ISSA CHAPTER FORMATION

www.issa-isb.org

HOW TO START
A NEW ISSA CHAPTER
The 12 Steps of Chapter Formation
1. Define your geographic boundary
2. Recruit a minimum of 10 paid chapter members
3. Select a chapter name
4. Adopt chapter bylaws
5. Establish chapter dues
6. Elect chapter officers
7. Establish a regular meeting schedule
8. Submit minutes for three meetings
9. Complete and submit chapter application
10. Apply for your US tax identification number, under ISSAs group exemption
11. Open your chapter bank account
12. Establish direct deposit of chapter dues distribution into your bank account

DEFINE YOUR GEOGRAPHIC

BOUNDARY

We recommend drawing a 50-mile/80-km radius around

your city. In highly populated areas, the geographic region
may be smaller to reduce the required commute time and
encourage meeting attendance.

RECRUIT A MINIMUM OF 10
PAID CHAPTER MEMBERS

Assembling steering committee of 3-5 respected peers is the

most effective way to begin the formation of your chapter.
1. Develop a list of local industry leaders and peers
2. ISSA can provide a list of current members in your
geographic region
3. ISSA can arrange for invitations to be sent to (ISC)2
members in your region
4. Publicize your meetings on ISSAs Calendar of Events.
5. Initiate a member guest program
6. Approach companies with potential for organizational
membership
7. Conferences and Trade Shows

SELECT A CHAPTER NAME

Chapter should be descriptive of the unique geographic

region, meaningful to
the members and readily recognizable to prospective
members.
ISSA-Islamabad Chapter
www.issa-isb.org

ADOPT CHAPTER BYLAWS

Bylaw of chapter are explained in Bylaws Presentation

ESTABLISH CHAPTER DUES

ISSA will provide your chapter with $250 seed money once
your bank account is opened and direct deposit is
established. Subsequently ISSA will make a monthly deposit
to your account for any dues collected.. Chapter dues for
your founding members are waived for the first year.
Your chapter has the discretion to set dues in whatever
amount you deem appropriate for your needs.
Average chapter dues are $25 though they range from no
dues to $100.

ELECT CHAPTER OFFICERS

Your chapter will need at least a president, secretary and

treasurer. Job descriptions for these officers are included
in the bylaws.

Elections should be conducted in accordance with the

bylaws you have just adopted.

ESTABLISH A REGULAR
MEETING SCHEDULE

Some chapters meet quarterly. Additionally, a regular day

(i.e. the third Thursday of the month) and location is
desirable because it makes it easier for your members to
plan and include your meetings in their schedules.

We encourage you to establish and publicize the meeting

schedule for your first year.

SUBMIT MINUTES FOR

THREE MEETINGS
Your meetings should be designed to meet the professional needs of your members.
Presentations and educational offerings at ISSA meetings often qualify for continuing
education
credits for your members and guests.
The formats typically chosen by chapters include:
Technical presentations by ISSA members, recognized leaders of information security
or vendors. Vendor presentations should be informational and vendor neutral. Ideally,
vendor marketing and sales reps would identify someone within their company (i.e.
product developer, information security practitioner) to make the presentation.
Round table discussions among peers to bring your collective expertise to solving
real issues.
Conferences with speakers and topics recommended by chapter members

Opportunities to socialize and build those peer relationships with your professional
colleagues.

Submit MOM as format is given.

COMPLETE AND SUBMIT

CHAPTER APPLICATION
This is your formal application to become an active and official ISSA
chapter. The form must be accompanied by the following documents:
Chapter bylaws
Chapter boundary map
List of your founding officers and members including ISSA membership
ID numbers and contact information not already included in their
membership records.
Minutes of three chapter meetings
Upon approval of your application, ISSA staff will:
Add your chapter to the ISSA website
Forward a copy of the Chapter Operations Reference Manual to your
Chapter President
Prepare your chapter charter certificate

APPLY FOR YOUR US TAX

IDENTIFICATION NUMBER, UNDER
ISSAS GROUP EXEMPTION

Not Applicable here in Pakistan.

OPEN YOUR CHAPTER BANK

ACCOUNT

Establish an account for dues collection.

You will need to bring in your corporate minutes that
list who your chapter officers are and whom will be a
signer on the bank account.
Usually the signers will by the President and
Treasurer. Both should be present to sign the
signature card when the account is opened.

ESTABLISH DIRECT DEPOSIT OF

CHAPTER DUES DISTRIBUTION INTO
YOUR BANK ACCOUNT

If you chapter has chapter dues, you will need to authorize

ISSA to make bank-to-bank deposits for your monthly
distribution of dues we have collected on your behalf. All you
need to do is complete the Direct Deposit Authorization form
(enclosed) as soon as your bank account is opened.
Enclose a voided check from your account with the form and
send it to:
ISSA Controller
9220 SW Barbur Blvd., #119-333
Portland, OR, 97219
USA