Chapter Operations Handbook

Chapter One

Ends Lead to Means

 

A WISE MAN ONCE SAID "If you don't know where you are going, you won't know when you get there." Call it goal setting -- call it planning -- call it what you like -- BUT PLEASE DO IT!

One of the most common concerns of field leaders is the "lack of interest" on the part of local AFA members. Often when asked "interest in what?", it is difficult for those field leaders to be specific. Do not take this as a critique, more an observation. We often assume that we understand AFA, but when pressed for specifics, we draw a blank. This is where the tie to the community becomes vital. National AFA does well in dealing with national issues -- the local chapter needs to do the same within the community! It should be the overall objective of every chapter to generate interest in a visible series of well-thought-out local activities that achieve an understandable set of local objectives in support of a strong national defense.

 

Objectives of AFA

Start with the realization that AFA has three fundamental objectives.

• To advocate and support military preparedness adequate to maintain the security of the United States and the Free World.
• To help develop friendly relations among free nations.
• To educate the members and the public at large of the many advances of aerospace technology and what that technology can contribute to the security of free people and the betterment of mankind.

Obviously, all three are lofty goals. Just as obvious should be the realization that, except for a very few chapters and individuals, the first two objectives are normally addressed at the national level. Therefore, the primary focus for most local chapters is education on the need for a strong national defense through adequate aerospace power.

Of course, as with any volunteer, civilian organization, other important social and community objectives can and do exist along side of our goal to educate -- and they should all be properly planned for. This is the reason annual Operating and Financial Plans are necessary.

 

Chapter Planning Ideas

Planning for the operating year should begin as soon as the election of officers takes place -- good reason to conduct elections in advance of the operating year.

• The newly elected officers should meet, realizing that the outcome of their session will be the formulation of the Chapter Operations Plan and will determine the organizational structure of the chapter (see section on chapter organization).
• Items you might want to consider:

- Major State/National Awards to pursue during the year -- what is required to be competitive? Who might be nominated? Who will write the nominations?

- Major programs for the year -- Timing? Themes? Speakers? Where to get speakers? Involvement of the community? Basic administrative requirements?

- Aerospace Education -- Involvement with CAP, ROTC, and JROTC? Encourage participation and sponsorship of Von Karman Scholarships, Eagle grants, USA Today "Visions" programs? Sponsor Eaker, Doolittle or Goldwater fellowships?

- Elected officials -- Develop ties to local/state/and national officials to include AFA membership? Official/routine chapter communications with officials?

- Relationship with industry/business -- targets for new Community Partners and renewals? Support desired from companies? Support to be offered companies?

- Communications -- Quarterly Newsletters -- Circulation beyond Chapter membership? Assistance in financing newsletters? How to best handle administrative requirements? How can you get support from local media?

- Base Relations -- What does the base need from AFA? Are contacts well established? Remember, the Commander of an Air Force unit or installation has community relations very high on the necessity list. AFA chapters are in perfect position to function as a catalyst in assisting the Commander in this ongoing activity. Also, if chapters fail to do it, other civic groups will step in. BE FIRST!

- Membership -- What is the chapter goal? Will you work year-round? How will you handle a membership campaign on the base? Who do you want to recruit into AFA? How can you insure all new members affiliate with you?

- Budget -- What will your expenses be? Can you send individuals to state, regional and national AFA meetings? What is your projected revenue from support payments, new memberships and Community Partners? Where else can you generate revenue?

- Leadership -- Who should be appointed to the Executive Committee? Who do you need to recruit into AFA? Are you a community cross-section?

This certainly is not an all-inclusive list, nor must specifics be decided on during the planning session. However, if you follow these ideas as a guide, and read the rest of this handbook for additional "how to's", not only will you know where the chapter is going, but, most importantly, you will know when you get there.

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