NetworkingChapter

Purpose Statement:  Facilitate networking, education, and local community engagement through a variety of events, activities, and access to resources.

Framework:

• Networking Chapters form organically based on convenient/local geographical areas. These groups will have minimal structure and draw resources and assistance from SFPE. They will be led by a leadership team of volunteers. Each group will have a high level of autonomy in determining its governance and activities, but will be required to liaison actively with SFPE. The model is deliberately adaptable to allow for an area’s unique characteristics.
•  Legal & Financial Aspects
  • The local group is not a separate, independent organization; it is a component of SFPE. As such, in most cases they will not be required to register as a non-profit in the state unless warranted by state regulations. They will not need to have governing documents such as articles of incorporation or by-laws, obtain their own IRS exemption, or file 990s. As an arm of the SFPE, they will be covered by SFPE’s IRS designation.
  • The relationship between SFPE and the local group will be set forth in the Basic Framework Document.
  • Funding is based on budgeting at SFPE HQ. Locally, groups can collect activity fees and possibly annual fees to cover mailings and communications.
  • Measurable outcomes will track to SFPE’s goals and objectives.
  • Membership is free, as part of SFPE membership, in other words, 100% of Networking Chapter members are members of SFPE global. [Non-members are actively welcomed to attend events as a non-member as part of recruiting new member strategy.]
• A Leadership Team, which will vary in size based on the needs of the group, will coordinate resources and programs within the area and be in regular contact with SFPE to facilitate support and assist SFPE in promotion of its members and their efforts.
• Each group will have the flexibility to focus on any given topic or issue appropriate to the area but will largely focus on networking, education (career or topic related), local public awareness and outreach, and local community engagement.
• SFPE will support the group by providing technology, training, access to staff, and assistance in staff support to the leadership team. Resources available (via SFPE):
  • Membership infrastructure
  • Communications support
  • Event infrastructure (registration, logistics support, speaker assistance)
  • Activity and governance guidance
  • Electronic resources
  • Financial support
  • Support to tie into SFPE meetings and other activities
  • Facilitating communication between local chapters and other SFPE components

Metrics of Success (This outlines the measurable outcomes; more work will be needed to determine what is success):

• Member satisfaction and Net Promoter Score based on surveys to be implemented by SFPE.
•  The availability and desirability of member interactions and service opportunities within a community.

Typical Steps for a New Group:

1. Form an Exploratory Team (which may become the Leadership Team but not required)
   • Identify 3-5 champions
   • SFPE hosts a call/meeting to orient the team to the concept and explore the interest, likelihood for success and potential barriers and opportunities
2. Conduct a situational analysis to answer the question, “what will serve our needs?” This may be accomplished on the first call or need additional “research” to:
   • Identify existing similar groups and activities that may either compete or provide collaboration opportunities – where are we today?
   •  Prepare a profile of the area – SFPE membership, other SFPE groups (e.g., section), nature of FPE community, potential targets in academic and industry settings – who are or could be our members?
   •  Review available resources locally: people, money, sponsors, prospect universe – what do we have to work with?
   •  Identify what’s missing in the area that we can capitalize on – where can we improve the current situation for fire protection engineering in our area?
3.  Chart a Path
   • Host a gathering to test the waters, or if you already have a group
   • Set-up the chapter
4. Important Steps to Consider:
   • Determine the Leadership Team make-up (consider roles, skills/experience needed, number, terms, training/orientation)
   • Determine the virtual home page (as the central point)
   • Open the virtual home page on SFPE online community

For questions on how to start a networking chapter, please contact Eva Przygodzki, SFPE Chapter Egnagement Manager.