In 1992, URISA established a Chapter Relations Committee to promote the health and growth of regional chapters.

The Chapter Relations Committee (CRC) is the liaison between URISA International and its chapters. The CRC has five specific responsibilities:

• Maintain contact with active chapters through electronic mail, phone calls, and quarterly conference calls.
• Provide information and assistance requested by chapter leaders, support new chapter development, and evaluate requests for affiliate status.
• Communicate chapter needs to the URISA Board, and recommend Board actions.
• Train and support chapter leaders by conducting the annual Chapter Leaders Forum and maintaining the Chapter Leader's Manual. The manual covers everything from "Starting a Chapter" to "Conference Planning" and "Legal Issues". All chapter officers are strongly encouraged to review this important material.
• Issue the Outstanding Chapter Award (annual award to recognize innovation, education, outreach and community impact).

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Chapter Relations Committee Structure

CRC representatives are appointed from candidates who have had chapter leadership experience. The committee position is a three year term. The CRC consists of six chapter representatives. Two members rotate off the Committee each year. Each member is assigned a region that may consist of a number of Chapters.

The Committee holds regular conference calls and meets prior to and following the Chapter Leaders Forum at the Annual Conference. URISA International funds some of the costs associated with CRC conference calls and meetings.

Chapter leaders interested in serving on the CRC should notify their CRC representatives.

List of CRC Members & Liaison Assignments for 2010

Outstanding Chapter Award

Each year, URISA recognizes an outstanding Chapter that has sponsored particularly effective activities or has otherwise excelled in serving its membership. Outstanding Chapter Award criteria include:

• Innovation
• Outreach
• Education
• Community Impact

Outstanding Chapter Award History

1995 - Rocky Mountain Chapter
1996 - Ontario
1997 - Midwest Gateway
1998 - BAAMA
1999 - Southern California
2000 - Alberta
2001 - Oregon
2002 - Georgia
2003 - Ontario
2004 - Southern California, Florida
2005 - British Columbia
2006 - Washington State
2007 - Georgia
2008 - Carolina
2009 - Northern Rockies

Chapter Idea Swap

When it comes to chapter operations (including innovative ideas for meetings, membership recruitment campaigns and website improvements) URISA chapters have some tried and true ideas to help.

Turn to the Chapter Idea Swap and the Chapter Chat Discussion Forum for answers.

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URISA Headquarters' Support for Chapters

URISA's Headquarters' Office is pleased to offer support to its chapters in numerous ways.

Click here for a downloadable document or contact URISA.