CARE: Chapter Affiliation Requirements

Chapter Affiliation Requirements (CARE) are a set of performance guidelines designed to help chapters deliver consistent benefits to members. CARE consists of elements in five key areas that are necessary for running a chapter like a business: administration, financial, membership, professional development, and communication.

Early Submission Deadline: January 17, 2020*
*Early submission will enter the chapter in to a drawing to win a free ALC registration.

Submission Deadline: January 31, 2020

The Partnership Team, comprised of chapter leaders from diverse chapters, members from the National Advisors for Chapters (NAC), and staff, recommended a two-year pilot program as a part of CARE to the ATD Board of Directors. The Board approved the pilot program, and the program has continued.

Here are the key highlights of the program:

Joint membership requirement reduced to 35% for individual chapters.
50% joint membership goal to be measured in the aggregate (all chapters). View the current progress.
Joint membership activities added to requirements to help chapters plan for success.
Rewards program to recognize top three chapters in each size category with cash and complimentary registrations.

More detailed information can be found below:

Questions? Please contact your chapter relations manager.

CARE Resources

2019 CARE Planning Workbook

Created to help leaders gather and document CARE-related information for the CARE survey. The workbook mirrors the online CARE survey. It is recommended that chapters complete this workbook prior to completing the online CARE submission.

2019 CARE Submission Summary (Chapters reporting on the 2018 calendar year)

Benchmark your chapter with others. The summary includes results and demographic information based on responses provided by ATD chapters on their 2018 activities.

Summary

2019 CARE Planning Tool

Allows chapter leaders to keep track of the completion status for each of the CARE elements and the joint membership activities. Review the CARE Planner Job Aid to learn how to implement this tool in your board meetings.

CARE Element Matrix

Lists all CARE elements, their purpose, and how chapters can accomplish them. Also includes resources available to assist with each element.

CARE Element Quick List

A handy reference guide listing all CARE components and elements.

List

Joint Membership Activities Job Aid

Lists joint membership activities and resources available to help chapters accomplish at least 10.

Risk Assessment Guide

Use this guide to conduct a risk assessment for your chapter, and achieve CARE element 1.8.

CARE Informational and Planning Webcast

Members of the National Advisors for Chapters share more about the process, chapter best practices, and the secrets to meeting the most commonly missed elements.

Webcast

Addendum Document Resources

2019 CARE Membership Roster

A chapter's membership roster should be in Excel format, and list the chapter's active members as of December 31, 2019.

Membership Roster Template

2020 CARE Board Membership Roster

Template in Excel format that chapter leaders should use to submit their board roster with the CARE submission. (Updates should be sent to the chapter relations manager when changes occur.)

Board Roster Template

2020 Chapter Operating Plan

The chapter operational plan provides a framework for doing business effectively and managing resources efficiently. There is no set template.

Recommendations on how to accomplish:
• Identify the objectives, tasks, and timelines associated with each annual goal and major strategy area based on member needs.
• Annually review and update, if necessary, your operational plan to ensure it aligns with the chapter’s mission and/or vision.
• Use the operational plan to identify how the chapter will address CARE elements throughout the year.

Where can I go for additional information?
• Chicagoland’s Operational Plan
• Florida Suncoast’s Operational Plan
• San Diego’s Operational Plan

Most Recent Yearly Balance Sheet and Income Statement

Preparing and managing a chapter operating budget helps leaders plan for and deliver products and services that meet member needs without exceeding the chapter’s financial resources. There is no set template.

Recommendations on how to accomplish:
• Develop a budget:
1. Assess the chapter's current financial position.
2. Review the chapter's goals and existing programs and services based on members’ needs.
3. Estimate revenue for the coming year.
4. Estimate expenses for the coming year.
5. Prepare budget worksheets for each program and administrative area.
6. Compile all program and administrative budgets into an overall annual chapter budget.
7. Have board approve final budget.
• Publish final budget in chapter newsletter, member mailing, or make available to members electronically.
• Review the budget at mid-year (recommended) and make adjustments as necessary. Establish a reserve account for unexpected expenses.

Where can I go for additional information?
• Baton Rouge Chapter's Budget Spreadsheet
• Central Iowa Chapter’s Budgeting Planning Spreadsheet and Financials
• Nebraska Chapter’s Transparent Budget Reports: Budget Template and Expenses Reporting
• Sample Budget Planning Worksheet
• Sample Association Financial Statement

CARE Results

The CARE membership goal helps establish that members of ATD and its chapters are part of the same organization with shared valuable resources and a shared compelling mission that effectively meets members’ professional development needs.

Power Membership Award Winners

2019 CARE Results