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Ready to Start a New Chapter?

NAUS Chapters are needed to work the legislative process at the grassroots level. Elected officials pay attention to their constituents back home, and an active NAUS Chapter in your hometown can really make a difference in how your representatives vote.

Formation of a new NAUS Chapter is a relatively easy process. All you need to get started is a few NAUS members with the desire and interest to get more involved. Start by looking among your friends and acquaintances for willing and eager people, particularly those in other veteran or military organizations.

To assist you, NAUS headquarters can provide a listing of members in your area or recruiting materials to sign up new NAUS members. This initial "cadre" of interested people should represent various grades and services. Remember, one of the strongest aspects of NAUS is that we are the only organization whose membership is open to the entire uniformed services family.

With your group of interested NAUS members, follow these six steps:

STEP ONE: ESTABLISH CHAPTER OFFICERS

Administrative requirements are few, allowing chapters of many different sizes the flexibility they need to operate. We do require a minimum of 3 officers for each NAUS chapter: a President, Vice-President and Secretary/Treasurer. Meet with your cadre and determine who will be your initial chapter formation officers. As you grow, additional officers, such as a Legislative Director or Membership Vice President can be added.

STEP TWO: DRAFT YOUR BYLAWS

Each NAUS Chapter's bylaws must be reviewed and approved by NAUS Headquarters before issuance of an official Chapter Charter. Your bylaws should state the chapter's purpose(s), include membership standards and any chapter dues, as well as articles concerning administration and governance of the chapter. Chapter bylaws may not conflict with the national Association's bylaws or a charter may not be issued. Specific chapter membership size requirements may need to be met and maintained in order to obtain (or retain) a NAUS Chapter Charter for those chapters whose activities include real estate or other facility ownership or operation.

STEP THREE: MAKE IT OFFICIAL

If you haven't already, notify NAUS Headquarters of your intent to form a new NAUS chapter. NAUS will then review/approve your bylaws and issue your charter. NAUS headquarters will also help you apply for a nonprofit bulk mailing permit if desired. We will also assign NAUS or SMW members at large in your area to your chapter. NAUS Headquarters, or other chapters, can answer any questions you have, and provide assistance in drafting your bylaws and ensuring you can get your chapter up and running.

STEP FOUR: PLAN YOUR INAUGURAL MEETING

old a second cadre meeting and plan your inaugural general membership meeting. Coordinate with NAUS headquarters and we can assist in your mailing for the inaugural meeting. It's possible a member of the NAUS staff may be able to attend the meeting to help the chapter get off to a good start.

STEP FIVE: HOLD YOUR INAUGURAL MEETING

Hold your first general membership meeting. Most chapters review the NAUS legislative agenda, and determine their local legislative priorities at this initial meeting (and at least annually thereafter). You may also fill any remaining officer positions for your chapter, either by appointment or election. Chapter bylaws should be approved if not approved previously.

STEP SIX: COMPLETE THE PROCESS

While that's it to the organizational process of forming a chapter, now it's time to put your chapter's membership to work in making a difference. Newly formed chapters often undertake several of these activities or programs:

Prepare letters to your Congressional Representative(s), Senators, and other State and local government officials to inform them of your chapter's formation and your plans, goals and objectives.
Determine local legislative priorities.
Produce a periodic newsletter.
Invite local military commanders or other uniformed services personnel to speak at chapter meetings.
Conduct membership recruiting drives for NAUS and the local chapter (there's strength in numbers).
Establish a communications campaign (email, snail mail, phone, personal visits) to advance the legislative agenda approved by the members.
Adopt an active duty or Guard/Reserve unit.
Participate in Retiree Appreciation Day events at military installations in your area.
Get involved with your local, county or state veterans council(s).

Thank you for your interest in starting a NAUS CHAPTER! For more information or to request a copy of the NAUS Chapter Handbook, email our Director of Chapter Management, Jack Chmielewski.