Chapter Handbook

Member Chapters

Members may organize as NALIP regional Chapters to further the empowerment of Latino producers in their regions. NALIP Chapters may not incorporate as a separate organization, but can organize internally as best suits their objectives.

1. Chapters will be comprised of dues paying members in good standing of NALIP National
2. Chapters shall be entitled to the use of the NALIP name, access to NALIP's not-for-profit status and fundraising under NALIP's 501-c-3, start-up and organizing support, an annual stipend towards marketing and networking gatherings, a web page at the National website and priority to their applications for support from the Program Fund
3. Chapters will agree to operate in accordance with the mission and guidelines prescribed by NALIP National as set forth in Membership Handbook
4. Chapters will be formed according to geographic / regional interests. Under special circumstances, chapter may be formed according to other "special" interest areas as determined by membership; in these cases, chapter application will be reviewed and evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
5. Chapter Formation willbe initiated by the filing a Letter of Intent that will be reviewed by Chapter Review Committee, an ad-hoc committee of the Board and membership that will review Letters on a quarterly basis.
6. Chapter applicants will work with the Executive Director to complete the Chapter Application process which shall include, but not be limited to:
1. Letter of Intent
2. Petition of support with 10-12 member signatures
3. operating budget
4. proposed list of chapter activities for 18 month period
5. signed statement of proposed officers to serve for a minimum of one-yearupon approval of application
6. submission of annual chapter fee, the amount to be determined by the Board of Directors but which, for 2003, has been waived
7. All local chapters will have ample latitude in raising operational expenses and additional programmatic funds above their annual allocation provided the plans are vetted with NALIP National Executive Director and approved, in order to insure fairness and equity to both entities.
8. All chapters will be required to submit an annual report and fiscal accounting of activities and expenditures in order to continue as a chapter 'in good standing.' Failure to submit required information on a timely basis will result in suspension of chapter affiliation and possible revocation of chapter membership with NALIP National.
9. Board of Directors shall publish and distribution a Membership Handbook that will include criteria for approval of chapters, revenue sharing, chapter operating procedures and fiscal management, and Chapter fee levels, if any.

Guidelines for Developing a Local Chapter

NALIP Chapterswill be comprised of dues paying members in good standing of NALIP National. They will agree to operate in accordance with the mission and guidelines prescribed by NALIP National as set forth in the Bylaws and Membership Handbook, and will be formed according to geographic/regional interests. Under special circumstances, chapter may be formed according to other "special" interest areas as determined by membership; in these cases, chapter application will be reviewed and evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
These are recommended guidelines for developing a local chapter, and can be modified according to the expressed concerns of membership in Chapter area:

1. Develop a start up committee of 5-7 individuals
2. Develop a statement of purpose (e.g. To expand professional development opportunities for Latino media makers and their supporters in Texas.)
3. Start-up committee to host a networking reception to introduce potential members to organization (Reception to be co-hosted with support from representatives from national)
4. Establish a committee to develop local by-laws based on NALIP National by-laws and guiding principles
5. Establish Membership Committee
6. Establish Membership Services (Sample list provided below)
   • Host networking events quarterly (open to members & non-members)
   • Agree to participate in NALIP Job Bank (e.g.  through usage of listserv / identification of resources)
   • Initiate professional development workshops/seminars for members in good standing in conjunction with NALIP National
7. Establish formal protocols regarding chapter meetings, events and services
8. Enter into fiscal sponsorship agreement with NALIP National to be sponsored for the purposes of doing business as not-for-profit entity.

Criteria for Approval of Chapter

1. Start-up Committee must be comprised of members-in-good standing (i.e. dues paying members)
2. Start-up committee must articulate how chapter establishment and services further NALIP National mission and service goals
3. Start-up committee must evidence demonstrable support for the establishment and maintenance of chapter (i.e. critical mass of dues paying members in specific region or organized around specific special interest area)
4. Members of the start-up committee must have a track record of a minimum of one-year of organizing activities in conjunction with NALIP National and/or other media/entertainment entity
5. The Start-up Committee must commit to serve for a two year period in leadership roles (i.e.: officers) until chapter is approved and has completed one full fiscal year cycle
6. Start-up committee must submit financial materials (including operating budget and financial planning documents) that demonstrate sound fiscal goals
7. Annual Chapter fee shall be waved for 2003

Chapter Benefits

Chapters and chapters-in-formation recognized by NALIP National and operating in accordance with the NALIP Bylaws and Handbook shall be entitled to the following:

1. Use of the NALIP name in identifying their Chapter
2. Use of the NALIP not-for-profit status
3. $250/year for networking, marketing and other start-up costs
4. Page on the NALIP Website
5. Organizing support from staff and Board

Mission and Purpose

NALIP's mission is to promote the advancement, development and funding of Latino/Latino film and media arts in all genres. NALIP encourages the formation of chapters that will, through their programmatic activities and governance, aid in the identification and development of Latino leaders in media.

Communication Policy

Communication between the Board and the membership is a crucial part of a successful organization. Corporation's Board and its membership will communicate through a wide range of means, including but not limited to:

1. Website: The website will maintain updated information about programs, jobs, opportunities, membership services, and upcoming events. It shall also house background information and organization documents such as history, mission, Board minutes, membership benefits and by-laws.
2. Annual or bi-annual Letter from the Chair: To detail the organization's activities, progress and new initiatives.
3. Conference: The National Conference will include a Town Hall meeting in which members can discuss and relay matters of mutual concern.
4. Chair Access: Individual members may relay their ideas or concerns by attending the NALIP quarterly Board meetings and/or by communicating in writing with the Chair.
5. Executive Director Access: The Board requires that the Executive Director write a quarterly letter to the membership, as well as to disseminate timely information regarding opportunities, services or new benefits as these become available.
6. Membership Handbook posted on the website.