From time to time, we receive inquiries surrounding IPPA. Below are answers to some of our most frequently asked questions. This open dialogue provides valuable input for our members within the field of positive psychology. Do you have a question about IPPA that you’d like answered? Send it to info@ippanetwork.org.
What is IPPA’s Corporate Structure?
IPPA is a US based corporation with a 501(c)(3) non-profit designation operating as a Public Charity that serves its membership and broader mission. While IPPA’s mission is global, as a corporate entity, it is subject to US based standards, regulations and reporting requirements. Learn more about 501(c)(3) status here.
What is the Leadership Structure of IPPA?
The Council of Advisors (COA) is a global network of leaders in positive psychology who bring their expertise to assist in fulfilling IPPA’s mission. They are also in charge of electing the Board of Directors.
The Board of Directors (BOD) is the governing body of IPPA, and provides the direction for helping IPPA to achieve its mission throughout the world. They help to steer the day to day operations and programming of IPPA, are in charge of handling budgetary considerations, and they coordinate the biennial World Congress.
IPPA Committees
IPPA currently has three committees that assist the Board of Directors. They are the World Congress Committee, tasked with focusing on the development of our biennial conference, and the Operations Committee, which focuses on the short and long term goals of IPPA’s mission and implements strategic operations to reach those milestone, and the Accreditation Committee, which is currently exploring the development of new accreditation models relative to positive psychology.
The IPPA Divisions are similar to special interest groups (SIGs) that bridge research and practice and provide a platform for members to connect with colleagues, learn about the research and applications in their area of focus, and collaborate on mission-driven projects. There are currently six active Divisions, with a seventh being formed.
How Can I Get More Involved with IPPA?
Sign Up for A Division (or many)!
To join one or more Divisions, please login here, go to the Custom tab, and choose the Divisions you wish to be a part of. Make sure to hit Update when you’re done! You’ll then be added to the Division(s) for all future correspondence as well as gain access to their Division forum.
IPPA Engage is one of the many ways that you can connect with your fellow members. Have Division, group or individual conversations with others on the various topics surrounding positive psychology. Our recordings of Division Webinars and meetings are archived in the Learning Library contained in Engage as well.
IPPA has opportunities throughout the year to volunteer your time, whether by participating in Divisions, as a committee member, or as a member of the Board of Directors when a call for nominations goes out. Check out our brand new Volunteer Opportunity page to see currently open requests.
IPPA 2025 World Congress
Where and when is the next IPPA World Congress going to be held?
The 9th IPPA World Congress is being held July 2-5, 2025, in beautiful Brisbane, Australia. We anticipate over 1200 attendees from more than 70 countries coming together to discuss the latest in positive psychology and learn about its future! Check out our informative website and learn more about our host city, committee, and more!
How can I register for the World Congress?
Registration is just a click away! We have options for professional members, students, and members in our developing countries. Discounted rates are available now through January 31st! Visit our Congress site to register and get ready to join us in Brisbane!
How Do I Learn More About IPPA and the World Congress?
To learn more about IPPA, please visit out website at www.ippanetwork.org. From that site you can learn about everything from the history of IPPA to upcoming events, as well as details about our World Congress.
The IPPA World Congress has its own website, www.ippaworldcongress.org, which contains information from how to register to accommodations, scholarships, becoming a sponsor, and more!
How Can I Reach Out to the Divisions?
With six (soon to be seven!) Divisions, it can often seem unclear on how to reach out to Division leadership. Below are the current Division presidents and the Division email address, so you can contact them with any questions you may have. If you have questions about the upcoming Positive Arts & Culture Division, please feel free to email info@ippanetwork.org.
- Positive Clinical Psychology – Margarita Tarragona
- Positive Education – Rosalinda Ballesteros
- Positive Health and Wellbeing – Lisa Honig Buksbaum
- SIPPA (Students of IPPA) – Jennie Martow
- Spirituality and Meaning – Maya Rajah
- Work & Organizations – Vicki Cabrera
What Are the Best Ways to Connect with Others in IPPA?
We know that the World Congress is a wonderful way to connect with others in the positive psychology community, and we’re looking forward to seeing all of you in Brisbane!
When a Congress isn’t occurring, you can still keep in touch with your fellow IPPA members! IPPA’s Engage platform is a wonderful way to start conversations, see recordings of the latest webinars, and connect with others, both directly and on topics related to your interest groups!
If you’re looking for a way to become more involved in IPPA, we encourage you to take a look at our Volunteer Page. This contains calls for volunteers both for the individual Divisions and IPPA as a whole. Find out our current openings here, and check back regularly for new opportunities!
What Is An IPPA Circle?
IPPA Circles are dynamic, member-led communities of practice that bring together professionals and scholars with shared interests in emerging or cross-cutting areas of positive psychology. Unlike formal Divisions, Circles offer flexible spaces for deep dialogue, collaboration, and experimentation beyond traditional research-practice boundaries. If IPPA was a city, Circles would be the coffee shops, driving informal, member-led conversations. IPPA’s first Circle event features Positive Experience Design, hosted by Brian Hill and featuring Andrew Soren on April 22nd.
What Is an IPPA Collaboratory?
An IPPA Collaboratory is a dynamic, cross-disciplinary community that helps to foster collaborations to explore and apply positive psychology insights in specific areas that cross many or all divisions. They are semi-structured, with an emphasis on co-creation, connection, and applied learning, the Innovation Labs of the IPPA city. The inaugural event is a Coaching Collaboratory hosted by Haesun Moon and featuring Robert Biswas-Diener and Christian van Nieuwerburgh on April 2nd.
What Broader Effort is IPPA Making for Its Members?
We’re advancing work to strengthen global representation across our leadership and programming, piloting an accreditation initiative to support the development of professionals within our field, and building bridges with other organizations to foster collaboration across related fields. Each of these efforts is designed to make IPPA more connected, inclusive, and impactful—locally and globally.
What New Member Benefits Does IPPA Provide?
IPPA is constantly looking to expand its membership experience! We are currently happy to provide a discount to the Journal of Positive Psychology for our IPPA members! Please visit this link and follow the provided instructions under “Pricing Information” and you’ll receive a discounted price just for being an IPPA member!
Additionally, IPPA is happy to announce that the company DeepDyve, a digital library with extensive research literature, has provided an exclusive discount of 15% off of its monthly and annual memberships for IPPA members. Visit their site to learn more, and contact info@ippanetwork.org to receive the exclusive discount code!
What Other Features Might I Be Missing?
Did you know that IPPA membership has an auto-renew feature? Utilizing auto-renewal provides convenience without losing the benefits of IPPA when your expiration date arrives. Log in to your membership here; select the settings tab under My Profile once logged in, and you will notice the option to store your payment method.
If you are renewing your membership, at checkout simply provide your preferred payment method and check the box to store your payment information for future purchases!
