The International Aroid Society has a long history of affiliation with local Aroid groups. Though there are not many chapters currently active, a West Coast Chapter based in California has begun what is hopefully a new trend.

• Australia - An Australian chapter is forming
• West Coast - Based in Northern California
• MidAmerica - Based in Oklahoma, Arkansas, Texas and Louisiana

Starting a local IAS chapter is remarkably simple.

1. Find local members by using the member directory search function, asking around on Aroid-L and looking over the Aroiders list.
   Other local places to find members: garden clubs, local plant societies, School botany clubs and horticultural programs, botanical conservatories and arboretums.
   
2. Get involved with other local plant groups - give a talk on the wonders of Aroids, put up a display at a local Fair, speak to a botany club and promote your chapter.
   
3. Contact those members and find a date and place you can meet. Remember - the chapter doesn't have to be huge - just 3 or 4 people can make a very interesting meeting. It could be held at a botanic garden, public garden, zoo, school or someome's home.
   
4. Announce your meetings on Aroid-L, through mailing lists and meetings of local plant societies, through flyers at nurseries and landscaping businesses.
   
5. Some first meeting ideas:
   • Have people bring plants to show off or trade - availability of plants is a huge draw.
   • Plan to give a tour of a collection of plants, however small, at your meeting location.
   • Ask somebody to talk about a trip they recently made. Even if it was just to a local botanic garden.
   
   
6. Decide on a time and place for the next meeting with your new friends. Most chapters find that meeting between two and four times a year provides a good balance between comfort, novelty and excitement.
   

The IAS would be happy to provide:

• Customizable Flyers for your IAS affiliated event.
• Web Space on aroid.org to announce and document your meetings.
• Publicity in the IAS Newsletter.
• Contact with members who have successfully organized local chapters.
• IAS Merchandise and publications for you to sell at the meetings ( for a price, of course ).
• IAS Advertising Materials free of charge.
• A huge Academic Poster is available on loan to chapters as well..

Please contact Steve Lucas with any questions or requests you might have regarding starting a local chapter in your area.