Based on the ASAE numbers, about 48% say yes!
To put into more context, let’s look at some stats and takeaways from the 2022 Chapter Performance & Benchmarking Report …
With an average of 74 chapters, each averaging 308 members, there are quite a few members out there looking to connect with value locally. Now of these 74 chapters, 78% say the central organization has significant control over its chapters with 61% operating as separately incorporated chartered organizations and 17% as wholly owned subsidiaries. These can’t ope
rate independently of HQ. Twenty percent reported an independent affiliate structure and 3% are “other.”
Over a third of respondents (38%) reported a mix of chapter boundary options with state boundaries as the most common (68%).
All this to say is that not all organizations have chapters, and the arrangement between HQ and chapters varies. Which in turn means, the right strategy for your association will be based on many variables including answers to questions such as:
- What do your members need that can be best delivered at the local level?
- Where is the opportunity for associations in having chapters? As brand-extenders? As incubators for new products, new business lines, new strategies? As new avenues and types of member engagement? As new marketing strategies? As new governing strategies?
- Looking at your mission and goals, is there a relevant role that chapters uniquely serve?
Exploring the answers to these questions can help you shift your thinking from trying to solve what’s not working towards building on what is working.
Want to know more? Download the full 2022 Chapter Performance & Benchmarking Report.
Here are some additional resources on the value of chapters (note: several are years old but still hold valuable insight into the ever probing question – “are chapters worth the effort?” P.S. of course they are!):
- Chapter of the Future – Association Evolve article by Peggy Hoffman on findings of 2022 Benchmarking study.
- ASAE 2006 Chapter ROI Report – A snapshot of the 2006 ASAE study that served as a catalyst for the 2016 benchmarking study.
- Are Chapters Worth The Effort: 2016 Chapter Benchmarking Report – A study on the ROI of components.
- Components & Member Experience: A Look at ROI – More on the 2006 research study which examined the ROI of components.