New Chapter Document

Are you interested in developing a local ISSA Chapter? Please check the global chapter list to ensure there is not currently a chapter in your area. If you have any questions, you may contact ISSA Chapter Relations at chapter@issa.org.

Full Chapter Resources

Members can view our full Chapter Resources by clicking here (sign in required).

Chapter Quick Start Guide

1. In order to be formally recognized by ISSA International as a chapter, you must have a minimum of 10 active members.
   1. It is ok to start a chapter with less than 10 members
   2. Min recommended is 3 people – multiple roles can be assigned to them
   3. Select who will be officers: President, Secretary, Treasurer
   (Keep in mind that an ISSA member can be part of multiple chapters.)
   1. If a chapter leader doesn’t have an existing ISSA account, they can sign up as ‘At Large’ member and switch to the new chapter once it is officially added. Find out more about our memberships here: https://www.issa.org/membership
2. Determine your Geographic boundary, suggested to have a 50-mile/80-km radius around the focal point of the chapter. Confirm you are not overlapping with other existing chapters. Check global chapters page for a full list.
3. Create a chapter name
4. Draft and adopt chapter bylaws (refer to section II of the full manual for more information)
5. Hold at least (3) chapter formation meetings – submit meeting minutes with your application (sample meeting outline attached at the end of this document)
1. Serve refreshments keep it open to public, you want to recruit new members
2. Document attendance and get contact information from guests/new members and get permission to notify them of future meetings
3. Recommended to plan for quarterly or bi-monthly in person events and find sponsors to cover the costs of those events plus 10%.
(A meeting plan for the next 12 months should also be included with the application)
6. Decide on chapter dues – these are in addition to ISSA international dues which every member is required to pay to be an ISSA member
   1. These dues are collected by ISSA International and sent to chapters every month
      1. Make sure you have a checking account on file with ISSA, refer to #11
7. Submit the chapter application (attached at the end of this document). These documents must be sent with the application:
   1. Approved chapter bylaws, signed by the chapter officers
   2. Chapter boundary definition and/or map
      1. Use recognizable values; examples include a predefined region name, physical map with boundaries, or a list of zip codes
   3. List of founding ISSA members and officers
      1. Include names, ISSA member numbers, and any contact information not already included in ISSA International membership records
   4. The minutes of (3) chapter meetings
   5. A meeting schedule for the first year (including proposed topics/themes)
8. ISSA will mail a chapter certificate and add the chapter on the ISSA website upon approval of the application
9. Address Legal Obligations
   1. Permanent physical address
   2. For US based chapters:
   1. Establish an EIN number (listed on Form SS-4 from the IRS)
   2. Register as a non-profit 501(c)(6) professional organization or business tax status
   3. Some states may require chapters to register with the state as non-profit. The treasurer should investigate local laws for their state.
10. Open a bank account
    1. In the US, chapters need an EIN number
    2. Take all documentation and chapter leaders who are to be designated as authorized signers when opening the account to the local bank branch
11. Complete a direct deposit authorization form to allow ISSA International to deposit chapter dues by bank-to-bank transfers. Form is attached at the end of this document.
    1. Enclose a voided check from your account with the form and send it to:

    ISSA International Headquarters
    5718 Westheimer Rd, Suite 1000
    Houston, TX 77057 USA

12. Marketing Recommendations to get sponsors and new members:
    1. Set up a LinkedIn Business page with your approved chapter name to notify the community of your formation
       1. Make sure to have a way for interested parties to reach you (through direct messaging) and to promote any upcoming in-person events
    2. Create a website for your chapter (optional). You will need a domain name and a webhost. Contact chapter@issa.org for recommendations and guidance.
    3. Contact cybersecurity conferences occurring in your area to offer a media partnership. You can offer a way to share a discount code with ISSA members, and they should give you an exhibitor table at the conference where the new officers can meet prospective new members.
    4. ISSA International has a standard logo design and can add your chapter name to the logo to be used on your marketing information & social media. Email chapter@issa.org for support in getting that created.