How To Set Up a New Chapter

Commit to leadership – Starting a new chapter requires a significant investment of time and energy to properly market, recruit, organize and administer information rich meetings that support IAC member.

1. Acquire approval through IAC to start a new chapter.
2. Read policy information and guidelines and commit to adhere to them.
3. Clearly define your vision and goals for the chapter you wish to start.

Preparation – Before launching your first meeting, consider establishing these support tools:

• Another supportive member or coach to collaborate with and provide additional perspective.
• Determine meeting times and secure a meeting room location that you can expect to repeatedly reserve.
• Start a COG as a communication vehicle for launch information and follow-up with your members.
• Prepare an invitation message to send to potential participants.
• Prepare a questionnaire to send to potential participants.
• Design a plan for handling email, paperwork, and phone inquiries regarding chapter information.

Advertise – Work with the IAC to distribute your meeting information to IAC subscribers in your area.

• Submit invitation message to the IAC for distribution.
• Advertise locally via a press release, posting at local coaching schools, universities, and professional organizations.
• Follow up with meeting details prior to the first meeting.

Launch – To successfully launch your first meeting, complete these administrative and organizational tasks:

• Print a sign-in sheet to collect participant information.
• Print copies of policy information for participants to review and agree to.
• Create an agenda (see sample agenda).
• Foster introductions and a sense of acceptance (easy to do with a coaching organization!)
• Collaborate on the vision, mission, and culture of your chapter with the chapter members.
• Commit to action items in the first meeting to set the stage for forward momentum.
• Delegate responsibilities to foster teamwork and collaborative growth and development of the chapter

source: IAC - Chapter Committee