CHAPTER PLAYBOOK

Local Chapter

A Local Chapter provides members in population centers large enough to support a formal structure with access to frequent and structured programming. The Local Chapter is separately incorporated, maintains association management and governance, holds meetings for professional development and education, social/networking and grassroots political advocacy at least four times per year. A Local Chapter is accountable to both its State Chapter and NAIFA.

A Local Chapter should have the following officers and should have more volunteers serving in leadership roles than an Affiliate.

Local Chapter committee chairs should oversee committees comprised of members of the Local Chapter.

Optional Local Chapter leadership positions include:

Business Development Team
Leadership in Life Institute (LILI) Chair
Volunteer Program Team

Local & Affiliate Designation for Members

The Local and Affiliate Designation for Members - How it Works! guide walks through Local Chapter and Affiliate definitions, as well as answers our most frequently asked questions on how a member can join a Local Chapter or an Affiliate.

Local Chapter Mergers & Dissolutions

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 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 is outlined here. This 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. To help aid in the process, sample State and Local Chapter letters have been developed (Steps 4 & 5).

As mentioned in the Local Chapter Mergers & Dissolution document, a review of the Bylaws is necessary to determine any processes or procedures that must be followed for merger or dissolution. If a membership vote is needed, a Local Dissolution Script should be used.

For any additional assistance, please contact Justi Folladori, Director of Chapter Services, at jfolladori@naifa.org.

Quick Links

Local and Affiliate Designation for Members - How it Works!
Chapter Operating Standards
Local Chapter Mergers & Dissolutions
Dissolution Letter - State
Dissolution Letter - Local
Local Dissolution Script