CHAPTER FORMATION REQUIREMENTS
Section I: Requirements for Formation
1. The formation of a chapter requires a minimum of ten (10) paid members in good standing with The International Aroid Plant Society, INC.
1a. Each chapter must form a “board of directors” which will consist of a nomination and voting process, with votes to be cast by Chapter members, as well as the length of terms.
1b. Chapter Officers must be designated at time of formation and application.
1c. Chapter Officer roles will include, but are not limited to:
- President
- Vice President
- Secretary
- Treasurer
- Officer #2
1d. This list is not all-inclusive, and may be adapted by each chapter to suit their needs. We require an odd number of officers. If needed, the Chapter Committee Chair of The International Aroid Plant Society, INC. can assist with this process.
2. The focus of a chapter should be related to the following: Education of the Araceae / Aroid plant family, research and/or conservation of Aroids in situ, increasing membership to The International Aroid Plant Society, INC.
3. The formation of the chapter of The International Aroid Plant Society, INC. requires the submission of an application to the standing Chair of the Chapters Committee or Board of Directors.
4. All chapter officers are subject to signing a licensing agreement, indemnifying The International Aroid Plant Society, INC. of responsibility of any potential fiscal or legal responsibility.
5. One chapter per US State is permitted at this time.
Section II: Requirements to Maintain Chapter Status
1. One submission to the Newsletter Committee and/or The Aroideana Committee per quarter to remain in good standing as a chapter. More are welcome to be submitted as desired.
2. Chapters should meet at least once on a quarterly basis, either by virtual meeting, or in person, to be decided by the chapter board and participants.
3. Meetings must be held, at a minimum, once per quarter with the Chapters Committee for updates, guidance, assistance, etc.
4. Chapters must maintain a commitment to the ethical, sustainable, and responsible sourcing and/or collection of aroids. Please see our statement on Unethical and Unsustainable Wild Collection.
4a. Chapter Officers are required to report any activity that does not uphold the values of The International Aroid Plant Society, INC to the current Chair of the Chapters Committee and standing president of the organization.
5. Chapters must adhere to the same bylaws as The International Aroid Plant Society, INC. or create modified bylaws that align with the mission of The International Aroid Plant Society, INC. to be reviewed, adjusted, and approved by the Chair of the Chapters Committee.
Section III: Events, Fundraising, and Brand Licensing
1. Copyrighted or trademarked materials owned by The International Aroid Plant Society, INC, can be used by chapters, but require prior approval from the Chair of the Chapters Committee, as referenced in the Licensing Agreement.
2. Any Chapter created promotional materials utilizing copyrighted or trademarked material
requires approval from the Chair of the Chapters Committee
3. Events hosted at a member’s property, or in a publicly controlled venue that is to be leased will require a liability waiver, indemnifying The International Aroid Plant Society, INC. of any responsibility for injury, theft, event cancellations due to external factors, weather, or acts of god, etc. as referenced in the Licensing Agreement.
4. Chapters may apply for funding and/or research grants to the Awards and Grants Committee in the amount of $1,000 or less to support activities that include, but are not limited to:
4a. Compensate guest speakers for meetings to educate on Aroid related topics.
4b. Aroid research projects.
4c. Conservation and/or restoration research and projects.
4d. Any request in the amount of $1,000 or more must be submitted to the full Board of Directors with a proposal detailing the use of funds.
5. Events, sales, shows, or other titled events that will include sales and/or fundraising for the Chapter or The International Aroid Plant Society, INC. require explicit prior approval from the Chair of the Chapters Committee, as referenced in the Licensing Agreement.
6. Sale of plants should be used as a means to fiscally support the chapter for independent
activities.
7. Social media groups created for Chapters of the International Aroid Plant Society, INC. are not to include “Buy, Sell, Trade, or Swap” activities.
8. Events related to Buy, Sell, and Trade must have written approval from the Chapters Committee as referenced in the Licensing Agreement.
9. Sale of merchandise or printed materials with any brand marks, logos, and name of the
organization are strictly prohibited, as referenced in the Licensing Agreement.
.png)
