New Chapter Model Communication to Chapter Leaders

New Chapter Model Communication to Chapter Leaders

To: All ONS Chapter Leaders

Subject: Announcing the New ONS Chapter Model

Good afternoon,

The ONS Board of Directors is pleased to announce a new Chapter Model designed to provide greater flexibility in developing volunteer leaders, engaging members, and ensuring long-term sustainability for all ONS chapters. Last year, the ONS Board appointed a special Chapter Task Force to review the existing chapter model which has been in place for decades.

During Chapter Task Force deliberations, it was noted that most association chapter structures, including ONS’, were originally developed in the 20th century and are based on governance, operational and communications systems that have been completely upended and overtaken by 21st century technology and evolving social norms. As a consequence, some chapters struggle to maintain relevance and deliver consistent value to members. Equally important, it has become increasingly difficult for chapters to find and develop new leaders, often resulting in stagnation and burn-out for the current leadership pool.

Based on recommendations from the Chapter Task Force, the ONS Board of Directors recently approved the new Chapter Model, effective immediately, featuring the following changes and amendments to the Chapter Policy Manual:

1. “Chapters serve ONS members and advance the ONS mission at the local level.”
2. “Chapter boards will have at least five (5) elected members consisting of a president, treasurer, and three additional roles based on the needs of the Chapter. Any additional roles beyond those five may be elected or appointed at the discretion of the Chapter. Board members cannot serve more than six (6) consecutive years on the Board. The president and treasurer terms are limited to two (2) years each. The president and treasurer could serve the remainder of their six-year term in other board positions. Board members serving in roles other than the president or treasurer may serve all six consecutive years in the same role if re-elected or re-appointed by membership during each voting period.”
3. “Chapters shall be required to provide a minimum of six (6) member engagement opportunities each year, replacing the current requirement of at least four (4) educational meetings each year.”Member engagement opportunities can be educational programs, journal clubs, spring or fall conferences, even social events.
4. “The minimum threshold for chartering new ONS chapters shall be 100 members. Existing chapters currently below that threshold shall remain chapters in good standing so long as they continue to meet all other annual re-chartering requirements.”
5. “As a requirement for re-chartering, chapters must receive a minimum satisfaction rating of 75% from their membership survey each year (conducted by ONS or selected third-party). If the satisfaction score falls below 75%, Chapter Leadership will be required to develop and submit an action plan for consideration.”ONS is currently developing the satisfaction survey template.

Additionally, the Board approved a revision to chapter officer election terms in order to sync all chapter election cycles to a calendar year basis (January to December). Effective January 1, 2019 (next year, not this year), all such elections will henceforth be held on a calendar year basis so that all newly elected leaders can take office and be onboarded at the same time. Because there are a number of chapters currently using different election cycles, chapters will have until January 1, 2019, to adjust their board position terms in order to meet this new requirement.

We’d also like to point out the ONS Board will be reviewing additional chapter and CHIP (Chapter-in-Progress) items at their next meeting. Should any changes or revisions come out of that meeting we will be sure to pass them along to you.

To aid in the transition to the new Chapter Model, ONSstaff will provide new and improved online training modules for chapter presidents and treasurers to ensure their understanding of, and compliance with, the new amendments to the Chapter Policy Manual and their basic fiduciary responsibilities. Revised versions of the Chapter Policy Manual and Chapter Treasurers Handbook will be available soon. In addition, ONS staff will offer live webinars to discuss these new changes, plus staff will cover the components of the new Chapter Model at upcoming ONS Regional Chapter Officer Programs.

We hope you’re as excited about these new changes as we are. As I’m sure some of you may have questions or need clarification, please don’t hesitate to contact me to talk about the new Chapter Model – I’d be happy to set up a call.

Thank you for sharing this important announcement with your chapter board. I look forward to working with you and your board to help make 2018 another successful year!

Regards,

Brian Taylor, CAE

Manager, Chapter Relations

(412) 859-6403 (direct line)