If you are interested in starting a new chapter there are a few things you must do. Local Chapters are a great way to build a social network and enjoy spending time with other retirees. Most meeting are social in nature and usually involve food, a plus.
There are 2 types of Local Chapters, an Informal Chapter and a Formal Chapter.
Informal Chapter
An informal chapter is just that, informal. There is no elected leadership and no dues are paid. To start an informal chapter, email the National AREA President (president@aafesretired.org) with the name of the group and a primary contact. Informal Chapters consist of Exchange retirees without a formal AREA Charter, elected officers, and do not require Chapter dues. Informal Chapter members primarily meet for social purposes and to share AREA/Exchange information. There is no set meeting schedule. The group typically names a “contact” person for the group.
Formal Chapter
A formal chapter is a local chapter that has elected leadership and collects dues.
1. A request to activate a Local Chapter must be submitted to the National AREA President (president@aafesretired.org) by at least five persons eligible for AREA membership (in accordance with the Constitution) at least one of whom must be a member of AREA at the National level.
2. A Charter is required to officially activate a Local Chapter. A Charter may be approved by the Executive Board upon receipt of the request required in 1 above and the execution of procedures directed by the Executive Board.
3. Only Local Chapter members, who are AREA members, or their spouses, may hold the office of President or Vice-President in the Local Chapter. The length of their terms of office is not restricted.
4. Local Chapters will ensure a copy of the charter and bylaws are maintained by a member of the Chapter Executive Board. Copies of both must be provided to National AREA and any updates to Bylaws must be provided once approved by the Board of the Local Chapter.
5. Each Local Chapter will provide the name, address, and email address to the National AREA President for a primary contact person in the Chapter, preferred to be the Local Chapter President. Should the data change or the primary contact change, the information must be provided within 30 days of the change.
6. All Local Chapter Bylaws will include a provision for dissolution of the Local Chapter to include a change to an Informal Chapter, if desired.
7. Dissolution. If a local chapter decides to dissolve, the Chapter President must reach out to the National President for guidance prior to any announcement of dissolution. Local Chapters are governed by state law and, as such, the process may vary. Specific guidance from the National AREA Legal Advisor will be provided to the Chapter President regarding the process. The following information must be provided:
– Expected date of dissolution.
– A copy of the Charter and By-Laws
– Information regarding any funds the Chapter maintains, amount and location, along with the latest financial statement. (Funds remaining after dissolution must be donated. The dissolution must include a plan for adhering to this requirement. It is requested that the National AREA Scholarship Fund be considered.)