SRNT is an international scientific society. To meet the networking and educational needs of members around the world, SRNT supports the creation of geographically defined Chapters.

Chapters are part of SRNT’s overall organizational structure and report to the SRNT Board of Directors. However, Chapters have their own elected governance to address day-to-day issues. Chapters are intended to be financially self-sufficient. SRNT financial support may be given at the discretion of the SRNT Board of Directors.

Chapters may present their own geographically-focused conferences, webinars, networking opportunities, and other programming.

Chapters are established because members in a given region have the volunteer resources and the desire to support formation—and long-term maintenance—of a Chapter. A Chapter without a sufficient number of interested, engaged volunteers is not likely to succeed.

A minimum of 50 SRNT members or five percent of membership, whichever is smaller, must reside/work in a given geographical area in order for Chapter formation to be considered by the Board.

The local organizers should work with staff to survey potential members in order to gage interest in starting/supporting a Chapter and to develop a formal proposal for Board consideration. The proposal should include:

• • Survey results about member interest
  • Initial leadership team and governance structure
  • Plans for Chapter activities for at least one year
  • Plans for long-term financial independence

Organizers are encouraged to work with existing SRNT Chapters to understand lessons learned and best practices in their development of a Chapter.

New Chapters must develop foundational documents, such as bylaws, volunteer structure and minimal operating procedures.

While the Chapter Organizing Committee may serve as the initial Board, such service should be temporary. Within two years, a new Chapter should be prepared to hold an election of officers.

Chapters may, but are not required to, present a regional conference; there are new and innovative ways to present education and undertake networking and other activities that Chapters should consider in addition to an in-person (or virtual) conference.

SRNT recognizes regional issues/challenges exist and responses to regional needs may vary by Chapter. This includes regional laws/regulations around issues such as tobacco industry participation in conference.

Different regions may have different may have different research priorities, therefore the research/educational focus may vary from Chapter to Chapter.

Membership in SRNT is required for Chapter membership.

Membership in a new Chapter is automatic with an opt-out mechanism unless Chapter dues are charged, in which case Chapter membership is optional.

People who don’t live in a Chapter’s geographic area may participate in Chapter activities at the Chapter Board’s discretion.