Chapter Suggestion and Activities

Chapter Suggestion and Activities

Chapter Meetings.

The most common chapter activity is the regular meeting. It may be monthly, bimonthly, quarterly, or whatever is most appropriate for your group. We recommend monthly or bimonthly. The format may also vary. Most chapters will present a program of some sort, such as a guest speaker or panel. Some will have social hours, with or without refreshments, or schedule dinner at a nearby restaurant before the meeting. The meeting place may also vary.

Some meet at the same place, same time, same day. Others will vary to accommodate differing member schedules and locations. When choosing locations, consider member interests. Topics may cover issues important to the profession. The meetings may be open or closed to non-members. However, opening all or part of the meeting to others is advisable. People are reluctant to join a group they know nothing about.

During each meeting it is required for the secretary to take minutes of the meeting. If the secratary cannot make the meeting they should appoint a person who will be there to take the minutes. (Sample Minutes)The minutes should be sent out to each member, a copy sent to the NAHF, and a copy should be kept in the local office.



Increasing Chapter Membership.

People have to find out about your chapter before they can join. You can advertise or make direct contact by:


• Requesting a mailing label set or Excel spreadsheet of NAHF members from the NAHF Office, and your department



• Posting notices at Fire Departments, private industry employee bulletin boards, etc. (include a contact name)



• Placing announcements in local newspapers, these are often provided free as a public service. Writing up a small brochure or flyer describing your chapter, including a Membership application, if space permits.



• Networking with Local Groups. Usually there are other groups and resource centers in your area. In addition to letting them know you exist, try planning events with them. This lets you sponsor larger, more attractive events. Other groups and institutions may be eager to work with a Firefighter group.



• Public Relations/Community Outreach. The chapter should foster and maintain good relations with the community. Offer the resources of your group; for example, set up a Speaker's Bureau, a Big Brother/Sister program, or be available to others. Chapters may even distribute their own awards, such as an outstanding member.



• Do not be shy about creating publicity for yourselves. Send notices to local newsletters. Make sure that your group is given credit when you participate in events. It will benefit your group and get Hispanic Firefighters in the public consciousness.



Share Ideas with other Chapters. If you see that another chapter has a program similar to yours, or has one that you would like to initiate, contact them to discuss it. We all have the same basic goal. And sharing experiences helps us to reach that goal faster and more efficiently. A local chapter directory is available from the NAHF National Office and is also available on the NAHF website under Chapters.

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