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Congratulations on your decision to start a new chapter. Please use the information below as a resource as you manage the requirements and processes involved with establishing your chapter.

Additional information is available to assist with installing officers and creating chapter bylaws, as well as understanding the Chapter Accountability Standards and Chapter Affiliation.

Process for Starting a New Chapter
*Documents referred to below can be found on the left under "Supporting Documents."

A. Overview of Requirements

• Submit membership roster with interested nurses, including transfer of current AORN memberships and new member application and payments
• Establish chapter bylaws.
• Establish essential chapter policies.
• Apply for group tax exempt status.

B. What To Do

• Contact the AORN Member Service Department for a list of Members-at-Large in your area.
• Discuss potential chapter boundaries (usually 50 mile radius).
• Discuss AORN history in area (if chapter existed in past).
• Discuss collaboration with larger chapters.
• Analyze reports to see if realistic to recruit 25 nurses and have potential for growth in future.
• Assess level of interest by contacting OR directors in targeted facilities and initiating discussion among nurses in area regarding potential chapter services/benefits.
• Set up organizational meeting.
• Choose a convenient meeting time.
• Send a notice to all hospitals about the meeting.
• The person initiating the meeting should act as temporary chair for the meeting.

C. Typical Agenda for First Meeting

• Decide on name for the chapter.
• Determine meeting place.
• Determine meeting months, day, and time.
• Ask for volunteers to chair committees.
• Determine method of electing officers.

D. Send the Following Information to Notify Headquarters to Request Chapter Status:

• New Chapter Recognition Form
• Officer Update Form
• Membership roster (also new membership applications)
• Copy of chapter bylaws
• Application for tax exempt status

E. When Information is Received at Headquarters:

• Chapter file is compiled.
• Computer database of chapter members is established.
• Members are assigned to new chapter according to the submitted roster.
• Zip codes are designated to chapter so new members are assigned to chapter in the future.
• Chapter Resources Manual is sent to new president.

F. Required Documents for Chapter Formation

• Chapter Accountability Standards
• Guidelines Bylaws
• National Bylaws
• Officer Update Form
• Sample Election Form
• Job Description for Chapter Officers
• Committee Positions
• Group Exempt Letter
• Tax Exempt Form
• Membership Roster