How to Start a Chapter
1. Set time, date, and place for organizational meeting.
□ Phone all interested people
□ Notify the national office if you need assistance
□ Obtain mailing labels from the national office
□ Send invitational letters to as many potentials members as possible (or request the national office to do so).
2. Hold an Organizational Meeting
□ Decide if there is adequate interest to start a chapter
□ Decide on the area to be served by the chapter
□ Decide on whether to have chapter membership dues and the amount.
□ Select officers and representatives.
□ Have attendees complete both national and local membership applications.
□ Select the date and location of the next meeting and/or educational seminar.
3. After the Organizational Meeting
□ Submit Chapter Charter application form.
□ Submit chapter Bylaws and/or request national assistance in completing this step.
□ Establish a checking account at a local bank.
□ Request stationary or order stationary after receiving the national logo, acronym, etc. as prepared for printing purposes.
4. Obtaining a Charter
□ Submit Bylaws, membership roster, protem officers, and form enclosed for review and approval.
□ After the review process has been completed; the chapter will receive a certificate indicating their chapter membership and established date.
5. Annual Renewal of Chapter
□ Submit “Annual Chapter Report” by October 15, of each year.
□ Submit state of income/expenses and balance sheet by October 15 of each year.
□ Submit current membership roster by June 15, of each year.
□ Chapter will receive renewal certificates each year.
Chapter application processing takes approximately 4-6 weeks and is dependent upon the level of assistance a chapter may require.
ACVP Online Chapter Planning Guide - REVISED 06/2017