Starting a ReclaimDemocracy.org Chapter: Benefits, Requirements, and Resources

Introduction

Almost since our inception in 2000 we've received inquiries about starting local ReclaimDemocracy.org chapters. Lacking resources to support such efforts, we held off on establishing chapters to focus first on building the core national infrastructure. Recognizing the increasing demand and lack of any other entity of providing the needed structure and support, we decided in 2004 to establish chapter affiliation guidelines and devote what energy we could to support the development of committed local groups.

     Chapters are committed to advancing local outreach and action while helping build a national organization with the strength to lead a truly grassroots Democracy Movement. Clear agreements with chapters will be essential to our success. Such agreements cannot take the place of ongoing communication, trust and dedication, but a clear understanding can avoid many potential difficulties.

     The benefits and duties posted here were drafted after reading material from other sources, and have since been improved based on our own experiences. We welcome your input as we refine these guidelines. Please note that the arrangements summarized here are supplemented by legal language in contracts that formalize the relationship; these are linked at bottom of page. Thank you for your assistance.

Benefits of Chapter Affiliation

Outreach:

* Chapter web page with easy-to-remember URL (e.g. ReclaimDemocracy.org/kc) that is part of one of the best-known and respected websites in the Democracy Movement, averaging 10,000 weekly visitors. Mission and Resources sections are provided on every Chapter page (they can be amended and edited, subject to approval); the rest is up to you. Other pages can be added upon request.

* Free brochures that you can easily stamp with your chapter's local contact information; remittance envelopes that you can stamp/initial so that anyone contributing with that envelope will be credited as coming from your chapter; and free copies of our quarterly newsletter.

* License to use ReclaimDemocracy.org name for local outreach.

* Help with writing, editing, and broadcasting news releases, op-eds and letters from writers with extensive experience with national publications and media outlets.

* Communication to all national members in your area, inviting them to contact your local chapter.

* Discounted rates for presentations and workshops in your area.

* Master copies of any of our primers/article reprints with your chapter's contact information (also available to those interested in attracting initial prospective members).

Fundraising tools

* When we receive a remittance envelope with your local chapter's code on it ( you also can write or stamp your code on newsletters' coupons), 50% of all contributions of $25 or more is set aside for your local chapter to use for local activities. We also are happy to credit web donations that specify your chapter in the notes box at the time of the donation (please don't ask to credit anyone's donation retroactively). We refer to these funds as your Chapter Credit hereafter.

* Local chapters may gain fiscal sponsorship from ReclaimDemocracy.org for grants attained from local and regional foundations for educational / movement-building activities. This allows your chapter to enjoy the benefit of providing donors and grantors with tax-deductibility without going through the expensive and time-consuming process to obtain tax-exempt status (501c3). This relationship requires a contractual agreement, and 10% of the grant goes to ReclaimDemocracy.org to cover administrative work and expenses.

* Non-profit bulk mailing rates (typically for mailings of 300 or more pieces) may be arranged.

* Chapters may purchase bumper stickers, buttons, t-shirts, corporate flags, books and other merchandise at wholesale prices to use as fundraisers. If you have your own idea for a new item, we may be able to provide the bulk purchasing power to make it work and spread it to other chapters.

Organizing

* National office staff members and volunteers are ready to assist your local campaigns however we can through consultations, writing and editing assistance, and other realms. We will develop new resources regularly and disseminate those created by chapters to all other chapters as quickly as possible. Please understand that even our main office is mostly volunteer (including most of our staff's time!), so please plan ahead.

* Hundreds of pages on our website can provide useful information and tools for local activists -- adding credibility to your local group. Those linked from chapter pages directly are just a small sampling.

* Assistance with organization structure and bylaws.

* A Chapter discussion board will be started upon request (see ReclaimDemocracy.org/forum). We can help you set up listserves as well.

Requirements for Chapters:

* Chapters must operate within the parameters of an educational organization under section 501c3 of the IRS code. This does not mean your chapter needs to apply for any federal tax exempt status, or any federal status at all.

*Voting members or office-holders of a local Chapter must be current financial supporters of ReclaimDemocracy.org (having donated money or a material in-kind gift within the previous 12 months).

* Officers must sign an Agreement of Understanding upon approval of Chapter affiliation request.

* ReclaimDemocracy.org is absolutely non-partisan. Chapters can not explicitly promote, endorse or discourage votes for any political party or candidate. A Chapters must consult with legislative bills or ballot initiatives / referenda before taking a position (there are strict IRS rules governing this advocacy that we can fill you in on at that time, or upon request). Publicizing results of candidate questionnaires with responses to requests for positions on issues is acceptable as long as no explicit endorsement is given.

* Chapter meetings should be free of any partisan political material or discussion -- even if you "know" you all have the same opinion. Keep a strict separation between partisan politics and democracy work, and politely call anyone on it if they breach that boundary. Not only can our non-profit status be endangered, but we cannot build a movement without remaining open to a wide range of views among people who share the common interest of revitalizing democracy and revoking illegitimate corporate power.

* Open a local bank account within 6 months of being recognized as a Chapter.

* A roster of your members, an annual financial statement, and annual summary of activities is expected within one month of the end of each calendar year. This is essential for the national organization to maintain its non-profit status.

Applying to Become a Chapter

* At least five current (dues-paying) ReclaimDemocracy.org members must sign a Letter of Intent (linked below) to form a chapter, which includes contact information for 3 designated officers and indicates who will be the liaison to ReclaimDemocracy.org's national office. It is up to you to recruit five contributors.

* Three officers must be chosen and forwarded to the national office: a President, a Secretary, and a Treasurer (President and Treasurer cannot be the same person, however Secretary and Treasurer can). Tenure of positions is a Chapter decision. We're happy to provide a bylaws template that you may adapt.

* Tell us about your group's interests and plans (we understand that these may change rapidly).

* Our main office normally will reply within 10 days with either a request for additional information or to schedule a phone interview with the designated chapter liaison.

* An Agreement of Understanding that obliges your Chapter to abide by the conditions above and obliges the national office to provide the benefits stated above will be mailed upon board approval of your Chapter's application. Chapter status may be revoked at any time if the national staff or board feels the Chapter is not advancing the interests of ReclaimDemocracy.org or, especially, compromising the reputation or non-profit status of the organization.

Notes & Suggestions

* Get group input to consider the prospects of starting a local Chapter. Please tell us your concerns and ask questions. Chapters are a relatively new program for us -- these conditions and benefits may change significantly based on your input.

* Take a long-term view and be committed to making the chapter a success even if it takes a year or more to develop a viable organization.

* Don't be dissuaded by small numbers -- we've never had more than three part-time people on our national staff!

* The degree of formalization of the Chapters' administrative structure varies considerably and tends to be related to the size of the chapter. A large chapter might be composed of a council, as well as officers. A Chapter may find it advantageous to appoint committees which are responsible for specific functions such as membership drives, media, specific campaigns, programs, etc. When people have clearly defined tasks and expectations, they usually will be more productive.

* Bringing in a speaker from ReclaimDemocracy.org for a presentation or, even better, a presentation followed by a "From Here to Democracy" workshop, is one of the best ways to help jumpstart a new chapter. See our Presentations page for more.

Download Letter of Intent

Download Chapter Legal Agreement

Download Sample Bylaws

Incorporating is not a requirement for Chapter affiliation, but may be desirable in some cases. Contact us for a template of articles of incorporation or to discuss the issue.

Our national office can't help with state-specific legal questions, but most states have a state non-profit association that can provide valuable resources and assistance.

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