So You Want to Form a Chapter

Forming a chapter is an exciting process for regions that want the possibilities of a Guild Chapter. This formula has been successful for chapter formation:

Meeting #1: The Initial Evaluation

Local Guild members meet to ascertain whether they want to form a local chapter.

Advantages to having a local chapter include:

  • Control of own finances - not spread over country in At-Large
  • Direct input to national issues with 2 reps on the National Board
  • Local issues-like taxes-can become National issues
  • More people join the Guild when they see local activity

Committees could include:

  • Communications: Newsletter and website with Chapter and National news
  • Events: To coordinate local exhibits, speakers, fund-raisers
  • Membership: To focus on new members

Requirements for a local chapter:

  • 30 founding members, 60 is better for stability and division of tasks
  • 6 board members: President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, and two Representatives on the National Board

Meeting #2: The Survey

A survey ascertaining the needs of local graphic artists is a good way to start pre-chapter activity. A survey (obtained from At-Large office) to fit the target area. In the same meeting, tasks associated with that survey will be assigned.

Such tasks are:

  • Acquiring lists of prospective Guild members for mailing
  • Yellow Pages
  • Local organizations
  • Guild database of prospective and deleted members
  • Design and printing of survey
  • Mailing of survey
  • Follow-up phone calls two weeks after mailing increases returns and helps organizers get to know what personal and professional resources exist among the prospective membership
  • Tabulate and report survey results

Meeting #3: The Volunteer Potluck

  • Brainstorming and deciding on goals
  • Committee head selection
  • Selection of Interim Board

Meetings #4, 5 & 6: Chartering

After the selection of the Interim Board, hold 3 programs to draw in attendees. Portland charged $15 for non-Guild members and $10 for members ($5 students). New members who joined at the meeting attended FREE and received their PEGs at the meeting.

Formal Chartering involves getting at least 30 signatures on a petition, which must be checked by National and approved by the Executive Board. Signatures on the petition must be "members in good standing" (that is, without an outstanding dues balance).

At Chartering, the Interim Board becomes the first Chapter Board.

For more information, contact Paula Hinkle, Administrative Director of the At Large Chapter of the Graphic Artists Guild:
phinkle@neo.rr.com
330-784-6776 or 330-612-0702