Welcome New Members!
ASTM International
Member and Committee Services
New Member Orientation
ASTM International Member and Committee Services
New Member Orientation
Today’s Goals
Introduction to ASTM International
An overview of ASTM International and it’s scope of activities
ASTM International Infrastructure and Operations
A basic understanding of committee organization and operation
Utilizing the Website for Participation
A look at the tools provided by the ASTM website to manage participation and
activities on ASTM committees
Supplemented by live website demonstrations of functions
Key Points for Participation
Activities between meetings, along with specific pre-, post-, and in- meeting
pointers
Officer roles
ASTM International Outreach and Coordination
Questions
ASTM International Member and Committee Services
New Member Orientation
I
Introduction to ASTM International
Introduction to ASTM International
An overview of ASTM International and it’s scope of activities
ASTM International Infrastructure and Operations
A basic understanding of committee organization and operation
Utilizing the Website for Participation
A look at the tools provided by the ASTM website to manage participation
and activities on ASTM committees
Supplemented by live website demonstrations of functions
Key Points for Participation
Activities between meetings, along with specific pre-, post-, and in- meeting
pointers
Officer roles
ASTM International Outreach and Coordination
Questions
ASTM International Member and Committee Services
New Member Orientation
Introduction to ASTM International
ASTM’s Primary Objective
…is to be the foremost developer and
provider of consensus standards,
related technical information, and
services having globally recognized
quality and market relevance
ASTM International Member and Committee Services
New Member Orientation
Introduction to ASTM International
General
Founded in 1898
Developing voluntary, consensus standards for materials, products,
systems & services world-wide through direct-member participation
ASTM International has approximately 12,000 standards used
internationally
ASTM International standards reflect the most current technology
because they are living documents that are continually revised
Over 31,000 members from 130 countries participate on ASTM
International committees; users from 175 countries
ASTM International Member and Committee Services
New Member Orientation
Introduction to ASTM International
Forum
All stakeholders involved
Neutral forum
Consensus-based procedures
Private and public sector cooperation
EXAMPLES:
Product manufacturers • Regulatory agencies
• Associations • Professional societies •
Professionals and consultants • Financial
organizations • Academia • Research
institutions and laboratories
ASTM International Member and Committee Services
New Member Orientation
Introduction to ASTM International
140 Technical Committees
EXAMPLES
A01 on Steel, Stainless Steel and Related Alloys
B07 on Light Metals and Alloys
C16 on Thermal Insulation
D01 on Paint
D02 on Petroleum Products and Lubricants
D20 on Plastics
E28 on Mechanical Testing
F04 on Medical and Surgical Materials and Devices
F24 on Amusement Rides and Devices
F37 on Light Sport Aircraft
G01 on Corrosion of Metals
ASTM International Member and Committee Services
New Member Orientation
Introduction to ASTM International
How are Standards Used?
Developed voluntarily and used voluntarily
Cited in a contract
Government agency reference them in
codes, certification, regulations, and laws
(US: P.L. 104-113)
Used by tens of thousands of individuals, companies, and
agencies globally
Over 3,300 ASTM International standards are used as the
basis for national standards by reference in regulation in
over 72 countries
ASTM International Member and Committee Services
New Member Orientation
Introduction to ASTM International
Business Model
2007 Operating Expenses of $37.5 Million
2007 Revenue Sources
Publications • 68%
Administrative Fees • 5%
Training Courses • 3%
Interest • 8%
Proficiency Test Program • 4%
Other • 12%
ASTM International Member and Committee Services
New Member Orientation
II
Infrastructure and Operations
Introduction to ASTM International
An overview of ASTM International and it’s scope of activities
ASTM International Infrastructure and Operations
A basic understanding of committee organization and operation
Utilizing the Website for Participation
A look at the tools provided by the ASTM website to manage participation
and activities on ASTM committees
Supplemented by live website demonstrations of functions
Key Points for Participation
Activities between meetings, along with specific pre-, post-, and in- meeting
pointers
Officer roles
ASTM International Outreach and Coordination
Questions
ASTM International Member and Committee Services
New Member Orientation
Infrastructure & Operations
Development of Technical Information
Proven democratic and open process
Staff management support for committee
Staff administrative support
Professional editors
Meetings management
Templates for new standards
Interactive electronic forums
Web conferencing
Electronic submittals and balloting
ASTM International Member and Committee Services
New Member Orientation
Infrastructure & Operations
Support Structure
160 person staff to
manage & support the
technical committees
Managers & editors
ensure efficient operation
& provide management
and administrative
support
ASTM Headquarters
Staff Managers
140 Technical Committees
31,000 Members
ASTM International Member and Committee Services
New Member Orientation
Infrastructure & Operations
Technical Committee Organization
Technical Committees form
to address specific industry
subjects.
Subcommittees are
established to address
subsets of specialized
subject matter.
Subcommittees organize
their expertise into Task
Groups to write standards.
Direct Member Participation
vs. National Body
Coordination
Main Committee
Subcommittee
.01
Subcommittee
.02
Task
Group 1
Task
Group 2
Subcommittee
.03
ASTM International Member and Committee Services
New Member Orientation
Infrastructure & Operations
Balloting
Documents are drafted
and revised in the task
group
Drafts are first voted on by
the subcommittee
After subcommittee
approval, the main
committee & entire
Society vote on the draft
ASTM International Member and Committee Services
New Member Orientation
Infrastructure & Operations
The “Official Vote”
Technical committees, with individuals participating from thousands of
companies and interests from around the world, are balanced to ensure
fairness of the process. No more than one person from a company can carry an
“official vote.” This prevents individual interests from weighting the process.
An “official vote” gives a person the right to raise their hand in a meeting,
when it comes time to vote on the ballot returns†. Thus, while every member
can submit a ballot with their point of view, and every point of view has to be
considered equally in accordance with the Regulations Governing ASTM
Technical Committees, only official voters can vote on motion to include or
exclude information that has been received during balloting. This is how every
member has a say, yet the input is balanced.
NO MATTER YOUR VOTING STATUS, YOUR VOTE
MUST BE CONSIDERED! SO RETURN YOUR BALLOTS!
†Official voters are also used by the
Society for administrative purposes,
like % return and % affirmative
tallies on balloted items.
ASTM International Member and Committee Services
New Member Orientation
Infrastructure & Operations
“Balance”
Technical committees are “classified” and “balanced.” Members are
classified as producers, users, or general interest participants, in terms of
their interest as it relates to the scope of the committee’s standardization
activities.
Only one official vote is assigned per company. Official votes are also
assigned in a way that makes ensure voting interests have equal say.
This is referred to as “balance.”
“Balance” means that there are no more producer official voters than
user & general interest official voters. This ensures a fair consensus
process.
While every member gets to vote, and every vote counts equally, only
official voters (assigned
User
&
according to their affiliation, and in
Producer
ASTM
General Interest
accordance with committee balance) can
rule on feedback received during balloting.
ASTM International Member and Committee Services
New Member Orientation
Infrastructure & Operations
Technical Committee Oversight
COTCO is the author and keeper of the Regulations, or
“rules”, for committee operation and standards
development
Interprets, enforces, and manages revisions to the Regulations
Hears appeals related to committee activities and jurisdictional
disputes related to committee scope
COS ensures the Regulations, or “rules”, are followed
Ensures committees have been fair in following the rules for each
voter who is voted upon as Not Persuasive/Related
Rules on standards-related jurisdictional issues
Oversees the Form and Style for ASTM Technical Committees
ASTM International Member and Committee Services
New Member Orientation
Infrastructure & Operations
Time Frame for Standards Development
Complexity of the job
Urgency of needs
Time devoted by members
Utilization of new informational technologies
ASTM’s average standard
development time is 19 months
New committees average lesser
times (7 – 14 months)
ASTM International Member and Committee Services
New Member Orientation
Infrastructure & Operations
Delivery of Technical Information
Electronic publishing system:
SGML
Customized product selection
e.g., selected standards
Customized product format
e.g., electronic, hard copy
Global distribution network
Available anywhere at anytime
ASTM International Member and Committee Services
New Member Orientation
III
Utilizing the Website for Participation
Introduction to ASTM International
An overview of ASTM International and it’s scope of activities
ASTM International Infrastructure and Operations
A basic understanding of committee organization and operation
Utilizing the Website for Participation
A look at the tools provided by the ASTM website to manage
participation and activities on ASTM committees
Supplemented by live website demonstrations of functions
Key Points for Participation
Activities between meetings, along with specific pre-, post-, and in- meeting
pointers
Officer roles
ASTM International Outreach and Coordination
Questions
ASTM International Member and Committee Services
New Member Orientation
Utilizing the Website for Participation
The ASTM International Homepage
ASTM International Member and Committee Services
New Member Orientation
Utilizing the Website for Participation
The Technical Committees Page (public)
Key Resources:
Regulations / Form & Style
Articles
Templates
Awards
ASTM International Member and Committee Services
New Member Orientation
Utilizing the Website for Participation
Technical Committee Homepages (public)
Key Resources:
Scope
Officers
Workflow
Meetings/Symposia
ASTM International Member and Committee Services
New Member Orientation
Utilizing the Website for Participation
Logging In – Member’s Only Area
ASTM International Member and Committee Services
New Member Orientation
Utilizing the Website for Participation
Member Resources
ASTM International Member and Committee Services
New Member Orientation
Utilizing the Website for Participation
Minutes & Agendas
Minutes and Agendas
Select the Link to the
Desired Minutes/Agenda, &
a Downloadable/Printable
PDF Appears.
ASTM International Member and Committee Services
New Member Orientation
Utilizing the Website for Participation
Rosters
Rosters
Select the Link to the Desired
Individual, & the Contact
Information is presented
– with a Hot-Linked
Email Address.
ASTM International Member and Committee Services
New Member Orientation
Utilizing the Website for Participation
Balloting
Ballots
Select the Link to the Desired Ballot (Listed by
Subcommittee), & Review a Ballot that Lists All
Items Under Review. To View a Specific Item, Click
its Link, & a Downloadable/Printable PDF appears.
Vote on the Item (Affirmative, Negative, Abstain, or
Provide Comments) by Simply Selecting the Toggle.
ASTM International Member and Committee Services
New Member Orientation
Utilizing the Website for Participation
Other Online & Interactive Services
ASTM International Pays-For / Hosts:
On-Line, or “Virtual” meetings
Conference Calls
Committees are encouraged to integrate these
resources with meetings and member contributions
to accelerate standards development and enhance
participation
ASTM International Member and Committee Services
New Member Orientation
IV
Key Points for Participation
Introduction to ASTM International
An overview of ASTM International and it’s scope of activities
ASTM International Infrastructure and Operations
A basic understanding of committee organization and operation
Utilizing the Website for Participation
A look at the tools provided by the ASTM website to manage participation
and activities on ASTM committees
Supplemented by live website demonstrations of functions
Key Points for Participation
Activities between meetings, along with specific pre-, post-, and
in- meeting pointers
Officer roles
ASTM International Outreach and Coordination
Questions
ASTM International Member and Committee Services
New Member Orientation
Key Points for Participation
In-Between Meetings
Much happens in-between meetings!
Review the minutes of the past meetings for corrections and action
Ensure you are on the main/sub/task group rosters where you want
to participate; check on your status
Look for notice of ballots that have opened; be sure to vote so you
are not listed as inactive
Look for virtual meetings and conference call notices; feel free to
propose them of your officers/contacts
Keep in contact with colleagues on various standards initiatives
Coordination of workshops and symposia
Membership promotions
Fell free to contact staff at any time
ASTM International Member and Committee Services
New Member Orientation
Key Points for Participation
Pre-Meeting
Review meeting announcements
Review posted venue-related information; PRE-REGISTER!
Review the meeting schedule and agendas (download and save);
outreach to contacts and chairs about agenda items
Familiarize yourself (download and save) past meeting minutes
Review closed ballot items and reports
Note the nature of voting
Outreach to contacts, chairs and colleagues
Packing: Posted meeting information will provide you with details on
attire. Usually business casual in warmer (or “casual”) climates;
business otherwise (tie, or jacket w/wo tie)
Review the Staff Report
Managers prepare a “Staff Report”, usually distributed to officers,
summarizing all activities in-between meetings
Review the online jurisdiction list of standards and their progress
ASTM International Member and Committee Services
New Member Orientation
Key Points for Participation
In-Meeting
At ASTM Committee Weeks
Full staff and logistical support
• Registration desk, Editors, assistants, managers, Society
executives, Member’s Office, wireless internet, printing
services, member’s business breakfast (spring only),
LCD’s and other meeting related essentials provided by
request, room blocks, free meeting space, AM and PM
refreshments
Independent Meetings
Various services provided; check with the
committee staff manager
ASTM International Member and Committee Services
New Member Orientation
Key Points for Participation
In-Meeting
Usually, Robert’s Rules apply
Except where in conflict with the Regulations
Some committees are more/less formal/relaxed than others
Having reviewed ballot actions, come prepared with thoughts on
motions
Any member may make a motion on most any item (though only
official voters may be able to vote)
Ask questions
Members recognize that meetings are leaning experiences
Take good notes
Summarize action items and ballot resolutions to compare to the
minutes
Network
Take the opportunity to meet with the best minds in the industry
ASTM International Member and Committee Services
New Member Orientation
Key Points for Participation
Post Meeting
Review the minutes that are posted, particularly for
correctness and action
Follow up on action items
Contacting voters for resolutions
Initiating Work Items (WK registration)
• Templates, up front editorial services, graphics services
Initiation of ILS programs
Preparing ballot items
Work Item leadership
Keep in touch with your task group
Work with staff to schedule online meetings and calls
ASTM International Member and Committee Services
New Member Orientation
Key Points for Participation
Know your Officers & Their Roles
Main Committee
Chairman
Vice Chairman(en)
Secretary
Membership Secretary
Member(s) at Large
Other
Subcommittee
Chairman
Vice Chairman(en)
Secretary
Task Group
Chairman/Secretary/Technical Lead
ASTM International Member and Committee Services
New Member Orientation
Key Points for Participation
Resources
Regulations Governing ASTM Technical Committees
Recommended reading: Entire item; critical: sections 4 - 12
http://www.astm.org/COMMIT/Regs.pdf
Form and Style for ASTM Standards
Recommended reading: Introduction (1 page), Information on the
type of standard you may be writing or critiquing (+/- 10 pages)
http://www.astm.org/COMMIT/Blue_Book.pdf
ASTM Technical Committee Officer Handbook
Recommended Reading: Peruse cover-to-cover
A one-stop shop for an overview on what you need to know (not
just for officers!)
http://www.astm.org/COMMIT/RedBook5.pdf
ASTM International Member and Committee Services
New Member Orientation
V
ASTM International Outreach and
Coordination
Introduction to ASTM International
An overview of ASTM International and it’s scope of activities
ASTM International Infrastructure and Operations
A basic understanding of committee organization and operation
Utilizing the Website for Participation
A look at the tools provided by the ASTM website to manage participation
and activities on ASTM committees
Supplemented by live website demonstrations of functions
Key Points for Participation
Activities between meetings, along with specific pre-, post-, and in- meeting
pointers
Officer roles
ASTM International Outreach and Coordination
Questions
ASTM International Member and Committee Services
New Member Orientation
ASTM International Outreach
and Coordination
Open Houses
Bringing the standards leaders from a given region to ASTM
Headquarters for several days of constructive dialogue to foster
understanding, and reinforce the role of standards among trading
partners
Intern Program
Inviting the NSBs of other nations to intern at ASTM’s World
Headquarters to build bridges and long-term relationships
Memoranda of Understanding
Promote partnerships, use and understanding of ASTM standards
Reduce duplication and broaden input
Over 50 MOU countries involved
Visit http://www.astm.org/GLOBAL/index.html for more information
ASTM International Member and Committee Services
New Member Orientation
ASTM International Outreach
and Coordination
Coordination with Standards Development Organizations (SDO)
Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) with some SDOs to avoid
overlap in technical work programs and to reduce duplication
Encourage members (particularly during new Work Item
registration) to be aware of similar activities
• Establish necessary liaison
• Avoid duplication / use cross referencing
Reference existing information satisfying the technical need
• Don’t take information (ie: a standard’s content) from one
SDO to another; it duplicates technical content, leading to
wasted (duplicated) resources and industry confusion
Business arrangements with National Standards Bodies
ASTM International Member and Committee Services
New Member Orientation
VI
Thank You! - Questions?
Brynn Murphy, Staff Manager
ASTM International Technical
Committee Operations
100 Barr Harbor Drive
West Conshohocken, PA 19428
+1 610 832 9640
bmurphy@astm.org