The process of building new activities within ASTM usually starts small; as it progresses, it gains momentum as well as size and relevance.

Stage one in the organizational process is the exploratory level.

• ASTM contacted about possible development of an activity
• Period of due diligence to gather information about the industry and the need for standards
• A few diverse stakeholders are contacted (often from opposite sides of the issue), to see if there is enough support to proceed.

If the results are promising, we move to stage two: the planning level.

• Meeting of key stakeholders in the given area - average number of attendees is 10-20 people.
• ASTM-facilitated meeting
• Agenda to determine if there is support for the standards development activity, areas in which standards needed, and if ASTM is an appropriate venue.

A planning meeting ends with a request (via formal motion) to move to stage three in the organizational process: the organizational level.

• ASTM-facilitated meeting
• An open meeting is held where all relevant stakeholders are invited to attend and provide input.
• Formal motions to approve a title, scope, and structure for the activity.
• Final motion to organize a new activity within ASTM

Through an organizational process that depends upon stakeholder interest and support, new activities are likely to reflect the needs of an industry and consequently, are more likely to have a constructive start and remain relevant.