1. Leaders interested in forming a new SOPHE chapter should complete the interest-form-for-chapter-designation.

SOPHE staff and the speaker of the house will provide information on the geographic makeup of existing chapters, a listing of National SOPHE members in your area, SOPHE bylaws, and other background materials about the Society.

2. A leader from this area can be designated as a National Affiliate Representative for 12-18 months while the proposed chapter formulates its application.

A member of the House of Delegates will be assigned as a mentor to assist the proposed chapter with the chapter development process.

3. The board of trustees shall designate chapters for a five-year period on the basis of an application that shall include:

• Nonprofit status in a state
• A listing of 20 local members; at least 10 National SOPHE members in good standing who are associated with the chapter as dues-paying members
• A well-defined description of the geographic area covered by the chapter
• An action plan which describes the chapter activities
• The ability to send an elected delegate to the house of delegates
• Bylaws that are in conformity with those of SOPHE
• A slate of officers and an executive committee
• A president who is a National SOPHE member in good standing
• A delegate who is a National SOPHE member in good standing, to serve in the house of delegates for a two-year term, having one vote.
• A provision for chapter members who are not National SOPHE Fellows
• A schedule of dues, supplementary to those of SOPHE, that is consistent with the chapter’s program

4. A prospective chapter should request in writing its intent to form a chapter and forward the above mentioned materials to the National SOPHE office, attention Chapter Liaison.

SOPHE staff will forward this request to the House of Delegates for review.

The speaker of house will present this request to the board of trustees and make a recommendation for consideration.