The Quality Member Experience (QME) restructuring, as part of the NAIFA 20/20 Strategic Plan, provided a minimum standard for Local Chapters and required those who did not meet it to become Affiliates of their State Chapter. The intent of this change was to maximize member value and utility for their membership dollars by eliminating the governance structure for these groups and placing them under the leadership of the State Chapter, while at the same time empowering them to have local leaders that direct local networking opportunities and grassroots advocacy.
Since that initial change, several other Local Chapters have decided to merge with other Local Chapters or transition to becoming Affiliates for the benefit of their members. For those Chapters that meet the minimum standards, this is a purely optional decision that is made based on the local need and weighing the costs and benefits.
The merger and/or dissolution process can now be found in the Chapter Playbook. The document also includes an overview of the opportunities and threats to transitioning to an Affiliate, as well as the administrative details and responsibilities if a dissolution takes place.
For any additional assistance, please contact Zach Levin, Chapter Services Manager, at zlevin@naifa.org or 703-770-8418.