This package is to provide information to help facilitate starting a new Chapter. It is to be used as a tool for individuals who wish to start a new chapter under Community NETwork in any location within SBC and it's subsidiaries. The procedures outlined in the package are recommendations and can be modified slightly to suit individual chapter needs.

First Meeting

The first meeting of the prospective new chapter members may take place on or off company premises. Some existing chapters have used newsletters, bulletin boards, and email to notify employees of the location and the purpose of the meeting. The primary objective of the meeting is to determine the level of interest and answer questions regarding the purpose, objectives, activities, and goals of the organization. A copy of the Bylaws may be distributed, which includes officer positions and responsibilities. Additional information on the National Board of Directors and the various local chapters throughout the states can be shared at this meeting.

Although the objectives of the organization are African-American oriented, it is important that membership be open to all races, nationalities and religious affiliates. The chapters consist of Salaried, Non-salaried, and retired employees unifying their talents to meet the chapter objectives.

Proposal for Acceptance

It is recommended that a petition for a new chapter formation be drafted, in letter form, immediately following the first meeting. This letter informs the National Membership Vice President of the intent to form a new chapter. Upon receipt of this letter, the National Vice President of Membership will identify an appropriate SBC Officer/Director in their region. The purpose of this action is to direct the local membership to that officer/director for the use of company facilities and resources for approved organization activities in accordance with the Employee Organization Guidelines found on the Workforce Diversity Web page.

After the acknowledgment from the National BOD, a leadership committee should be formed for the new chapter with a minimum of two to three members. Membership applications should be distributed to all potential members of the local chapter and returned within a reasonable time to the leadership committee. As an option, a survey may be conducted to determine the goals and objectives of the local chapter.

Meeting to Elect Officers

The next meeting notification will be to inform the local membership of the intent to elect the local board of directors. It should include a meeting time and location and state the intent is to elect the local board of directors as the purpose of the meeting. This meeting is held for the election of the board of directors in accordance to the procedures outlined in the National Bylaws. The authorized number of directors on the local board shall not exceed 13. The officers of the chapter shall be elected from the Board of Directors. It is not necessary to fill all positions. However, in order to form a local chapter, you must have a President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary. Director's requirements should be tailored to meet the specific needs of the local chapter. The objective is to be consistent as possible in the format and goals of the National organization.

Notification to the National

The Community NETwork Membership Vice President must be notified of the Board of Directors and Officers for the new chapter as soon as this process is completed. After receipt of this letter of interest to establish a new Chapter, a letter of intent will be sent to the Chapter’s Officers and Board of Directors , to sign, in which they agree to adhere to the standard operating procedures and financial requirements of the Community NETwork as outline in the National By-Laws . Upon receipt of this document, the Membership Vice- President will forward this information to the National Board of Directors for the final acceptance and approval. The Membership Vice President will notify the local chapter, within ten working days, of their acceptance into the organization. At this point, the newly established Chapter will appoint of their members to the National Board of Directors as a representative for their local chapter.

Local Chapter Responsibilities

Each local chapter will be under the umbrella of the National Board of Directions and must adhere to the National Bylaws.

• It will be the local chapter's responsibility to register and file required documents with the Internal Revenue Service and the State Franchise Tax Board or it's equivalent local tax boards in their region.
• Each chapter must establish a local bank account. Two signatures are required to sign checks. The treasurer and another officer can sign on behalf of the local chapter.
• Each chapter must abide by the Community NETwork Bylaws and the Manual of Operating Procedures (MOP). In addition, the chapter should establish a Membership package for new as well as potential members. Examples of current chapter Membership packages will be made available upon request.
• The MOP has been established for guidelines for local chapters to insure continuity with the National goals and objectives of the organization. Each chapter must draft it's own MOP to use as a guideline for local chapter community events and activities, committee structure, expense reporting, and official documents, etc. These guidelines can be modified to fit the needs of the local chapter.
• Dues Structure is determined on a per member basis (sometimes referred to as a head tax paid to the National). A new dues structure, contingent upon the approval of the general membership, will be structured and started in the year 2000. The fiscal year for the organization is January 1 through December 31.
• To establish a chapter website, fill out the following form and someone will get back with you soon: form to establish a chapter website.