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Start a New Regional Chapter

Create a space for SEM practitioners in your region to share best practices and further develop strategies and solutions and provide leadership opportunities for peers and colleagues. Regional Chapters allow SEM to proliferate at a community level, with localized initiatives and objectives based on what is needed in that area. 

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Support Fellow SEM Practitioners

Regional chapters aim to not only build collaboration across their respective geographies, but also add more local in-person and online events.

Start New Chapter Process

Creating a New Regional Chapter

First 30 Days
  • Finalize documentation
  • Establish member communication
  • Schedule leadership meetings
  • Begin member recruitment

First 60 Days

  • Plan inaugural event
  • Send initial communication
  • Prepare for SEMC reporting

First 365 Days

  • Hold regional events for members
  • Attend SEM Collaborative events
  • Complete annual reporting (including financials)
  • Hold an annual business meeting
  • Review and adjust based on lessons learned and regional needs
  • Prepare for leadership transition
  • Hold elections 
  • Conduct annual recruitment

View Guidelines for New Chapter Creation.

Bylaws are essential to any nonprofit organization. Regional Chapters act as an extension of the SEM Collaborative, and bylaws for each Chapter are mandatory. Bylaw articles include: 

  • Article I: Introduction
  • Article II: Membership
  • Article III: Chapter Board of Directors
  • Article IV: Chapter Officers
  • Article V: Finances
  • Article VI: Bylaws and Amendments
  • Article VII: Miscellaneous
  • Article VIII: Policies and Procedures
  • Article IX: Prior Approval 
  • Article X: Dissolution

The SEMC provides bylaws to help guide the process. 

The Charter is similarly essential, identifying the roles and objectives necessary to the Charter for governance, continuity and understanding its purpose. Those interested in starting a Regional Chapter can download a Charter Worksheet here. 

 

  • Chapters shall be named according to this convention: NASEMC - (NAME) Chapter.
  • Promote the mission of the NASEMC in the Chapter’s region.
  • Use the bylaws template and ensure that mandatory requirements are followed.
  • The Chapter defines its boundaries (e.g. geographic border, scope, purpose, etc.)
  • Provide current copies of the Chapter Charter and follow the Chapter Bylaws.
  • Submit Chapter Reports quarterly (including financials).
  • Be in full compliance with NASEMC election processes (e.g. call for nominations, election, onboarding for new Chapter leaders).
  • Attend both NASEMC/Chapter collaboration leadership meetings.
  • Host at least one event per year for Chapter members.
  • Hold at least two Chapter leadership meetings per year and save leadership team meeting summaries to a shared file storage platform, as established by the NASEMC.
  • Send communication to Chapter members and affiliates at least quarterly and include NASEMC leadership members in the distribution list.
  • Align with the NASEMC’s mission and related policies to the extent applicable.
  • Comply with branding guidelines and NASEMC policies as they may relate to content and promotions.
  • Maintain a Chapter mailing list that includes affiliates and provide to the NASEMC.
  • Store all Chapter documentation within the NASEMC file storage platform. 

Apply to Start a New Regional Chapter

Get started by completing the form below to indicate your interest to the SEM Collaborative team.