Structure
How do I know if it’s time for our chapter to disband and form a member community?
- When membership has dropped below 12 people, as mandated in the bylaws
- Low membership drives a smaller leadership pool which impacts the continuation of officers that are recycled.
- The chapter due to socio-economic issues, churches that have closed, no nearby music programs in colleges and demonstrates that there is no potential for growth
Is there a minimum or maximum number of members permitted in a membership community?
- No, there is not.
- If a member community reaches 25 members, we should encourage them to become a chapter, if they meet the following requirements:
- They have identified those who are willing to serve
- They have created a leadership pipeline
- They have used funds from the member community fund to produce at least one annual program, with an attendance of a minimum of 20 attendees
Who leads the community?
- It should be a former dean, someone who has served as an officer, or a member with strong communication skills.
Can the chapter, if it disbands, still have access to all of its current assets?
- Any funds that are remaining from disbanded chapters are placed in a special member community fund, that will allow member communities to request money to be used for an event or project. The process would be that they submit a form detailing what the money will be used for. If approved, national will pay all expenses.
What do we do with our chapter bank account? Can a member community have a bank account?
- No, we do not want them to have a bank account because that would require a treasurer and bookkeeping, which defeats the purpose of lessening leadership responsibilities.
- As they are Independent members, no portion of dues will be sent to member communities.
Can we accept donations from the public as a member community? If so, are such donations tax deductible? Is a member community considered a non-profit organization?
- No. The AGO could create a national donations fund for member communities. We could also consider allocating some of the donations to the AGO communities fund.
- If a community produces an event that receives income, the money must be sent to national, or make a donation to the member community fund.
Does a member community need to file annually with the IRS?
- No, because they are not acting as a non-profit entity.
Do members of an AGO member community have to be AGO (Independent) members?
- Yes.
- Chapter friends can also become member community friends. The community friends would send dues of $25.00 to the AGO and it would be put into the member community fund.
- AGO community members will also have the ability to have a dual membership with another chapter, should they wish to do this.
Current Member Communities
Click here for a listing of current member communities.
