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Start a Local Chapter

Step One: Form an Ad Hoc Committee

Form an ad hoc committee of local software professionals interested in managing, developing, and improving the software development process and the associated products.

The purpose of this ad hoc committee is to:

  • Communicate with SSQ’s National Director.
  • Determine the geographical area to be served.
  • Organize, announce, publicize and conduct a organizational meeting(s) for chapter formation.

Step Two: Publicize

Announcement suggestions:

  • Distribute flyers within companies or organizations that develop or maintain software, have MIS organizations, or are educational institutions with a data processing, computer science, or software engineering curriculum.
  • Publish notice of organizational meetings on related Websites.
  • Send information and announcements to key individuals in companies or government organizations producing or maintaining software.
  • Actively network with professional contacts of the Ad Hoc Committee members.
  • Announce the organizational meeting(s) at other software oriented organizations and clubs.
  • Provide the organizational meeting information to the SSQ National Director for inclusion on the SSQ Website.

Step Three: Hold an Organizational Meeting

Conduct the organizational meeting(s). The purpose is to:

  • Establish a Steering Committee to organize the Chapter.
  • Select a Steering Committee Chairperson and a Secretary.
  • Review the SSQ Mission and Goals, the SSQ Code of Ethics, and the SSQ Statement of Non-discrimination.
  • Send a Letter of Intent to Form an SSQ Chapter to the SSQ National Director. The letter must contain a point of contact and contact information, names of the Steering Committee Chair and Secretary, and a proposed geographical service area.
  • An acknowledgment letter from the SSQ will be provided, advising you of any geographical implications regarding nearby chapters, and granting initial approval.

Step Four: Form a Steering Committee

  • Appoint a Bylaws Committee and Chair to draft Chapter bylaws. (The model Bylaws contain a suggested format and requirements.)
  • Appoint a Membership Committee and Chair to solicit members for the Chapter. Note that Chapter dues cannot be collected until after an SSQ Chapter Charter has been granted. However, it is recommended that a minimal amount be collected from attendees at committee meetings to defray expenses of such things as meeting refreshments, preliminary publicity, etc.
  • Establish annual dues rates in accordance with the requirement that Chapter dues cannot exceed SSQ dues, currently $50.00.
  • Financial:
    • Obtain an Employee Identification Number from the IRS (the SSQ EIN is 33-00047567).
    • Provide the SSQ National Director your EIN, if applicable.
    • The SSQ will add the Chapter to the IRS Group Exemption SSQ filing.
    • Prior to opening a bank account in the name of the Chapter it is necessary to provide the bank your EIN.
  • Establish rules for slated Chapter members acceptance of the proposed Chapter Bylaws and election of initial Chapter officers. The rules are for quorum, percentage needed for acceptance, modifications to Bylaws, and officer nominating procedures.
  • Bylaws Committee submits proposed Bylaws for approval according to established rules.
  • Hold officer elections for the offices specified in the Chapter Bylaws.

Step Five: Apply for Charter

  • Complete the Chapter Charter Application.
  • Submit the Charter Application and a copy of the approved Chapter Bylaws.
  • The SSQ will process the application and return a Chapter Charter.
  • Upon receipt of the Chapter Charter, hold the first formal meeting to install officers.
  • Start Chapter operations. File any required state forms to establish the Chapter as a non-profit organization within the state of operation.