We look forward to you joining this professional organization in its nationwide efforts to address and affect issues as they relate to the field of criminal justice.

A minimum of twelve charter/re-charter members are needed to begin a NABCJ chapter. The first twelve members will be listed on the chapter's charter document. The initial twelve members are considered charter members. Only the names of the charter members will appear on the chapter's charter document.

When developing a new chapter, every effort should be made to encourage membership and participation from a broad representation of the community including religious, educational and civic leaders, as well as other individuals who are concerned about the impact of the criminal justice process and people of color.

One or two interested individuals, who may already be members of the Association, should undertake the initial chapter development efforts. Letters and phone calls to prospective chapter members should be directed to those individuals who may be most interested in being a part of NABCJ. It is important to remember that membership in the Association is open to all, without regard to race, creed, religion, or national origin, who share our concern of improving the criminal justice system and lessening the negative impact of the process of African-Americans and other people of color.

A date, time, and place for an initial meeting should be set. One of the initial chapter organizers should chair the meeting. At the initial meeting, information regarding the Association, its mission, objectives, membership requirements, and accomplishments should be presented. At that meeting, if a consensus is reached regarding the need to establish a new chapter, the following action should be taken before the conclusion of the meeting:

1. The prospective chapter must adopt a set of bylaws which are consistent with those of the National Office. Most chapters utilize the National bylaws in designing their bylaws document. The bylaws will become the initial governing document of the new chapter. Most new chapters of NABCJ have adopted the National's bylaws and have substituted their chapter's name in the place of the National's. The bylaws can, at a later time, be modified to reflect any needed changes.
2. Copies of the terms and conditions of affiliation with NABCJ can be distributed. This document outlines the responsibilities and duties of the National Office of NABCJ to its chapters and vice versa.
3. Dues should be collected consistent with the information listed.
4. A slate of officers should then be elected. The officers may be elected to serve for a period of one year, or they may be elected to serve until some other time at which the expanded chapter will vote in permanent slate. A president, vice president, secretary, and treasurer are the required officers. In addition, a parliamentarian and corresponding secretary may be elected as well. A resolution authorizing the Treasurer to open a local bank account in the name of the chapter should be offered and adopted by the membership of the new chapter.
5. Several operating committees should then be established. These may have as their focus: a) membership; b) public relations/publicity; c) fund-raising; d) a time, date, and place for holding the monthly membership meetings should be established. A standard date and time for the monthly chapter meeting generally works best. A decision should be made as to the exact name of the new chapter. Finally, the secretary or president of the new chapter should be authorized to acquire a local post office box to serve as the official mailing address of the new chapter.