Organizing an RGS & AWS Chapter   

Starting a new chapter can foster a sense of community, advance forest conservation, grow fellowship afield and be rewarding, impactful and – most of all – fun! 

Please review the checklist below before formally starting or re-starting an RGS & AWS chapter: 

1. -Commitment to and understanding of the RGS & AWS mission. 
2. -Identify key players with shared interests and passions in your community to ensure chapter longevity and success. These folks will make up the committee, the foundation of your chapter and the driver of its efforts. But keep in mind not everyone will be able to commit as much as others or in the same capacity. It takes a village. At a minimum, all chapters need to have a president, treasurer and habitat chair. Other examples of (optional) committee positions are secretary, event chair, ticket chair, sponsor chair, youth chair and communications chair. (One person can serve multiple roles.)  You don’t have to formally select people for these positions immediately, but keep them in mind for the future. 
3. -Identify your goals and define the “mission” you’ll use to focus the direction of the chapter. What do you want to accomplish? Collaborating with RGS & AWS on large-scale habitat projects, implementing local habitat projects, advancing R3 efforts, focusing on youth?  
4. -Where will the chapter be based? You’ll have to select a city and state to be associated with the chapter (e.g., Burlington, Vermont). 
5. -What will be your chapter’s name? (e.g., Green Mountain Chapter). Chapter names must be unique to your chapter. Your regional engagement coordinator can confirm if your chapter name isn’t currently being used by another chapter. 
6. -Commit to working innovatively with RGS & AWS staff to promote engagement and fundraising events.   

Once the above list is completed, work with your regional engagement coordinator to formally establish the chapter and complete the appropriate bylaws and charter agreement. From there, you can promote your chapter in your community and forge a path into the future.   

Your next steps should include the following: 

1. Open a local chapter checking account with the president, treasurer and engagement coordinator as signers. 
2. Complete RGS & AWS national electronic fund transfer document-Chapter ACH Deposit-Withdrawal Authorization 20241017. pdf. THIS IS REQUIRED. 
3. Thoroughly read, understand and sign off on the chapter manual. 
4. Commit to hosting at least one primary fundraising event and one engagement event annually (e.g., conservation banquet = fundraising event, Birds and Brew = engagement event). Use your imagination; new ideas and new events are welcome. 
5. Start planning your first event!