Starting a Chapter FAQs

Search the Member Directory or call the AFCC office at (608) 664-3750.

AFCC has developed the Chapter Toolkit to assist new chapters.  You can find it under Chapter Resources.  If you have additional questions after you have read the toolkit, you may contact Ann Ordway, AFCC Program Director at (973) 865-4142 or [email protected] 

Yes, just use the key command “Ctrl F” and a search window will appear.

In order to call your group an AFCC Chapter, use the AFCC name and logo, you must be approved by the AFCC Board of Directors as a chartered chapter.   This requires compliance with all steps in the Chapter Toolkit, including incorporation and approval as a tax-exempt entity.

Check the Chapters page.

Here are Ways to Activate Your Local Membership. Word of mouth and exposure to AFCC conferences and events are the best ways to increase membership.

Residents of states or provinces with a small number of members can organize activities related to the AFCC mission just as a chapter might.  Most chapters begin to develop through informal discussion with an interdisciplinary group of colleagues that ultimately expands into the necessary number of members.  If the existing group of enthusiastic AFCC members hosts activities and reaches out to colleagues informally, membership usually grows along with interest in AFCC.

Each state or province may have only one AFCC Chapter.  Large geographic states or provinces may, however, host events in different communities to create easier access to chapter activities.

Each state or province must form its own chapter.

Although it is not required, it is important that those who are starting the local chapter have attended AFCC conferences and are familiar with the AFCC interdisciplinary culture. Chapter leaders should plan to attend AFCC annual conferences.

AFCC Chapter members must also belong to the parent organization.  An AFCC Chapter is designed to carry out the AFCC mission at the state and provincial level so it is important that chapter members are a part of, and understand the mission of, the parent organization.

If you have a substantial number of members and see the potential to grow to the 75 member threshold within a reasonable period of time, you may form a coordinating committee of nine AFCC members (two judicial officers, two lawyers, two behavioral health professionals and three others - all with experience in family court) and submit a letter of intent to the AFCC Executive Director.   The format and content of this letter are detailed in the Chapter Toolkit, p. 7-8.

You can start building membership and momentum for a chapter with any number. To apply for provisional chapter status there must be 75 AFCC members in your state or province.  At least 50 of those members must indicate that they are willing to join the chapter.