FORM A NEW CHAPTER

If there is not currently an active APBP chapter in your city, state or region, contact APBP about starting a new chapter!

Requirements to start a new chapter:

1. Identify the specific geographic area for your new chapter. APBP chapters can cover a city, multi-city region, or be state-wide.
2. Ensure there is not an existing APBP chapter that overlaps with the geographic area being proposed for a new chapter. 
3. Identify a chair or two co-chairs to help lead the chapter. They must be current APBP members.
4. A minimum of 10 current APBP members within the geographic area being proposed for the new chapter. Search the member directory (must be logged in)
5. Review the chapter resources including the samle MOU so you have an understanding of the expectations of a chapter.
6. Send an email to APBP HQ with the request to start a new chapter. Include the information above as well as a short explanation of why a new chapter in your area is needed and how you plan to support and grow the chapter (e.g. host regular meetings or gatherings, plan events or speakers, plan webinar viewings, etc.)

Reasons to start a local chapter:

1. Help APBP members succeed
2. Connect and engage APBP members
3. Grow APBP members' knowledge and expertise
4. Put a local face on APBP
5. Create a feedback loop between APBP and APBP members
6. Strengthen and grow the profession locally
7. Promote interdisciplinary conversation and collaboration
8. Work across disciplines to achieve local active, sustainable transportation goals
9. Inspire creativity across jurisdictions and political divides
10. Add value to and expand APBP membership

Recommended Elements of APBP Local Chapters

1. Member Benefits

• Social & networking events
• Mentor opportunities
• Contribute to the profession
• Engage with APBP

2. Program Diversity

• Meet-ups – purely social or with program elements
• Panels
• Pecha Kucha sessions
• Presentations by thought leaders and subject matter experts
• Active Transportation Tours (i.e. Complete Streets tours)
• Women Cycling Summit

3. Professional Development

• Host local and regional conferences
• Host APBP webinars
• Host APBP on-site workshops (accessibility, bicycle parking, complete streets)

4. Effective Communication

• To, from and between members
• With other APBP chapters
• Ensure strong member input into APBP programming
• With other organizations
• With local and regional government by recommending policies and engagement in public discussion

5. Outreach

• Students/academic programs
• Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committees
• Professionals in advocacy organizations
• Pro bono work in underserved communities (e.g. walk and bike audits)
• Senior mobility
• Schools, parks, transit (Safe Routes to School; to Parks, to Transit)
• Elected Officials

If you are interested in starting a chapter, please contact Lauren Santangelo ([email protected]) at APBP headquarters.