This page introduces the basic requirements
for launching a POVA chapter
POVA is very interested in facilitating the formation of local chapters in area in which members wish to organize themselves for the purposes established by POVA. A POVA chapter is the real locus of the philanthropic and support efforts undertaken to support our PSYOP Regiment and provide needed assistance to our fellow soldiers, veterans, and their families in need. Requirements for a Chapter Charter are straight forward and will be supported by POVA’s Board.
Here is the POVA Constitution provision regarding creation of a POVA Chapter:
ARTICLE VII: CHAPTERS
7.1 The Association may form, or approve the formation of, Association chapters, which may be organized regionally or locally. Any group of members may combine to form a chapter location, and petition the Association Board of Directors for recognition and acceptance as a chapter.
7.2 At least five members are required to form a chapter and petition by acceptance and recognition, but generally speaking the Chapter should achieve a membership of ten members by the end of the first year of operation. While there is no specific petition format required, the chapter application must specify the following:
a. The location and geographic area to be included and represented by the Chapter;
b. Each Chapter will have at a minimum: a President, 1st Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer. Additional positions may be made at the discretion of the Chapter officers. The Chapter President will be a member of the POVA Board.
c. The names of proposed Chapter officers and a roster of current members who will retain membership in the Association and the Chapter;
d. A specific statement that the proposed Chapter will organize itself and conduct its business in accordance with the provisions of the Association’s Constitution;
e. A specific statement that the new chapter will at all times comply with all applicable state and Federal laws, rules, and regulations regarding financial management and reporting, collection and protection of chapter financial assets, and proper application and maintenance of its chosen level and method of legal incorporation. In addition, a copy of all incorporation documents, filings, and related materials must be provided to POVA.
f. A specific recognition that the proposed Chapter is at all times subordinate to and dependent on the Association, and is not a separate legal or organizational entity which is, or may be, in conflict with the Association and its Constitution and by-laws.
g. Attach a copy of proposed Chapter organizing document, rules, and other documents that describe how the Chapter will be organized and managed.
7.3 Chapter Finances - Chapters are not authorized to assess their members for dues. Only the Association is authorized to collect dues to support programs and activities benefiting the entire membership. Because POVA is a registered non-profit organization, any chapters must conduct their business and financial matters in a manner at all times consistent with those of POVA.
a. Membership dues will be shared between the national association and local chapters. The percentage of the split of membership dues will be 20% National and 80% Chapter fund. The Association Trustees Vice President Finance will provide the chapters with their financial statements to ensure transparency. Members will pay POVA dues directly to the POVA Vice President Finance. The Association Vice President Finance will in-turn reimburse each chapter based on its active members quarterly.
b. Each new petition received and approved by the Association will receive the chapter’s dues allocation immediately. Chapters are authorized and encouraged to find legal means to finance their programs and activities.
c. No Chapter has the authority to enter into any contract that imposes any liability on the Association, nor shall a chapter incur any obligation or debt that cannot be met out of the available funds and resources of the Chapter.
d. The Association is not responsible for any liabilities that the Chapter may incur.
7.4 POVA reserves the right to take control of any chapter it deems to be insolvent or otherwise incapable of managing its affairs. Nothing in this chapter will prevent POVA from dissolving any chapter it deems incapable of competent management of its processes or finances. Upon such dissolution, all assets of the dissolved chapter will be evaluated and disposed of by POVA in accordance with applicable legal means and methods.
7.5 A separate legally-constituted membership organization or association may become a chapter of the Association by following its own approval processes. Once accepted as a chapter of POVA, any constitutional or other organizational inconsistencies must be amended, deleted, or otherwise removed from conflict with POVA’s Constitution. Any remaining provisions which come in conflict with POVA’s Constitution will be null and void and in all cases subordinate to POVA’s provisions. Chapter can be activated only upon the approval of the POVA Board of Directors once an appropriate petition has been submitted.
7.6 Upon approval of the petitioning chapter’s application, POVA will issue a formal written charter to the new Chapter, and announce its formation in the periodic Association newsletter.
7.7 All Chapter meetings will be held in accordance with Article IV, 4.3 of this Constitution.