Steps to organize and charter a new Society for Software Quality Chapter:

1. Form an ad hoc committee

2. Publicize the initial (organizational) meeting

3. Hold the organization meeting

4. Steering Committee operations

5. Apply for an SSQ Chapter Charter

(Email for more information.)

STEP 1 Ad Hoc Committee

The purpose of this ad hoc committee is to:

• Continue interface with the SSQ Chapter Information Liaison Chair.
• Determine the geographical area to be served. This area should be large enough to draw 20-50 members to a chapter meeting or special event. Possible areas are: City, county, regional area, or section of a large city (central, south, etc.). "Members" implies individuals with eligibility for Regular or Student Membership in the SSQ
  (refer to the SSQ MEMBERSHIP STATEMENT).
• Organize, announce, publicize and conduct a organizational meeting(s) for chapter formation.

STEP 2 Publicity

Announcement suggestions:

1. Distribute flyers within companies or organizations that develop or maintain software, have MIS organizations, or are educational institutions with data processing, computer science, or software engineering curriculums. Company listings may be obtained from the Chamber of Commerce or business newspapers.
2. Publish notice of organizational meetings in local computer news publications and electronic bulletin boards.
3. Send information and announcements electronically or by letters specifically addressed to key individuals in companies or government organizations producing or maintaining software, including contractors, MIS organizations, etc.
4. Actively network with professional contacts of the Ad Hoc Committee members.
5. Announce the organizational meeting(s) at other software oriented organizations and clubs.
6. Provide the organizational meeting information to the SSQ Chapter Information Liaison Chair for inclusion in the SSQ Journal.

STEP 3 Organizational Meeting

1. Establish a Steering Committee to organize the Chapter.
2. Select a Steering Committee Chairperson and a Secretary.
3. Finalize the geographical area to be serviced by the Chapter.
4. Review the SSQ Mission and Goals, the SSQ Code of Ethics, and the SSQ Statement of Non-discrimination.
5. Send a Letter of Intent to Form an SSQ Chapter to the SSQ Chapter Information Liaison Chair. The letter must contain the following:
   • A point of contact and principal (mailing) address.
   • Names of the Steering Committee Chair, and Secretary.
   • Proposed geographical service area.
6. An acknowledgment letter from the SSQ will be provided, advising you of any geographical implications regarding nearby chapters, and granting initial approval.

STEP 4 Steering Committee

1. Appoint a Bylaws Committee and Chair to draft the Chapter bylaws. The Model Bylaws contain a suggested format and mandatory requirements.
2. 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.
3. Establish annual dues rates in accordance with the requirement that Chapter dues cannot exceed SSQ dues which is currently $30.00.
4. Financial.
   • Obtain an Employee Identification Number from the IRS, the SSQ EIN is 33-00047567.
   • Provide the SSQ Liaison your EIN.
   • 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.
5. 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.
6. Bylaws Committee submits proposed Bylaws for approval according to established rules.
7. Hold officer elections for the offices specified in the Chapter Bylaws.
8. Approve the SSQ/Chapter Financial Agreement.

STEP 5 Apply for Charter

1. Complete the Chapter Charter Application.
2. Submit the Charter Application, a copy of the approved Chapter Bylaws, the completed Financial Agreement,, and Membership Applications for all new members (including dues payment) to the SSQ for approval and processing.
3. The SSQ will process the application and return a Chapter Charter.
4. Upon receipt of the Chapter Charter, hold the first formal meeting to install officers.
5. Start Chapter operations. File any required state forms to establish the Chapter as a non-profit organization within the state of operation.