Establishing and Organizing a Local Chapter
EcoWomen helps you lead your best life and be part of a community that cares about the environment. We encourage local chapters as a means of advancing our mission, increasing our membership, and helping women learn and grow professionally and personally, while giving them the skills, resources, and connections to advance their career.

Our mission and values
The mission of EcoWomen is to inspire and empower women/trans/femme-identifying and nonbinary individuals to become leaders for the environmental community through educational and professional development opportunities.

EcoWomen is committed to creating a just and equal world by empowering women to be leaders in their professions and stewards of the environment. We value meaningful connections within a diverse and inclusive community to cultivate a more respectful and nurturing society. We believe in exhibiting excellence in all that we do.

Why go local?
EcoWomen is a national non-profit organization, and our mission can be accomplished more effectively through local chapters. Each chapter provides opportunities for members to get together, work together, and learn together. Local chapters provide programming and activities that focus on the environment, women, and career development. More importantly, local chapters are aware of the needs of their community and members.

Where do I start?
Starting an EcoWomen chapter is not a difficult process, but it does require a commitment. Ideal chapter leaders are professionals who agree with the mission and values of EcoWomen and wish to take a proactive role in accomplishing our mission, while developing and leading your local chapter.

Start small. The first chapter of EcoWomen in Washington, DC started with a simple conversation between friends and colleagues.

Steps in getting started:

Leadership.
Get three or four people who share your enthusiasm and goals to assist you in the creation of the local chapter. These members may be the founding officers of the new chapter.
Decide upon a structure. What officers will you have and who they will be? Minimum of three officers are required for each chapter. Start recruiting potential officers as you hold introductory events. (Recommended officers: President, Secretary, Treasurer.)

Dues.
Will Board members be required to make an annual donation to your chapter? Chapters are not designed to make money, but you will need funds for organizing, events, meeting expenses and so forth. (Chapters may not fundraise until they are official Seed Chapters and have been appropriately registered in the appropriate state.) The National Board does have some matching funds available, once a chapter becomes a Seed Chapter.

By-laws.
Review the EcoWomen bylaws and ensure that your chapter abides by these guidelines.
Set-up a system for record keeping and accounting. At a minimum you will need to track member contact information, dues received, and expenses. You will be provided training by the National Board on how to track your financials.

Set initial goals for the chapter.
What do you want to accomplish for your first year? How many events will you have? How many new members will your chapter gain? Develop a statement of intent.

Find local members.
We recommend that you first contact friends, colleagues, neighbors, and other people you know who might be interested in EcoWomen. Contact them and ask them to participate in the formation of the new chapter.

Hold an organizing/recruitment meeting.
Chat over coffee, meet for drinks after work, be creative! Invite everyone who may be interested. At the meeting be prepared to sign up new members, discuss EcoWomen’s mission and goals, brainstorm event ideas, put together a schedule of events, and generate enthusiasm for your chapter. You can do this prior to being officially approved and voted on by the National Board.

Continue putting together local events. (See the list below of ideas for activities your chapter can pursue.)

What to do, once you are started:
Once your chapter has established leadership and a plan to move forward that has been approved by the National Board, you will be recognized as a “Seed” chapter and may begin planning activities under the EcoWomen name.

Activities
The chapter exists to do things. It is important your chapter has a mix of activities that educate members about the environment, women, and career development. Current chapters engage in the following activities (ask your chapter liaison for more information on a specific event idea):

- Speaker Events. Panel discussions, lectures, featured speakers, or guided discussions.
- Professional Development Workshops. Find someone to lead a workshop on career trajectory / strategic planning, salary negotiation, resume writing, choosing the right graduate program, green / sustainable homes, facilitation skills, etc.
- Social Events. These encourage professional networking opportunities and provide organizational cohesiveness.

- Volunteer Events. Organize a litter pick-up or consider supporting another local organization event.
- Mentoring. Consider hosting a speed-networking event or a more intimate mentor dinner.

- Other ideas include guided nature hikes, attending environmental film fest screenings, attending local lectures or book signings, and happy hours.

Elements of a successful chapter:
> Positive attitude that fosters open and respectful communication
> A clear vision and purpose supporting EcoWomen
> Effective outreach to your community
> Diversity in chapter activities and membership
> Commitment to developing networking and professional opportunities for your membership
> Leadership that demonstrates a positive, strong commitment to the environment and women’s issues
> Readiness to share responsibilities and leadership roles

Tips for Success:
> Seek out and welcome new volunteers and the involvement of your members
> Regularly evaluate your chapter goals and acknowledge accomplishments
> Hold an annual planning meeting or retreat to set goals for the next year(s)
> Share your ideas, successes, and failures with other chapter leaders

Conclusion:
Don't worry about doing everything right away. Organizations grow and develop. The important thing is to start. We are ready to help you when needed, please don’t hesitate to contact the National Board with questions.

You can access a copy of this information at: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1KX-opMvSxu65EA0ritALeEpu6zvkvZ4mtnnPX48z7Kk/edit (save this link for future reference).