Dedicated to the study and appreciation of the art of the obituary, the International Association of Obituarists is now accepting members. Since 1999, the national and international obituary writers' conferences have generated a worldwide network of writers and readers who have indicated an interest in becoming a part of an entity that would:

• Act as a clearinghouse for inquiries and dissemination of information
• Provide a range of conferences and workshops for professional writers, discriminating
  obituarists and others
• Generate educational activities related to the art of the obituary for academic institutions, community organizations and other interested groups
• Enhance public and professional appreciation for the art and science of the obituary through communications, media opportunities, newsletters
• Provide a point of contact with the media for career opportunities for the professional
  obituary writer
• Respond to requests for research related to the obituary
• Respond to requests from related fields of study such as history, genealogy, anthropology
• Serve as an advocate for obituary writers and their craft
• Provide continuing educational opportunities for the obituary writer
• Continue the international obituary writers' seminars in diverse cultures in order to explore similarities and differences in obituary customs
• Maintain public awareness of the importance of the obituary through a multimedia effort
• Honor and reward distinguished obituary writing through an annual recognition program
• Provide direct contact with obituarists around the world as an ever-increasing network of professionals is established.