Frequently Asked Questions About Chapters
How can I start a new chapter?
If you wish to start a new chapter, first visit SfN's online chapter locations list to determine whether there is a chapter in your area. In the event the local chapter is inactive, you may reactivate the existing chapter by following the steps included under "How Can I Reactivate a Chapter?" If there is no chapter in your area, a prospective chapter must submit a "Chapter Petition Form" to chapters@sfn.org. The petition form is available online and must be signed by 10 Regular or Emeritus members of SfN living in the same region. Chapter Petitions are reviewed semiannually by SfN Council.
What is the deadline to submit a new chapter petition and chapter bylaws?
Applications are received on a rolling basis. Applications are reviewed by the Global Membership Committee once in the fall and in the spring.
How can I reactivate a chapter?
Each chapter must have a chapter representative who is a regular active member of SfN. Chapters may hold elections to determine who will act as the incoming chapter representative. Once elected, the chapter representative should fill out the "Chapter Representative Form" located in the online Resource Kit. The chapter representative must also submit a report detailing the chapter's upcoming activities to chapters@sfn.org. The SfN Chapters Coordinator will alert the Chapter Representative regarding the chapter status.
What are the benefits of having an active chapter?
There are many benefits of establishing and maintaining an active chapter in your area. Active chapters are eligible to apply for various grants and awards provided by the Society. Awards include: SfN Chapter Grants and Chapter of the Year Award.
What types of activities are supported by the Chapter Grant Awards?
The Chapter Grant Awards are designed to achieve three goals: 1) To help new chapters succeed or reinvigorate older, dormant chapters; 2) To promote goals of the SfN Strategic Plan; and 3) To promote initiatives linked to neuroscience literacy, education, and training. It is helpful to keep these goals in mind when preparing a chapter grant proposal.
Does SfN have my chapter's roster for membership?
Each chapter is responsible for maintaining the roster of participating members. SfN may have a copy of your chapter's roster if provided within your chapter's annual report. These rosters typically do not have contact information for each individual.
Can SfN provide me with contact information for members in my chapter's region?
SfN cannot provide contact information for its members. If you would like to send an eblast to notify SfN members in your area about an upcoming activity or your chapter in general, please email chapters@sfn.org and provide all of the ZIP codes you are interested in capturing and the message to be included. In this message, chapter representatives are welcome to request contact information from SfN members interested in receiving communication from their local chapter.
Does SfN have copies of my chapter bylaws?
Chapters are responsible for maintaining a copy of their bylaws as well as ensuring that their bylaws are passed on to the succeeding chapter representative. SfN may have a copy of your chapter bylaws if they were submitted to chapters@sfn.org.
Can my chapter use the SfN logo and where can I find it?
An active chapter may use the SfN logo for any chapter-related activities, such as a Brain Awareness Activity. Email chapters@sfn.org for approved logo files.
