Starting NCFM chapters

Pradeep Ramanathan writes

Lords & Ladies,

Recently, someone on the Mensactivism site enquired as to what was the difference between provisional chapters of NCFM and regular chapters. Also, there was some question as to how to start a chapter. As Vice President of NCFM, it is my responsibility (among other things) to assist with chapter development. The following is a brief excerpt from a 12 page pamphlet that Tom Williamson and I wrote years ago to assist with chapter development. I have not included comments on how to go from provisional to official since that takes place over a year after establishing the chapter. Hope this helps.

Please see "Read More" for details.Starting an NCFM chapter happens in two stages. The first stage is to start a provisional chapter. All chapters start out with provisional status. The purpose of giving a group "provisional" status is so that they can benefit from using the NCFM name, logo, resources, a start-up grant of money, etc., even while they are trying to build membership, and jump through the paperwork hoops to obtain "official" chapter status. This way, you can place ads, etc. and call yourselves a "chapter" of NCFM even though you aren't really official yet. Otherwise you'd have to go around saying that you're a group of people who intend to become a chapter - kind of cumbersome.

After the provisional chapter has been in existence for a year, has a total of 10 or more members of NCFM, and has demonstrated that it upholds the mission and standards of the National Coalition of Free Men, as well as meeting a few other requirements, the provisional chapter may then petition to be granted official chapter status.
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(Side note: The only difference between provisional and official chapters, aside from IRS rules, etc., is that delegates from provisional chapters don't get to vote on issues of the national board of directors, whereas delegates from official chapters do. Otherwise, delegates from provisional chapters do have a voice and do participate fully in all aspects on the national board.)
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Summary of the 7 Steps to Become a Provisional Chapter:

1. Form a group of at least 5 local people who are paid members of NCFM National.
2. Hold face-to-face meetings at least once per month with your group of 5 or more paid members.
3. Establish a dues structure for your chapter. (ie: decide on how much to charge for chapter dues - can be as little as $0)
4. Select chapter officers, representatives, and delegates.
5. Submit a petition (letter) to NCFM requesting provisional chapter status.

Upon being granted Provisional status:

1. Submit a treasurer's report 2 times in the first year (at 6 and 12 months).
2. Set up a bank account (to deposit dues and donations).

NOTICE: This story was migrated from the old software that used to run Mensactivism.org. Unfortunately, user comments did not get included in the migration. However, you may view a copy of the original story, with comments, at the following link:

http://news.mensactivism.org/articles/04/10/17/1713246.shtml