S02E05 | Podcastathon Special: Why the IAS Matters, Interview with ATL Plant Room

In this special "Podcastathon" edition of Prop Culture, Tanya is joined by Ashley (@ATLPlantRoom), the Marketing Chair for the International Aroid Society (IAS). Together, they pull back the curtain on what it means to be part of the world’s leading organization dedicated to the Araceae family.From its "book club" origins in 1977 to its current role as the official international registration authority for aroid cultivars, the IAS has evolved into a global powerhouse for plant science. Tanya and Ashley discuss the tireless work of the society's all-volunteer board and explain exactly how your membership dues and donations fund critical conservation, research, and preservationThe IAS is a 501(c)(3) non-profit powered by passion, not payroll. Here is why your contribution—whether time or money—is a direct investment in the future of the plants we love:100% Volunteer Powered: Every hour of work, from the President to the committee members, is donated. This means your money goes directly toward research and conservation, not administrative salaries.Funding Global Research: Last year, the IAS awarded $35,000 in grants. These funds support projects like:DNA testing every single Anthurium species to map their true evolutionary history.Protecting threatened habitats in Indonesia from mining and unregulated collection.Studying aroid diversity in the Philippines to support biodiversity management and food security.Official Authority: The IAS is the official International Cultivar Registration Authority for the Araceae family, ensuring that the history and naming of your favorite plants stay accurate and consistent.Becoming an IAS member unlocks a world of exclusive resources:Scientific Access: Unlimited digital access to every issue of Aroideana (the flagship peer-reviewed journal) and the quarterly newsletter.Expert Education: On-demand access to Aroid Guides and monthly virtual "Aroid Hours" with experts.The Tropical Plant Expo: Get $5 off tickets to the annual show in Miami and early access to the "Aroids After Dark" impact dinner.Exclusive Community: Join the members-only Discord and get early access to limited-edition merchandise drops.We all love bringing nature into our homes, but that hobby often comes with a carbon footprint. Use this Podcastathon as an opportunity to offset your impact by supporting the society that protects these plants in the wild.Donate: Make a tax-deductible donation directly to the IAS at aroid.org/donateJoin: Become a member today at aroid.org.Volunteer: Apply to join a committee (like Marketing, Education, or Community) and help us grow.Follow Ashley @ATLPlantRoom on all social platforms.Visit aroid.org to support the missionIAS on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aroidsocietyIAS on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/internationalaroidsocietyIAS on Discord (members only): IAS on Substack: https://aroid.substack.com/IAS on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/international-aroid-society IAS Cultivar Registry: https://aroidcultivars.org