Association for Behavior Analysis International

Frequently Asked Questions About Establishing a New ABAI Affiliate Chapter

1. Where can we find information about starting a new ABAI affiliate chapter?
   The ABAI website: /constituents/chapters.aspxLinks are available there to the chapter application, chapter bylaws template, and an application preparation checklist.

    

2. What do we have to do to establish a new ABAI affiliate chapter?
   Prepare and submit to ABAI a completed chapter application and the bylaws for the proposed chapter.

    

3. How many people have to sign the application?
   A minimum of 10 people who have at least a master’s degree and live in the area to be served by the chapter.

    

4. How many of the required 10 people signing the chapter application have to be ABAI members?
   All 10 signees must be current ABAI members.

    

5. How many Full members of ABAI have to sign the application?
   At least two chapter officers should be Full members of ABAI.

    

6. Can ABAI members who do not live in the nation/province/state/region (jurisdiction) where we want to start a chapter sign the application?
   Possibly, though it is discouraged. The reason(s) for the signing must be explained, including indication of why they support establishment of the chapter along with stating whether they engage in behavior analysis work in the jurisdiction of the proposed chapter and how they would actively participate in the activities of the chapters. On very rare occasions, signatures of one or possibly two persons not living in the jurisdiction have been accepted as counting toward the required 10 signatories. PLEASE NOTE: All officers of the chapter should live within the chapter’s jurisdiction.

    

7. Can ABAI give us guidance or help about starting a new affiliate chapter?
   Yes. The coordinator of the ABAI Affiliate Chapters Board, upon request, can provide guidance related to establishing an affiliate chapter, including participating in online meetings. Additionally, the board has a New Members Work Group that can provide guidance and assistance to persons interested in establishing a new chapter, including informally reviewing drafts of the application and bylaws before they are submitted to ABAI for formal review and approval and meeting online with persons wishing to do so. This assistance can be requested of ABAI or directly of the coordinator of the Affiliate Chapters Board.

    

8. Help for new chapters?
   The ABAI Affiliate Chapters Board readily provides consultation and support to new chapters upon request by contacting the coordinator of the Affiliate Chapters Board.

    

9. How many chapters per nation?
   One national chapter per nation. However, local or regional chapters within a nation can be established, but they must first contact the national chapter regarding cooperation as well as commit to not represent themselves as being national in operation.