NIDO-AMERICAS

NIDO CHAPTER FORMATION & OPERATION GUIDELINES - AMENDED COPY

1. CHAPTER FORMATION.

Formation of NIDO Chapters is authorized and governed by Chapter Four of the By-laws. These guidelines are meant to streamline the process of formation and sustenance of a chapter.

It is intended that Chapters do not become breakaway NIDO organizations. The need to centralize the governing authority of NIDO can not be over-emphasized. Yet, Chapters must be encouraged to engage in activities that will enhance the well-being of the local members and NIDO members at large.

2. INDICATION OF INTENT TO FORM A CHAPTER:
a. The initial indication for the formation of a Chapter involves a meeting of NIDO members or would-be members with at least one of the NIDO Board members representing the region.

b. The Board member(s) representing the region shall furnish NIDO activity updates to the organizing members and also convey the intent to form the Chapter to the National Board. Requests for Board's assistance/support and input into the local activities of the would-be Chapter shall also be channeled through the Board members or the appointed representative(s). The Chair of the Board, or in his/her absence, the Vice-Chair and/or a simple majority of the Board, shall appoint such representative, who shall be called “Interim Coordinator”. The first Interim Coordinator may/may not be one of the Regional Directors representing the region where the Chapter is being set up. The first Interim Coordinator shall hold office for a period of one year from the date of appointment. The Coordinator shall report to the Chair of Board during the interim period.

c. Subsequent “Chapter Coordinators” and other officers shall hold office for a period of two years, and shall be eligible for re-election for another term of two years, but not more than two consecutive terms.

d. A Care-taker Committee, headed by the Interim Chapter Coordinator, Shall be formed to handle the formation process.

e. Prior to recognition of the Chapter, a simple majority of the members present at a well-publicized meeting shall affirm by vote that the critical mass needed by the NIDO Bye-laws for the formation of a Chapter has been attained. (Refer to Chapter 4(c) of the By-laws)

f. Once the requirements specified in the by-laws are met, the Chair of Board shall write to the new Charter declaring it a Chapter, after ratification by the board. The Chapter shall fix and conduct elections to fill the position of Chapter Coordinator (if the interim term referred to above has expired), Chapter Secretary, Chapter PRO and Chapter Finance Manager. If the term of the interim Coordinator has not expired, only the elections of the positions of Chapter Secretary, Chapter PRO and Chapter Finance Manager, shall be held at that time. Upon the expiration of the term of the Interim Coordinator, an election shall be held only for the purpose of electing the Chapter Coordinator. These officers and the Board members in the Region constitute the leadership of the Chapter who are charged with the management of the local affairs. The elections of the officers shall be supervised by the Board members from the applicable region or any other Board member designated by the Chair of the Board, if necessary.

g. Within 30 days after the elections, the elected Coordinator leading the new Chapter shall inform the Board of the intent to launch the Chapter. Upon an agreement of a launch date and program, the Board will ensure adequate availability of resources and support, and be duly represented to ensure a successful launch.

3. REGISTRATION within the State of Formation:
If necessary, a Chapter shall be registered in the state of formation, pursuant to the laws of such state as a “foreign corporation authorized to do business in the state.”

4. CHAPTER OPERATIONS:
a. Interaction between the Board and Chapters shall be such that Chapters act as tools for meeting the overall goals of NIDO. After the Chapter election(s) the Coordinator, shall report to the Board member(s) representing the region where the Chapter is set up. The Board member, of course reports to the Board of Directors via the Chair.

b. Responsibilities of Chapters. It is expected that active mobilization, fund-raising,
recruitment and interaction among the members would constitute the main business of a Chapter. The list of registered members and any dues paid shall be forwarded to the NIDO Manager or Chair of the Board for processing and mailing of welcome packages to registrants.
c. Responsibility of the Board to the Chapters. NIDO shall speak with one voice such that all communications calculated to reach the “outside world” MUST receive appropriate approval from the national Board or at the very least, the Board Member(s) representing the region. The Board shall provide financial assistance to the Chapters in organizing seminars and events as the Chapters indicate, having in mind the available resources. Where a Chapter can raise the funds needed for an event, it should be encouraged to do so. Any funds raised shall be forwarded to the National body for financing of such event. Similarly, any profit realized from the event must be forwarded to the National body.

d. Extent of Chapter independence in operations (activities, fund-raising, socio-political events etc). As indicated above, the Board shall provide financial assistance to the Chapters to organize seminars and other events. If a Chapter intends to organize an event or fund-raiser, it shall inform the Board of the proposed event, including the location, time and the purpose. The Board shall review the application and give or withhold its consent. No such event shall be held if the board withholds consent.

Where a Chapter can raise the funds needed for an event, it should be encouraged to do so. Any funds raised shall be forwarded to the National body for financing of such event. Similarly, any profit realized from the event must be forwarded to the National body.

e. Bank Accounts: Chapters shall not open and/or maintain bank accounts, property or funds independent of the National body.