The Group evolved from those interested in text and graphics processing realizing the important contribution that standards can make to the ready exchange and multiple uses of such computer-based information. Indeed, several members of the Group made significant contributions towards the creation and drafting of the standard. The membership elects a President, a Vice-President, and members of the Executive Council to run the Group. A mid-year meeting is also held at the SGML conferences in North America.
Regional chapters meet at regular intervals based on their specific requirements.
For example, the New York group meets monthly, while the UK group meets quarterly. Institutions may name two persons who will be admitted as institutional members. The Group also uses its funds to support SGML-related activities, such as contributing to the funding of the SGML Archive on the Internet and providing loans to groups setting up regional chapters.