"AIGA's purpose is to further excellence in design as a broadly defined discipline, strategic tool for business and cultural force. AIGA is a professional association
committed to stimulating thinking about design through the exchange of ideas
and information, the encouragement of critical analysis and research and the
advancement of education and ethical practice."

Simply put, the American Institute of Graphic Design seeks to improve the
practice, recognition and usefulness of design in the modern world.

AIGA's membership consists of a wide array of disciplines:

Graphic Designers
Web Designers
Environmental Designers
Interactive Designers
Students and Educators

Each group brings their own agenda and viewpoints to the organization,
which provides a collaborative and synergistic forum for the
formative and decorative arts.

I encourage you to take a look at either the national site:
http://www.aiga.org/

or our local chapter site:
http://pittsburgh.aiga.org/index.cfm