Chapters, let's move beyond minimums

Chapters are a vital part of the fabric of the GSCPA. This is not the case in all states. Some states have many fewer chapters than we do. In fact, a few states do not have chapters at all. Approximately 60% of our members elect to belong to chapters and pay chapter dues. That seems to be a strong statement about the role chapters play in the GSCPA’s value proposition.

I believe in the value of Chapters. Chapters are where members plug in at the local level; the place where they network with fellow members; often the place where members begin the road to active involvement at the state level. My participation in the GSCPA began in the Atlanta Chapter many years ago. Some of the oldest friendships I have in the Society developed there. Being active in the Atlanta Chapter set me on the road to learning about how the GSCPA works and serves its members.

We have 22 chapters. Most are well organized and active. A few are not. As part of its work two years ago the Governance Task Force, which grew out of our strategic planning and was led by Stewart Carlin, recommended that the Society’s Board of Directors establish minimum criteria for Chapter operations. The Board adopted criteria that, as past president Mike Cauley said at Spring Council, “…basically require them to breathe”. Chapters must:
• Meet at least 4 times per year
• Elect officers for the coming year by March 1
• Have at least one officer attend the Chapter Leadership Workshop or Webcast
• Have at least one of the chapter’s two voting representatives attend at least one of the two council meetings each year
• Submit annual financial reports to the GSCPA in a timely manner. (Hey, we’re CPAs, how hard is this?)

You can see that these relate to basic organizational matters. Unfortunately, the need to establish these criteria indicates that some chapters are not doing these things. Without them a chapter can not function. Let’s move beyond minimums. Your thoughts?
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