What does a chapter do? Why should I start one?
What’s the format of chapter meetings?
Many formats exist, and it really comes down to what is interesting to your attendees. Every chapter meets on a regular basis (most are monthly). The format differs in some ways in each chapter: scheduled speakers, datacenter tours, roundtable discussions, lightning talks, and anything else you can think of. A good place to start is with scheduled speakers, as it’s the easiest to plan and manage.
How much time will I need to spend on it?
That depends on how involved you want to be. Generally speaking, the more thought and time you put into your chapter, the more successful it will be. That said, the average tends to be around 3-5 hours a month, including the meeting time.
What does a founder do?
As the chapter leader, you will be responsible for scheduling meetings, finding sponsors, finding venues, and getting the word out about your meeting. This sounds like a lot of work, and in the beginning it is, but as your chapter becomes more established, it gets much easier.
Do I need officers, bylaws, and elections?
Absolutely not! Some chapters choose to have them, others do not. The Locals Committee advises new chapters to not set up too much governance in the beginning, but rather, let it grow as your chapter grows. It is usually sufficient for a chapter leader to just be a chapter leader until the chapter begins seeking monetary sponsorships.
Do I need to collect dues from my attendees?
You do not, though you can. If you collect dues, you will need to set up bylaws and officers governing the chapter. The Locals Committee advises new chapters to NOT collect dues from attendees, as it creates a barrier to chapter attendance, and the chapter may suffer as a result.
Am I required to be a member to start a LOPSA chapter?
Yes, chapter leaders are required to be LOPSA members in good standing (that is, current on membership fees).
Do my chapter attendees need to be LOPSA members?
Your chapter attendees do not need to be LOPSA members, though LOPSA encourages it’s chapter leaders to inform their attendees about LOPSA and the benefits of being a member.
Where can I find a venue?
Libraries and conference rooms of local companies make excellent meeting locations. Restaurants and bars make poor meeting locations, due to noise and distraction. Often, attendees will go out for drinks or dinner following a meeting, so we encourage you to plan your venue location accordingly. Venue selection is perhaps one of the more important aspects of building a chapter. As they say, “Location, location, location”.
Do I need a cofounder?
While you do not strictly need a cofounder, it is highly encouraged that you do. It is the experience of the Locals Committee that single founder chapters do not do as well as those with two or more leaders. With two leaders, you can split the work required, and should one leader have a change in life circumstances and no longer able to lead the chapter, the chapter does not fail as a result.
Are there other LOPSA members in my location?
Where can I find sponsors? What do I need sponsors for?
Sponsors often provide food, drinks, and sometimes a venue. (this needs to be expounded upon. add in mjulian’s data from Tek/Premier)
Where do I find speakers?
What is this insurance I read about in the Locals Policy?
Do I need a website/business cards/etc?
LOPSA will provide all new chapters with a website on lopsa.org and a mailing list.
Is there anyone who can provide me assistance with starting my chapter, or help me along as I grow it?
The Locals Committee is happy to help chapter leaders with anything they need. In addition, we maintain an email list for use by chapter leaders in conversing with each other and the Locals Committee (locals-chapter-leaders@lists.lopsa.org).
How do I get started?
- Step 1: Find a cofounder.
- Step 2: Find a venue.
- Step 3: Find speakers. We recommend at least six months worth of speakers when starting out.
- Step 4: Get the word out about your first meeting.