Start a Region where you live
Five members and three officers. That is how every Region begins.
What a Region needs
The minimum standard in Article 3.2 of the Constitution and Bylaws.
- Five dues-paying members. At least five members in good standing who live in the Region area.
- Three officers. A President, a Secretary and a Treasurer (or Financial Secretary). A Vice President is strongly recommended.
- Short Region bylaws. A brief written constitution or bylaws saying how officers are chosen and how money is handled.
- A roster and two contacts. A membership roster, with names and official emails for at least two points of contact.
- A written commitment. To follow the INC-USA Constitution and Bylaws, including national reporting and discipline.
How a Region is recognised
Article 3.3, the direct path to membership.
- ApplySend the Region Recognition Application to the National Secretary. You can do it online here.
- VerificationThe Secretariat checks the minimum requirements and may ask you questions.
- NoticeYour application goes to every Director at least 14 days before the Board meeting that considers it.
- VoteThe Directors vote. A simple majority of Directors present, with a quorum, admits the Region.
- ActivationOnce admitted and the Region's dues are paid, the Region can vote at the Convention.
Questions
What if we have fewer than five members?
Where geography or population makes forming a Region hard, the Directors may waive the minimum down to three members for up to twelve months, by a two-thirds vote of all Directors in office. A waiver comes with a growth plan and a review date (Article 3.2).
Until then, you can take part through the nearest Region. Find your Region.
What are the dues?
Each recognised Region pays the Congress $600 a year (Article 3.4 and Appendix L).
Member dues are set by the Region itself.
I live where there is no Region yet
Article 3.5 lets Itsekiris without a local Region take part as National-At-Large Affiliate Participants. They affiliate with an existing Region, may attend the Convention and national programmes, and are encouraged to organise locally. They cannot vote or hold national office until they belong to a recognised Region.
Who can I ask?
Write to us and the Secretariat will answer. Read Article III in full in the Constitution and Bylaws.