Guidelines for Becoming An Official Chapter of
Story Circle Network

  1. There shall be at least two circles (reading or writing) before a new chapter is formed, and a minimum of twenty members.

  2. For an interim period (to be determined—possibly one year) members of a new chapter need not be members of the National Story Circle Organization. After the interim period has expired, and henceforth, all members of a local chapter must be members of and pay dues to the National Story Circle Network.

  3. The new chapter shall plan to be an on-going organization with regular meetings.

  4. The new chapter shall agree to adhere to the mission of the National Story Circle Network.

  5. Before applying for recognition from the national organization, applicants shall:
    1. Contact Story Circle Network national organization to obtain names of all members in the local area.
    2. Invite those who are not currently part of the group to join. (This meeting might be a social gathering where organizers can meet each other and discuss the purpose of the new chapter and what the attendees hope to gain.)
    3. Provide a facilitator for this gathering and subsequent organizational meetings.
    4. Provide a secretary responsible for keeping notes at organizational meetings and assisting with the establishment of the bylaws.
    5. Establish its bylaws. (A model is available on the SCN website, here: Austin Chapter bylaws). These bylaws should contain:
      1. Mission Statement for the group—this shall be consistent with the National Story Circle Network's mission statement.
      2. Specifics on membership requirements (including the necessity of joining the National Story Circle Network after the expiration of the interim period).
      3. List of officers and their responsibilities.
      4. Specifics on types of programs and how they will be determined.

  6. The new chapter will agree to pay an annual fee to the national organization. (Amount to be determined.)

  7. After the bylaws have been agreed upon by the members of the group, the officers shall submit them to the national organization for approval. The National Story Circle Network will determine whether the proposed bylaws are
    1. Feasible
    2. Consistent with the National Story Circle Network's mission and purpose.
    3. The National Story Circle Network will supply guidance and support to all local chapters including but not limited to:
      1. The right to use the SCN logo
      2. The right to use the model bylaws from the SCN website
      3. The right to post a link to their own website at the National Story Circle Network website (Note: Each local chapter is responsible for setting up and maintaining their own website.)
      4. The right to submit chapter news articles and press releases to the Story Circle Network Journal

  8. All local chapter events must be coordinated with national events in order to avoid competition between the two.

  9. Chapters reserve the right to organize their own fundraisers. The chapter's financial obligation to national will be fulfilled by the payment of its annual fee and the individual members' annual dues.

  10. The National Story Circle Board will oversee all chapters to ensure they adhere to these guide lines and that their activities are consistent with the mission of the National Story Circle Network.

Last updated: 03/06/05