directors as necessary. Any changes will be communicated to members in a timely manner.

Effective Date: 04/03/2025
Approved by: AGILE Board

For inquiries, contact: office [at] theagile.earth