In the past, anyone who registered for the Bi-Annual ISMRC Conference was automatically given a two-year ISMRC membership, as the membership fee was included as part of total cost of conference fee. 

Starting in 2023, we are separating membership from the conference fee. Here’s why:

• Since being established in 2010, the Society has functioned as a purely volunteer run organization, with no established budget. 

• Funds needed to help run the conference have been obtained through grants, the minimal fees collected through conference registrations ($25-50 per registrant), and donations raised by the Advisory Board.

• Until now, that has worked. However, in order for our organization to grow and to offer new resources for our members, separate annual membership fees are needed to provide financial stability for the organization.

What this means for you:

From now on, membership will be required of all individuals who wish to present papers or take part in panels at the ISMRC conference. Individuals will need to pay their annual membership fee at least one month before the start of the conference. This will ensure that you will be eligible to present at the event and that your name will be included in the final program.

We believe there is an innate value in being associated with the International Society of Media, Religion and Culture.  

Our aim is to offer scholars around the world a professional association related to this important field of study, and a distinct scholarly community to identify with. The Advisory Board is also in the process of creating and instituting a number of new opportunities that will offer added value to members. This includes a forthcoming Research Awards Program to which members-only will be eligible to submit their work, a clearer process for Board Nominations and voting by members, and plans for a member’s focused communication platform to better facilitate networking amongst MRC scholars.