How to Organize a Regional Chapter

OVERVIEW: A Step by Step Process

• Forming Community
• Mission Statement
• Focus Statement
• Strategic Plan
• Legal Agreement
• Incorporation
• Communications
• Networking
• Additional Information

1. Forming Community

• Find kindred spirits in your parish or diocese.
• Seek out people at the CTA Conference that are from your area.
• Network on the computer.
• Find a convenient place to meet at a regular time and day of the month.

2. Mission Statement

• After a few meetings with your new group, start to form a mission statement.
• Use the 1990 Call for Reform statement from CTA as a guide.
• Personalize it to your diocese or local area.
• Contact other regional CTA groups for samples of their mission statements.

3. Focus Statement

• Review the Call for Reform statement.
• If there are any issues of local importance, review how they fit with the Call for Reform.

4. Strategic Plan

• This process is a must for a successful organization.
• Review the plan at least once a year.
• If you would like financial contributions to be tax deductible, apply for a 501C3 status from the federal government once your state requirements are met.
• Appoint a Board of Directors and elect officers.
• Appoint a liaison for CTA.

5. Legal Agreement

• Read over the Local Chapter Agreement and the Local Cooperating Organization Agreement in order to determine which applies to your group situation.
• Set up your group as a not-for-profit entity in the state in which you reside. This step is usually easy and requires a minimal fee and annual renewal.
• Have your attorney draw up standard by-laws for your group. CTA National has samples.
• Set up a method of financial record keeping as required by law.

6. Incorporation

• Incorporation protects you from litigation to some extent and is therefore recommended.
• The Secretary of State or your attorney is the usual source of forms for incorporation.
• Follow the counsel of a legal advisor.

7. Communications

• Start a newsletter for your group and send a copy to CTA National.
• Keep CTA informed of important dates and gatherings your group is scheduling.
• Send board minutes to CTA so they can see what effect you are having in your local community.

8. Networking

• CTA is connected to many groups within the reform movement of the Church. Your group will be key in our efforts to inform and educate the laity.
• Internet addresses:
  - CTA Web Page: http://www.cta-usa.org has links to many US and international progressive church organizations
  - CTA National: cta@cta-usa.org Check our Internet Discussion Lists page for other progressive Catholic groups.

For Additional Information · Call the CTA National Office (773/404-0004) to:
- Speak with Lena Woltering, the Regional Coordinator (X 270)
- Obtain names of CTA members in your area (know the zip codes you need before calling).
- Receive additional copies of publications to distribute to potential members.
- Support your efforts with information and guidance.