I think, for the sake of privacy on the part of candidates, we should append a "potential member" message on the end of our alliance page's text.
Something like "If you'd like to join, contact _______". Which IU position acts as a PR? They'd be fit for the job. If the candidate is controversial, a topic can be posted in our Domestic Policies forum to decide the verdict in a diplomatic manner. If the candidate is obviously a bad candidate or obviously an excellent one, the PR should be trusted to immediately approve or deny membership.
Besides, most people that want to become members aren't going to visit the forums first thing; they're more likely to just read the alliance page.