Basics of International Chapter Organization

There are many activities that can contribute to the overall objectives of the association, be of interest to the membership, require participation by the members, or be of social value to them. To organize a chapter, the following steps need to be taken:

1. Establish a committee of interested people to structure your professional organization.
   Consider the following questions:
   
   1. Do you need the approval of your employer to establish such a professional association?
      
   2. Will your employer have a personal interest in the association and thus support its aims and policies?
      
   3. How large a geographical area would the chapter cover?
      
   4. Would smaller components (subchapters) be more effective?
      
   5. How will you plan to fund your organization?
      
   6. What type of leadership do you plan and how will that be determined?
      
   7. What programs would make this organization attractive to the membership?
      
   
   
   
   The answers will assist you in forming a professional organization. The
   following suggestions will be helpful in starting your chapter.
2. Make an appointment to talk with the correct authority
   in the Ministry of Labor or Employment Services or public or private
   nonprofit workforce development organization to explain your intentions
   in forming a professional organization. Such an organization would
   allow workers the opportunity to learn from one another, share
   solutions, and, ultimately, do a better job.
3. The size of your new chapter depends on a number of factors.
   If you offer membership in the organization to all employees, is it
   feasible that all members could get together for meetings, or would
   factors such as distance or other geographical limitations prevent
   this? If the latter is the case. then you should consider having a
   national organization (chapter) with several smaller components
   (subchapters), which could better facilitate area meetings of members,
   Each of these subchapters and the chapter itself would need an
   executive body (preferably elected members) to oversee the
   administration of the chapter. The executive body can have any number
   of officers. But, at a minimum, a president and a secretary/treasurer
   are required. In addition, the main executive body should have
   representatives from the various subchapters on its board.
4. You are going to need operating funds,
   in order to offer educational and developmental programs. Funds can be
   obtained in a number of ways. The amount should be consistent for each
   member and should be kept to an affordable level to encourage
   membership. Some methods of raising funds include contests, essays,
   raffles, and events customary to your country.
5. All employees regardless of their position or the job they perform may be members of the organization. Retired employees can also be some of your most active members but should have a lower membership fee.
   
   
6. We all like to be recognized for doing a good job.
   Recognition from peers for excellence is probably one of work's
   greatest rewards. The basis of your new organization is to develop and
   to improve the professionalism of its members in their jobs. Thus, you
   should seriously consider an awards program to honor those members for
   excellence and to encourage others to aspire toward that excellence.
7. You must offer quality educational programs to your members.
   Cosponsor a workshop or series of workshops with a college or
   university. These educational programs should help members improve
   their job performance, and also to offer the opportunity to network
   with colleagues and share best practices.
8. You will need to develop a constitution and bylaws to provide specific direction for your members and executive board.
   
   

Next: Guidelines for Forming An International Chapter

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