HOW TO APPLY FOR A CHARTER TO OPERATE A NEW CHAPTER OF THE NATIONAL RAILWAY HISTORICAL SOCIETY

· Complete the enclosed Charter Application in accordance with the instruction sheet.

· Return the Charter Application along with completed membership applications and applicable National dues from non-NRHS persons interested in joining the proposed new Chapter.

· Within the broad guidelines provided in “ARTICLE II Purpose” of the National Railway Historical Society Constitution and Bylaws, include a brief statement with the application describing what the proposed new Chapter plans to do during the next two or three years. In other words, describe the rail-oriented interests of the group and indicate what types of programs the group plans to conduct in an effort to grow.

· Although National Railway Historical Society Bylaws require a new Chapter to begin with only ten new members, past experience has shown that a Chapter is more assured of success if it starts with a minimum of fifteen members.

· Prior to granting a Charter, the Board of Directors takes into consideration the comments offered by any existing Chapters in the same general area as the Applicant Chapter.

· Study the enclosed Chapter Operations Manual. The information therein is very helpful to both new units and existing Chapters to guide them to more appealing and diverse programs.

· Should a greater supply of membership applications be required, copies of the front side of the application are acceptable.

· Submit a set of Chapter Bylaws that are consistent with those of the Society. The sample enclosed may be used as an example.

· In selecting officers for the proposed Chapter, the individual designated to serve as National Director should have the resources to permit his participation in at least one of the Society’s three Board Meetings each year. The National Director is the individual with whom the National Officers conduct official correspondence. Since the National director is, in fact, the spokesman for his Chapter at Board Meetings, he should be articulate and able to express his Chapter’s wishes.