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Starting Up a New Chapter

Are you interested in starting a new AAAA chapter in your area? Review the steps below to get started!


STEP 1: WHERE DO I START?

  • Review current Chapter locations  to determine viability of a new chapter in your area
  • Contact National office to assist with start-up procedures
    • Consult with National Vice President of Membership and Vice President of Chapters
    • Inquire about membership listing in your state and/or within 50 miles of your location
  • Review and understand the AAAA By-laws
  • Understand what AAAA can do for you to enhance your recruitment (AAAA General Overview)
  • Coordinate with interested colleagues to collectively identify a date/time group for first meeting and formulate ideas for chapter name and initial chapter officer slate.

STEP 2: HOW DO I PLAN MY FIRST MEETING?

  • Determine location
  • Recruit members from AAAA list, local dignitaries, veterans looking to get involved, local VFW's and separated or retired Aviation personnel. The minimum number of members for a chapter is 25.
  • Work with the National Office to develop a meeting announcementrequest chapter services, and invite an AAAA National Executive Group Officer
    • Suggested agenda items include:
      • Introductory remarks
      • Pledge of allegiance/invocation
      • Local senior leader remarks
      • Voting process for new officers
      • Refreshments
      • National Executive Group Officer remarks
      • Announcement of results
      • New leader comments
      • Awards/prizes presented
      • Pictures and documentation for record

STEP 3: HOW CAN THE AAAA NATIONAL OFFICE ASSIST ME?

  • Website assistance in developing your new Chapter
  • Seed money and branded AAAA items may be requested prior to your first meeting
  • Certificates of Appreciation  are available for those instrumental in setting up your program
  • National, Functional, Individual and Unit Awards are provided through the AAAA
  • Monthly membership roster  updates are emailed to the Chapter Officers
  • AAAA will underwrite a speaker  for your quarterly meetings

STEP 4: WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO ESTABLISH FINANCIAL COMPLIANCE?

  • Contact the AAAA National Office to establish chapter banking
  • Chapter officers must understand AAAA Compliance with IRS Regulations
  • AAAA has outlined monthly and yearly financial procedures that must be followed
  • Each chapter must submit to AAAA National on an annual basis a Chapter Compliance certificate
  • A Chapter Fiscal Report will be emailed to chapter officers annually for revision and submittal

STEP 5: HOW DO I SUSTAIN A VIBRANT CHAPTER?

  • Establish chapter by-laws that are unique to your chapter yet conform to AAAA national by-laws
  • Ask National VP of Chapters to provide previous Chapter Activities report to identify best practices
  • Review the Chapter Refund Program  that generates funds for your chapter by holding meetings
  • Recognize your Soldier and NCO of the Month with a free membership
  • Sponsor one Junior Soldier to attend the AAAA National Professional Forum
  • Recognize former chapter officers with lapel pins
  • Use Chapter matching funds to create a Chapter Perpetual or Annual Scholarship
  • Complete Meeting Notice 30 days prior to your chapter meeting date
  • Complete Chapter Activities Report by January 1st
CHECK OUT THE CURRENT ISSUE

Official Publication of the Army Aviation Association of America