CHAPTER OPERATIONS

Back to: Chapter Leadership Training

Why Start a Chapter?

  • Promote BYU and develop uncommon loyalty.
  • Provide service to the community.
  • Raise money for replenishment grants for BYU students from your area.
  • Develop friendships and networks.
  • Develop educational and spiritual opportunities for BYU alumni, Church members, and friends.
  • Build the Church in your area through BYU.

Create a Committee

A strong supportive chapter committee is essential to a chapter's long-term success. Members should understand the Spirit of the Y, have a passion for supporting BYU and take lead roles in connecting alumni and get them involved in the chapter. Find diverse geographical representation to ensure coverage of the entire chapter.

Here are three steps to help you in creating your committee:

  1. Reach out BYU at m_sherry@byu.edu to find the population information for your region and involved alumni
  2. Determine interest. List of possible groups below that may be interested in attending events.
    • Alumni
    • Friends of BYU, which may include people whose children have gone to BYU, sports fans, or others
    • Church members and the local community
    • BYU Alumni and friends who are already involved with a constituency group such as the law or business school in your area
  3. Organize a Committee Pick at least 3 individuals and/or couples to serve on your committee from multiple stakes and identify liaisons from various wards.

Create a Chapter Plan

Creating a chapter plan can help your chapter achieve True Blue; collaborate with local Church leaders to address the needs of wards and stake; connect alumni to the university; reignite the feeling of the Spirit of the Y, and play a part in fulfilling BYU's divine mission.

You can achieve your objectives, by following these steps:

  1. Determine needs
  2. Build your calendar of events using the Reporting System
  3. Delegate tasks
  4. Plan for evaluation and set goals
  5. Learn from each effort
  6. Repeat

Chapter Finances

Chapter finances and fundraising are essential to the success of your chapter. Ensure you are up to date on all information by reviewing Chapter Finances & Fundraising.

There are two types of accounts:

  • Chapter checking or savings accounts are for your chapter operations. If you do not have an account, you can create one in your area. Contact Matt Sherry for details on how to create an account.
  • BYU account is for money held by BYU Alumni. The account holds funds for Replenishment Grants

Marketing Communication

Regular communication with alumni is essential for making the chapter relevant engaging new participants.

Here are some guidelines:

  • Use the Reporting System to request emails.
  • Review Social Media Guidelines.
  • Send broadcast emails to your chapter with relevant information. You can use the Email Request Form.
  • Increase email coverage by contacting individuals addresses on your alumni lists and sharing updates with BYU. Maintaining current records is essential for strengthening links between alumni and the university.

Chapter Positions

Keys to an Active, Dynamic Chapter

  • Capable leaderswho are passionate about supporting BYU and have the desire and time to work. One person cannot, and should not, do it all.
  • Recruited alumniwho have a passion for supporting BYU. All who express interest should be involved.
  • Volunteers who take service seriously so that events are successful.
  • Task-specific committees with alumni who fulfill assignments without constant guidance.
  • An Up-to-date Committee: Do so in the Reporting System.

Required Positions for Chapter Rosters:

  • Chapter Chair:lead, organize, and direct Chapter operations, including Replenishment Grant selection, Chapter finances, and public affairs; delegate where possible to provide meaningful service and recognition opportunities for alumni and friends.
  • Chapter Chair-Elect (person(s) who replaces the Chapter Chair): support the current Chapter Chair in one of the Chapter Event Categories.
  • Chapter @Large (determined by local needs of chapter; see an optional position below): actively recruit the next Chapter Chair-Elect; support the current Chapter Chair in one of the Chapter Event Categories.

Recommended optional positions include:

  • Past Chapter Chair
  • Secretary
  • Treasurer (required if Chapter has a local bank account)
  • Marketing Specialist
  • Public Affairs Specialist
  • Event Specialist
  • Society Coordinator (collaborates with BYU Management Society, J. Reuben Clark Law Society, etc.)
  • Membership and Data Coordinator
  • BYU-Idaho representative
  • BYU-Hawaii representative
  • BYU-Pathway Worldwide representative
  • Young Professionals representative

Recommended term of service is two to four (2-4) years and is renewable, based on local needs

'How to' Flowcharts

How to Update Chapter Leadership in Alumni Tools
How to Navigate Chapter Tools
How to Personalize your Chapter Webpage
How to Navigate Student Tools