AAFP policies and principles are determined by its members. Members must be elected to the Congress of Delegates by their respective chapters and constituencies. The Congress of Delegates meets annually and has the responsibility to establish organizational policies and principles, which are carried out between annual meetings by the Board of Directors and a number of standing and special commissions.
The Congress of Delegates elects the Board, which in turn appoints commission members. The Board and commissions operate to further the mission of the AAFP:
to improve the health of patients, families, and communities by serving the needs of members with professionalism and creativity. The organizational structure of chapters varies by chapter. Below is more information about getting involved and making a difference in family medicine.
Use your expertise and passion to strengthen the specialty of family medicine by applying for an AAFP leadership position. Member positions are available on:
The AAFP is one of the few specialty organizations to actively enlist resident and student members in leadership roles which offer opportunities to:
The Congress of Delegates is the AAFP’s policy-making body. It elects officers and directors to serve on the Board of Directors. Its membership is composed of two delegates and two alternate delegates from each chapter and special constituencies (residents, students, new physicians, and other constituency groups represented at the National Conference of Constituency Leaders).
Any AAFP member can be involved in the Congress of Delegates’ annual meeting (e.g., testifying at reference committee hearings during the meeting). Members who wish to become delegates or alternate delegates must be elected by their chapters.
If you are interested in becoming a delegate or alternate delegate, contact your chapter for more information.
Any AAFP active member is eligible to serve on the AAFP Board of Directors as an at-large director. The Nominating Committee considers applications for nominations from members and groups such as chapters, member constituencies, and member interest groups who would like to put forth a potential nominee, and the Congress of Delegates votes for directors. Learn about the nomination process.
AAFP commissions make recommendations to the Board of Directors regarding policy, development of new programs and projects, improvements to current activities, and potential discontinuation of activities. Commission members are expected to participate fully in the meetings and activities of the commission. Members should recognize that these positions are competitive, and each member’s participation is critical to the successful work of the commission.
To be considered for appointment to a commission, a member must be nominated by his or her chapter. If you are interested in being appointed to a commission, contact your chapter to learn more. Nomination materials typically are available by July of each year on AAFP.org.