AGA New Chapter Formation
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Eager members line up to sign the Petition to
form a new AGA chapter |
AGA members live all throughout the
United States and its territories and around the world in places such as
Haiti, Berlin, Africa and China, to name a few. Most members live in areas
serviced by an AGA chapter, but with a membership of 15,000, there are
members who do not. Starting an AGA chapter is certainly an option for these
individuals.
The
formation of new chapters is an important mission for AGA. Chapter
development unites the government accountability community into a common
purpose and enables the profession to advance its goals in a meaningful, and
powerful, direction.
A lot of the hard work that takes place to advance AGA and government
accountability is accomplished through AGA’s network of local chapters. Each
of the close to 90 chapters offers programs and services geared to the
special needs of their members. Chapters conduct outstanding events that
offer continuing professional education (CPE), offer networking and
leadership opportunities, rewarding community service activities, monthly
chapter newsletters, as well as social events.
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A full house of members and prospective members
listen about chapter formation |
For those
of you who have had the experience of creating a new chapter know that it is
a rewarding endeavor, but that it requires a dedicated group of members who
are willing to put their volunteer time and energy together to make it
happen. These are selfless dedicated individuals who are driven to serve
others. But, there is no greater gift to the profession - and those in it -
than to extend the services and benefits of AGA.
Deciding to
start a chapter just might be the most important contribution you will make
to the profession and to your own career. Active participation in an AGA
chapter can lead to other leadership positions within AGA and perhaps even
within your own organization.
The
AGA New
Chapter Formation Manual contains all of the information about
starting an AGA chapter. You can also call the AGA National Office at
800.242.7211 to speak with a Membership staff person about chapter
formation.
Quick Summary of the
Chapter Formation Process
A minimum
of 20 individuals who qualify for Full Government and/or Private Sector
membership status are required as the charter members for a proposed
chapter.
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AGA Past National President Bobby A. Derrick, CGFM
discusses leadership opportunities to participants of a chapter
formation meeting |
The
geographic area of any chapter should be sufficiently large enough to
include those organizations in which government financial activities are
carried on in the community, but small enough to allow members in any part
of it to attend meetings regularly. In appropriate circumstances, a
chapter’s geographical area may cross county, city or state lines.
When enough
excitement has been generated for the new chapter, the next step is to hold
a chapter organizational meeting. The chapter organizational meeting is the
best time to have individuals sign the Petition to Form an AGA Chapter.
As soon as 20 members and/or prospective members have signed it, the
completed Petition can be forwarded to the AGA National Office.
A charter
issued by the National Executive Committee establishes AGA chapters. Upon
evaluation of the information provided in the Petition, the National
Executive Committee grants a charter to the new chapter when:
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It
believes the new chapter will further the purposes and objectives of the
Association;
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There is
evidence to indicate the continued professional success of a proposed
chapter; and
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It is assured that the
initial applicants for the proposed chapter take into consideration the
current and potential for membership development in federal, state and
local employees in the community as well as those who contribute to or
work with government through academia and/or the private sector.
The NEC meets each quarter – usually late
February or early March, late June or early July, September and December.
The charter will be issued when the NEC approves the proposed chapter’s
Petition.
When the
necessary organizational arrangements have been completed, an AGA National
officer or a representative of the AGA National Office will present the new
charter to the chapter at an installation meeting at a place and on a date
chosen by the chapter.
A NEW AGA Chapter is born!
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