Success Begins With the
American Advertising Federation

Success often starts with having an opportunity. The collegiate chapter of the American Advertising Federation gives its members the opportunity to meet new people and make new friends with others who share an interest in the various communication fields. Our members are not just journalism students, but radio, television, photography, graphic design, marketing, English, and public relations majors. AAF members gain experience working with others as a team on projects as small as bake sales or as large as the National Student Advertising Competition. You'll have the chance to develop your abilities through workshops, speaker programs, community service projects, and involvement in a variety of programs that the club has to offer. It's never too early or too late to join a campus group, like AAF. It can be one of the most enjoyable experiences of your college life. Read on to find out more about the Southern Illinois University at Carbondale AAF chapter--Ad-Vantage.


Membership Information

What is the American Advertising Federation?
The American Advertising Federation is a national association headquartered in Washington, D.C. It serves its 52,000 affiliate members by representing their views and concerns on public issues affecting advertising. In 1973, the American Advertising Federation formed the academic division which is comprised of over 200 chapters and 6,000 student members. Additional information can be obtained from the American Advertising Federation.

What is the purpose of SIUC's chapter?
To provide its members with opportunities to build career-oriented skills, network with others, further classroom learning, participate in outside activities, and learn more about the integrated communications field.

Who qualifies for membership in AAF?
Students who have an interest in the communications field are eligible. Part-time as well as full-time students qualify, and members include both traditional and nontraditional students. The Federation's national constitution prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, handicap, age, or sexual orientation.

How do I join?
The club meets every Wednesday at 7 p.m. in the Communications Building on the SIUC campus. Just come and join in. The annual membership dues are $30, which include the national and local membership fees. Membership dues are used to pay for supplies, transportation costs, speaker fees, awards, etc.

Benefits of Membership

Speakers & Workshops
Throughout the year guest speakers are invited to talk about subjects of interest to the members, or to conduct workshops to build upon members' skills. Previous topics include resume writing, networking, and portfolio preparation.

Networking
Social and service activities allow members to build friendships with a diverse group of students. Career Days, Shadow Days, and agency tours allow students to make contacts with industry professionals. In addition, the club's close contact with alumni strengthen outside ties.

Career Assistance & Internships
The officers and advisor take an active part in collecting employment and internship information to be posted in the AAF office and announced at membership meetings. An internship directory is also available to AAF members.

The Vance L. Stickell Memorial Internship Program
Each spring one member of junior class standing is nominated to compete for the internship. Five outstanding AAF members from across the country are selected for a 10-week paid summer internship at a US company or agency.

Recognition
The academic division of AAF is nationally recognized as being a cornerstone in the development of students who are interested in the many facets of communications. Featuring your AAF membership on your resume can open up windows of opportunity. In addition, the chapter hosts a banquet in April to recognize outstanding members.

Scholarship
The SIUC chapter does award one $100 scholarship to a first-time member who has demonstrated outstanding dedication to the club.

Alpha Delta Sigma Honorary Society
As the only national honorary society for advertising students, ADS recognizes outstanding academic achievement. Students, who have reached senior standing, are nominated by the chapter and forwarded on to be elected into this exclusive scholastic group.

National Student Advertising Competition
Each year participating students work together to prepare an integrated communications campaign for a corporate sponsor to be presented in April at the regional competition. Previous sponsors include: Coca-Cola, General Foods, Saturn, and Visa USA. The regional winner goes on to compete against other schools at the national conference. The SIUC chapter has an impressive record, two firsts, a second, third, and fourth at regionals, and a second place at nationals.

Public Service
The SIUC chapter takes an active part in both university and community programs. The club hosts an annual picnic for the College of Mass Communication and Media Arts.

Leadership
 The SIUC chapter is student-run which gives members the opportunity to become chapter officers. Leadership experience can also be gained by participating in volunteer activities.

Advisor
The AAF advisor provides guidance for chapter programs and activities and assists officers and members. Officers and active members can use the advisor as a reference for applications, internships, and scholarships. Our advisor is Professor Jon Shidler--shidlerj@siu.edu.

Publications
The SIUC chapter publishes a monthly newsletter, ADVANCE, which highlights the achievements of its members and upcoming chapter activities. In addition, you will receive two national publications with your paid membership, the Communicator and American Advertising.

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