The Council of the ISID serves as the legislative body of the Society and as the consultant body for the Executive Committee. The Council consists of not more than 48 members recommended by the Executive Committee and elected by the membership of the Society at a general business meeting. The Council meets before the general business meeting of the Society which takes place at the International Congress for Infectious Diseases.

1. The term of service on the Council is six years with one-third of the Council membership being replaced at each International Congress for Infectious Diseases (every two years). This will ensure a gradual turnover within the Council and at the same time allow us to retain a core of experienced Council members.
   
   
2. In order to maintain worldwide representation in the Society as well as to implement its goals, it is important for members of the Council to ensure the dissemination of information about the Society in their respective areas. Contact and collaboration with both local and regional infectious diseases societies as well as WHO representatives are therefore essential.
   Specific activities expected of the Council member include the distribution of Society materials at local and regional meetings, the stimulation of membership activity on behalf of the Society within the region, participation in the various subcommittees of the Society, making the ISID known to government and private agencies in the region, and finally, the forwarding of documentation concerning the names and addresses of interested individuals and organizations to the ISID headquarters in Boston.
   
   
3. The financial health of the Society as well as the success of meetings both in developed and in developing countries in large part depends on the ability to raise funds through different foundations, government agencies, and the pharmaceutical industry. Council members are encouraged to establish and maintain contacts within these entities and help secure sponsorship of sessions, participation in the exhibits, and/or financial contributions to each International Congress for Infectious Diseases.
   These activities are coordinated through the ISID headquarters in Boston. Any fundraising activity on behalf of the Society must be coordinated through either the headquarters or through the International Organizing Committee for the International Congress for Infectious Diseases.
   
   
4. The Society has established Professional Development, Infection Control, Emerging Diseases Working Groups, as well as Nominating, Publications, Resource Development and Bylaws Committees (please see attached document for a description of the committees) to assist in the development of its goals and objectives. Council members are urged to participate in the work of one or more of the working groups and to contribute ideas and suggestions for their activities.
   
   
5. Council members are also urged to assist in the promotion of the International Congress for Infectious Diseases. It is the responsibility of Council members to ensure that information about the meeting is widely disseminated in their region. Council members are asked to actively promote the submission of abstracts and general participation in the Congress. In addition, Council members may be consulted concerning applications for financial assistance to attend the ICID.
   The Society will exert every effort to provide Congress materials to each Council member according to their requirements.
   Council members are encouraged to attend the International Congress for Infectious Diseases. The Society, however, can guarantee no financial assistance in this regard. All Council members are encouraged to submit abstracts and to apply for financial assistance if required.



6. Council members are also encouraged to contribute and solicit articles or other information (including scheduled events) suitable for publication in the International Journal of Infectious Diseases and the ISID News, published 3-4 times a year.



7. Council members of the Society receive no compensation for their efforts on behalf of the International Society for Infectious Diseases.