Start a Community Chapter

UNA-USA hosts casual chats where you can ask questions about starting a community chapter in your area. Attendance does not mean you are expected to start a chapter – this is open to anyone who just wants to learn more!

Next date to be announced.

 

Chapter Requirements 

 

Uphold the mission and name of UNA-USA:

Protecting the name and reputation of UNA-USA and UN is the responsibility of every student leader. Please make sure you read, understand, and abide by the policies and procedures outlined in Chapter Handbook.

Organizational Structure and Membership:

  • Have at least 25 members activate their UNA-USA membership at https://unausa.org/join/.
  • Elect and maintain a full roster of at least 5 board members, including President, Treasurer, Secretary, Membership Chair and another leadership position of your choice.

Community and Online Presence:

  • Host a UN Day (October 24) event during the month of October.
  • Hold regular meetings of your board
  • Organize a minimum of 2 community-involved programs each year.
  • Conduct at least one annual membership meeting.

Operational Expectations:

  • Keep in line with all IRS requirements for 501(c)(3) exempt organizations
  • Have valid bylaws and an affiliation agreement in place
  • File an annual 990 taxes with the IRS
  • Maintain a chapter bank account
  • Submit an annual report in a timely fashion

Adhere to the UNA-USA Code of Ethics and UNA-USA Brand Guidelines

 

How to Create a Community Chapter

 

Determine if a community chapter is right for you:

There are plenty of ways to engage with UNA-USA, and it is important that you understand the expectations and requirements of becoming an official community chapter. Our community chapters are expected to have a sustainable and long-term presence in their community over a number of years. Applying to be a community chapter means ensuring proper leadership and leadership transition, as well as adhering to federal and state guidelines for 501(c)(3) organizations. Please read this page carefully before completing the interest application.

Step-by-step process:

  1. Fill out the chapter interest application. Someone from our team will reach out to you to schedule a conversation about your application.
  2. If approved, you’ll become an Organizing Group by carefully selecting 4 other people committed to serving with you as chapter leaders. Your chapter leaders must be at least 18 years old.
  3. As an Organizing Group, you can now begin any programming to get your membership numbers up to 25. This begins the 6-month deadline you have to complete the following steps.
  4. Once you reach 25 members, you and your leaders must draft the organizational documents for your chapter (templates will be provided).
  5. Once those documents are complete, the National Office will supply you with your chapter’s Employer Identification Number and add you to our group exemption. Now you will be able to create a chapter bank account.
  6. You’re officially a community chapter!

If you do not have the time to commit to starting a new community chapter, consider getting involved in a nearby UNA Community Chapter.

Additional programs to consider: UNA Affinity Group, Emerging Leaders Program, Champions program.

 

Submit a Community Chapter Interest Form*

 

 

 

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