The American Association for Applied Linguistics (AAAL), an AILA member, was launched in 1977 as a "professional organization of scholars who are interested in and actively contribute to the multi-disciplinary field of applied linguistics." The presenter will offer an update on the current state of the organization. Finally, the presenter will provide an update on its support to the Ibero-American Association of Applied Linguistics (AIALA) as a founding member to maximize access and involvement of applied linguists in the work of AILA as well.
In this session, the AAAL representative will address the current state of the association. She will illustrate the work unfolding in selected areas, such as: diversity, equity, inclusion, and access (DEIA) as well as other key initiatives and priorities of interest to the AILA membership. Though US-based, throughout the years, AAAL has welcomed participants from all over the world, and a significant portion of its membership is comprised of graduate students who represent the future of the organization. Currently, AAAL has 2,073 members, and has been keen on responding to the concerns voiced by its membership and, therefore, worked towards meeting their needs even during pandemic times.
