Chapter Handbook
ABAI is pleased to offer affiliated chapters and those interested in starting chapters its Handbook for Affiliated Chapters.
For quick answers to many of the questions addressed in the Handbook for Affiliated Chapters, please click on the links below.
(Click on a question to display the answer.)
- How do I apply for affiliated chapter status for my organization?
Please fill out the online application—deadlines each year are April 1, to go before the ABAI Executive Council at its spring meeting, and September 1, to go before the council at its fall meeting. A group of 10 or more current ABAI members in a discrete, definable location may apply to establish a chapter, provided that another chapter of the same type covering the same area does not already exist. Chapters are one of four types: national, state/provincial, regional, or local. National and state/provincial chapters are defined by the legal boundaries of their areas, and ABAI restricts new national and state/provincial chapters to those countries and states/provinces where no other national or state/provincial ABAI affiliated chapter exists. Local and regional chapters may be similarly restricted, as appropriate.
Signatures of support (from at least 10 current members of ABAI) may be sent electronically to mail@abainternational.org, each from the individual email address of the signatory, with a simple line to the effect of, “I support the formation of [name of proposed chapter].” Signatories must all have at least a master’s degree and live in the area to be served by the chapter, and should indicate their highest degree and residency in their emailed signatures. If any signatory does not live in the area to be served, a justification must be made as to why that person should be included as a signatory.
Complete applications must also include a copy of the chapter’s bylaws. A bylaws template is included in the Handbook for Affiliated Chapters. It is recommended that at least two chapter officers be Full members of ABAI....Hide
- What are the benefits to chapters of being affiliated with ABAI?
ABAI provides a wealth of services to its chapters, including the following:
- • annual leadership seminars for chapter officers
- • opportunities for dissemination, promotion, and membership recruitment
- • arrangements for chapter business meetings
- • publication of chapter news and announcements in Inside Behavior Analysis
- • maintenance of a web page for each chapter
- • free Expo poster space at the annual convention
- • opportunity for (reciprocal) promotional emails
- • maintenance of a chapters listserv
- • reduced-fee ABAI Chapter/Adjunct membership available to chapter members ...Hide
- What are the requirements of chapters?
ABAI chapters are given significant flexibility in electing officers, establishing membership structures and requirements, and communicating with members and others. All ABAI chapters are expected to do the following:
- • Share the mission of ABAI: The Association for Behavior Analysis International contributes to the well-being of society by developing, enhancing, and supporting the growth and vitality of the science of behavior analysis through research, education, and practice.
- • Meet at least once a year to conduct the business of the chapter. ABAI provides space for this purpose at its annual convention, and will include notice of the chapter’s business meeting in the convention program and on its website.
- • Promote basic principles of good governance, due diligence, and care in the oversight and management of operations.
- • File a brief annual report for the ABAI Executive Council by March 1 of each year, updating on officers, recent events and activities, goals, and plans for the coming year.
- • Submit an article for Inside Behavior Analysis by March 1 of each year, to inform ABAI members of work in the field and to promote the chapter’s mission and activities.
- • Comply with the policies and guidelines defined in the handbook.
- • Link the ABAI website to the chapter’s website (if applicable).
- • Provide disclaimers on any position or policy statements, to indicate that the positions are those of the chapter and not of ABAI.
- • Operate in alignment with ABAI’s diversity policy: The Association for Behavior Analysis International encourages diversity, equity, and inclusion in the field of behavior analysis broadly, and within the organization specifically. Diversity refers to differences in race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, country of origin, religious or spiritual beliefs, ability, and socioeconomic class....Hide
- Are all chapters nonprofit organizations?
Yes. ABAI does not recognize for-profit organizations as chapters. Whether to apply for formal nonprofit status (e.g., in the US, this would likely be 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(6) status, according to Internal Revenue Service regulations) is up to each chapter; ABAI allows substantial leeway in the organization of its chapters to allow flexibility for serving members’ needs....Hide
- May ABAI chapters formally affiliate with other organizations?
Yes. Chapters affiliated with ABAI may affiliate with other organizations, as long as their missions are compatible with ABAI’s. ABAI has the right to accept, reject, or rescind affiliation status based on incompatible chapter affiliations....Hide
- What are ABAI’s current chapters?
You’ll find lists, with links to contact information and other details, on the ABAI website. Chapters in the United States are linked here, and chapters outside the United States are linked here.
- What tips for financial management can ABAI offer to chapters?
- • Check out small business centers and chambers of commerce for help with business plans, marketing strategies, finances, taxes, and legal organizational status.
- • Include a secretary-treasurer in your governing board to manage finances, minutes, and agendas; this person should keep copies of all legal and financial documents and should report to the membership at least once a year, as well as help the board develop a yearly budget.
- • Consider hiring a tax professional to prepare tax reports and an attorney to advise on legal status.
- • Keep a business bank account, with two co-signers. ...Hide