New Chapter Formation

Through ongoing discussions with the members and leaders of NAAMA, it was felt that membership growth and involvement should start at the local grass roots level. It is easier logistically for interested physicians and health professionals within a reasonable distance to assemble, organize and become more active. This is the logic behind NAAMA’s policy to establish chapters to cover a 100-mile radius, creating a balance between facilitating the effort and unnecessary splintering.

There are many advantages in forming NAAMA chapters. These include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. A local chapter provides its members a forum for getting together, exchanging experiences and networking.

2. It provides a platform for family involvement and social activities.

3. It helps to maintain our heritage and aids the new generation in developing an identity and pride in their roots.

4. It projects a positive image in the local community through participation in cultural and civic affairs.

5. It sets an example to the rest of the Arab community, and can lead their philanthropic and humanitarian drives.

6. It sponsors CME activities, usually with the support of pharmaceutical companies.

7. It provides a position and representation at the national level, and grooms potential national leaders.

8. It has the ability to bid for and host the annual national medical convention.

How to start

If you have eight or more members and non-members willing to join, then a meeting to elect the governing body, according to the accepted parliamentary procedures, is the first and most important step. The minutes of the proceedings should be recorded. The leadership then presents a petition to NAAMA’s Board of Directors for acceptance and incorporates the chapter on the state level. After several years’ existence, the chapter may apply to utilize the national association's 501(C)3 Federal tax exemption by adhering to NAAMA’s guidelines.

Our association and community are faced with significant challenges. It is our duty to lead the effort in dealing with them.

Please consider this a plea to recruit more members, take the initiative in your area to organize and establish new chapters, enlarge and energize the current ones, and let your voice be heard in directing your association. A lot is at stake and strength is in unity and numbers.

Many cities were cited as good candidates for new chapters: Livingston, Cincinnati, Philadelphia, Milwaukee, San Diego, San Francisco and Tampa to name a few.

Organizational assistance

NAAMA’s office and Executive Committee would be more than happy to facilitate the process by providing model bylaws, guidelines, brochures, and membership applications. The assistance of nearby established chapters can be useful. An experienced facilitator would be helpful if needed. We stand ready to assist in any capacity, and would welcome any call about the subject.

We are counting on you, appreciate all you can do, and hope to introduce and welcome you as a new chapter at our National Medical Conventions this fall.