Chapter Extension

Guide
Chapter Extension

If an organization is good enough to join, it is good enough to share with others. If we do not share the benefits of individual development and community involvement with others, we are not satisfying the ideals of the Junior Chamber movement.

The world is not waiting to be introduced to Junior Chamber – we must compete against a whole range of factors – from apathy to other attractions to other commitments. We will not attain a growing membership easily – it will be the result of persistence and hard work.

RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Discuss with your Board and then with the Membership Growth and Extensions Commission Directors whether the chapter is prepared to create a new chapter.

2. Carefully select an Extension Committee Chairman – a member of your chapter who has a good personality, a successful Junior Chamber career, understands basic management techniques, and is very enthusiastic.

3. Have the Extension Committee Chairman select a competent and eager team of experienced and new members.

4. Assign certain responsibilities to the committee members (promotion and publicity, finance, meetings, speakers and trainers, charter night, follow-up, etc.)

5. Know thoroughly the national organization's rules, policies and bylaws on extensions.

6. Select the exact target area and determine the precise boundaries of this district.

7. Immediately advise your national organization, the assigned national Vice President, neighboring chapters and chapters close to the target area of your intended extension project.

8. Prepare a plan of action to be submitted to the Management Vice President and then to the Board of Directors for adoption and support. Include a realistic budget.

9. Give the extension project a code name to highlight the exercise and to serve as a focal point for communication.

10. Use the JCI Community Project Planning Process to design the project (Survey, Analysis, Planning, Action and Evaluation).

11. Make the initial contacts in the target area with civic leaders, the Chamber of Commerce, business leaders, and leaders of other voluntary organizations.

12. Prepare a full analysis of the needs of the community in the target area. Prepare draft plans on community projects in that neighborhood. Use this document as a presentation to the mayor, civic and business leaders, and, eventually, to encourage prospective members.

13. Compile prospective membership lists from business firms, professional and trade associations, and sources where young people are most involved.

14. Select key persons. Invite them to your chapter meetings and to a special orientation meeting, such as the "New Members Orientation" seminar. They will become your initial local leaders.

15. Select a tentative Board of Directors for the prospective new chapter, and give them some very basic training and orientation on chapter management.

16. Hold the first orientation and make it a dynamic function. Use the “New Members Orientation Seminar,” to explain Junior Chamber and its philosophy, opportunities, etc.

17. Hold the second organizational meeting and reemphasize the benefits of joining Junior Chamber; discuss and try to approve the chapter's constitution; and if approved, elect a provisional Board of Directors and a charter night committee.

18. Hold the first Board of Directors meeting and discuss issues such as budget, schedule of meetings, projects, affiliations, etc.

19. Hold the first membership meeting and officially adopt the chapter's constitution, elect a definitive Board of Directors, and prepare the Charter Night program.

20. Hold the final Board meeting to prepare for the Charter Night meeting. Have the charter meeting and ensure it is a splendid affair.

RECOMMENDATIONS

1. Organizational Meetings: These must be organized to perfection. All speakers invited must be of top quality, selected from among Junior Chamber officers who are good speakers, or external spokesperson, such as local leaders, etc. Be sure to include a short social session after the meeting, and have sufficient documentation at hand to record the information about prospective members.

2. Charter Night Meeting: Ensure that it is a dignified and memorable occasion, and make maximum use of available publicity. Invite a good cross section of guests representing local administration, business and other voluntary organizations. The installation of new officers, the presentation of pins, and the distribution of membership kit should be a well organized ceremony that adds luster to the meeting.

3. Affiliation Requirements: Be sure that every requirement for affiliation to the national organization has been met, so that there will be no delay in services from the national secretariat to the new chapter.

4. Follow-Up: Extending a new chapter is only the beginning. Appoint a Board member in each chapter to be liaison officer for one calendar year after the date of the charter meeting. Arrange a combined Board meeting at least once every quarter, and schedule a combined membership meeting at least three times in the 12-month period. Continue to provide speakers and experienced members to help organize training and projects for this period.

· 5. Documentation: Here are some examples of documents you will need as tools to do the job: JCI Chapter Constitution Guide; Extension Manual; Parliamentary Procedures Guide; One Year to Lead Manual; New Members Orientation seminar; Projects for Progress Manual; membership application forms and affiliation papers; material for membership kits; sample agenda, chapter budget and minutes; national publications, and JCI, national and general Junior Chamber information sheets, magazines, etc.

SUMMARY

"No one is more aware than I, in my present position; of the continuous need our country has for bold and able men to face the many complex problems of the future. It is a great assurance to know that such organizations as Junior Chamber are available to provide a reservoir of leadership from which the local community, and ultimately the nation, can draw to meet these needs." (John F. Kennedy, President U.S.A., 1962).