 While a graduate student at MIT in 1954, Bates was a student member on IFT's National Education Committee, then worked on their Committee on Divisions in 1963.He represented IFT on the Executive Committee during 1981-84, then served as IFT President in 1985-86, and later as IFT Treasurer in 1989–90.Additionally, Bates served as Chair of IFT's Chicago section in 1983-84.