ORGANIZING A NAXJA CHAPTER
THESE PRELIMINARY GUIDELINES ARE UNDER CONSTRUCTION
We encourage any group of members who may desire to do so to band together and form their own local NAXJA chapters. In order for such chapters to be sanctioned by and affiliated with the International NAXJA, it's expected they would adhere to the guidelines provided here. While it's not our intention to impose our rules on such chapters, adherence to certain guiding principles are necessary to ensure that the quality, spirit, and ethics of the International organization will be carried over to the local level.
General Guidelines and Instructions
The chapter will conform to the dictates of :
The name of the chapter is subject to approval of the International Board of Directors (hereafter referred to as the NAXJA BOD)
All participants involved in the organization of a NAXJA chapter must be members in good standing of the International organization by regular membership application. Once a group has been recognized as an official chapter of NAXJA, international membership is required in conjunction with chapter membership.
An application for NAXJA chapter affiliation must be completed and two copies must be mailed via the USPS. One copy must be mailed to the International Recorder and the other copy must be mailed to the International President.
All chapter names, web sites, letterheads, logo's, stickers, T-shirts, etc. must clearly convey the chapter's association with NAXJA, and the content of each is subject to the approval of the international board of directors.
Approval by the NAXJA BOD of new chapters will be based on the chapter’s planned website, if any, the contents of its Constitution/Bylaws and its adherence to the guidelines established here and in the international bylaws. The NAXJA BOD reserves the right to disenfranchise a local chapter should it's actions conflict with the goals of the International organization.
Chapter Organizational Structure.
Incorporation of Chapters is optional for as long as the local chapter has an active member on the International NAXJA Board of Directors. If a local chapter elects to incorporate, The Chapter must publish its bylaws and make them available to NAXJA for review and approval
The chapter may either adopt/adapt the National Constitution/Bylaws or develop a set of their own, subject to approval by the NAXJA BOD. Any changes or amendments to a local chapter's Constitution/Bylaws are also subject to approval by the NAXJA BOD.
Any local chapter dues required will be collected, accounted for, and disbursed by the local chapter, and shall be entirely separated from the International NAXJA dues which are collected sole through and by the National Membership Chairperson. Local chapter events and activities will be financed solely by local chapter dues and fund raisers except under special circumstances as determined by the NAXJA BOD. International NAXJA events that are hosted by a local chapter may be financed by the international organization.
Chapters will make their own decisions about covering their Board of Directors with liability insurance.
Every participant in any local chapter sponsored/hosted events will be required to sign a copy of the NAXJA Waiver.
Chapter Involvement in the International Organization.
Local chapters are required to designate one of their executive officers sit on the International board as the chapter representative. Only one representative is allowed per chapter. A chapter representative may not hold more than one position on the NAXJA BOD . This representative will be required to maintain full time Internet access and e-mail address. The representative of each chapter must maintain a minimal level of participation equal to the average participation of the majority of the international board members. The individual chapter representative is responsible for reporting all chapter business to the NAXJA BOD. If the chapter representative is not the chapter president, it is assumed that the representative's opinions and votes are on behalf of, and in full knowledge of, the chapter president, and the chapter's general membership.
The chapter representative is responsible for communicating NAXJA BOD decisions to their respective chapters, that directly affect the operation of their chapter.
Chapter Website Guidelines
The chapter and any information provided by the chapter on its website will conform to the dictates of the National Constitution/Bylaws, as stated here, or by order of the NAXJA BOD.
If a local chapter wishes to have their own website, as a separate, stand-alone site, it must be accessible to all NAXJA members, and include links to the International NAXJA site and all other local chapter websites. The site should be dedicated exclusively to the overall interest of that chapter and not to individual interests, beyond those expressed in reference to things of a XJ/MJ nature. Any and all advertising carried on a local chapter site is subject to approval by the NAXJA BOD
So-called "free" hosting services not be used for a NAXJA chapter web site. Virtually all ISP's provide web hosting services for their customers at little or no extra charge. ("free" hosting services would actually be better known as "We'll just give you limited capabilities, lousy service, extremely slow load speed, and bombard your site with banners in lieu of taking cash payment from you" services) "Free" hosting services are neither designed nor intended for use by anyone wanting to run any sort of serious Web site.
Local chapter website content is to be considered "community property". All chapters and the International organization will share website content. All shared web site materials (images, text, etc.) must be stored "locally" on the host server of the respective chapter using the information, as to avoid "pirating" of bandwidth from another chapter's, or from the NAXJA.org server.
The site should have an information section dedicated exclusively to the promotion and support of the local chapter and the International organization.
The WebMaster of the site should be clearly identified and have a valid e-mail address posted on the site.
OTHER THINGS TO BE CONSIDERED
What will be the purpose of the Chapter? "Meet and Greets," mechanical and accessory advice, road trips, offroad adventures, installation workshops and charity events are only a few possibilities. Be creative.
How formal do you want to make the structure of the Chapter? It can be as formal or informal as you want provided it is in conformance with the National Constitution/Bylaws and the above guidelines.
Will there be a dues structure to support the activities of the Chapter? Please refer to "Chapter Organizational Structure" above.
Who will be responsible for creating and maintaining any webpage and who will provide information to be loaded onto such a page?
Are you sure the chapter’s geographic area doesn't impinge on another chapter’s? This will be a major consideration in gaining NAXJA BOD approval.
GETTING STARTED
The best way to start a local chapter is to become a member, and check the Member Directory available through the "Members Only" forum for those living in your area.
Don’t let yourself be limited by state boundaries. E-mailing any members in a given area to see if there's sufficient interest in forming a local chapter will give you a quick indication of the feasibility. It should be determined right at the onset if your proposed chapter will conflict with one already in existence.
We hope these guidelines will not be considered onerous, but rather viewed in a positive light, and that their intention be honored. If the NAXJA BOD can be of assistance in helping you to establishing a local chapter, please feel free to contact us.
Good luck !
Content © 1999 North American XJ Association