The Society for International Development is a membership organization, where individuals and institutions interested in development and sharing the vision and values of the organization join upon payment of some membership fees. The General Assembly is the sovereign body of SID, approving the broad guidelines for the programme and generally overseeing the work and activities of the Society. All members have a right to participate in the General Assembly or to vote through proxy.
Institutional members have the right to be represented through their designated delegates.
The General Assembly meets at least three years. The Governing Council consists of individuals elected by the SID membership and includes representation from each region of the world. It serves a three-year term, from one General Assembly to another. It meets at least once a year. The Executive Committee exercises the powers of the Governing Council when it is not in session.