AFSA Chapter Officer Training

1. AFSA Chapter Officer Training Module 4Chapter Operations

2. Chapter Operations guidance can be found in • AFSA Manual (AFSAM) 100-1, Bylaws of the AFSA • AFSAM 100-2, Policy & Procedures of the AFSA • AFSAM 100-3, Standards for All AFSA Officers • AFSAM 100-4, Daily Operations & Requirements (100-4 contains majority chapter management) • AFSAM 100-5, AFSA Awards & Recognition Programs NOTE: Current manuals are available to download from the HQs website

3. AFSA History/Mission History: • Founded in 1961 by four Air Force NCOs who recognized the need for an organization to represent the voice of all enlisted personnel to America’s elected and military leaders. AFSA founders are Benny McGehee, Lee Thompson, Virgil Perry and Don Ward. Mission: • To advocate improved quality of life and economic fairness that will support the well-being of the Total Air Force (Air Force Active Duty, Air National Guard, and Air Force Reserve) Retirees, all enlisted personnel and their families. 

4. The AFSA Preamble With reverence for God and Country, and being ever mindful of our responsibility to aid in maintaining a superior defense for our beloved country; our interest in the welfare of persons who served and are serving in the Air Force; our devotion to our fellow enlisted members and their families in fortune and distress; and our reverence for the memory of our departed comrades, we unite to further the aims and objectives of this association.

5. The 4 Pillars of the AFSA Legislation: • Legislation is AFSA’s vector! Our team of professionals work 24/7 to protect the pay, benefits, and quality of life of all enlisted Airmen and their families - not just our AFSA members. Membership: • Membership is AFSA’s thrust! We pride ourselves as acting as “The Voice of the Enlisted.” With you!

6. The 4 Pillars of the AFSA (Cont.) Communications: • Communication is the glue that holds AFSA together. AFSA uses a combination of newsletters, alerts, web site updates, Facebook, Twitter, and more to keep members updated on key legislative developments. Fraternalism: • Fraternalism represents the shared values that create the bond for our members. We pride ourselves on supporting—and living—the values of our beloved Air Force.

7. What defines a member? • Member consists primarily of enlisted men and women of the USAF, be they Active Duty, Air National Guard, or Air Force Reserve Command personnel in active, retired, or veteran status. • Persons of good moral character. • Membership shall not be denied anyone, who is otherwise qualified for membership, on the basis of race, creed, color, gender, age, national origin, religious, or political beliefs. • Consist of members assigned/unassigned to Chapters.

8. AFSA Membership Classes Active Membership:USAF enlisted person (active or retired) from AFAD, AFRC or ANG or their predecessor services Family Membership:Spouse, father, mother, brother, sister, son and/or daughter of persons eligible for membership Associate Membership:Former USAF enlisted personnel who are commissioned, and members of other services (USA, USN, USMC and USCG). Honorary Membership: Honorary membership may be bestowed upon individuals NOTE: AFSM 100-2 contains detailed information

9. Chapter Meetings • Basic decisions on chapter meetings, i.e., decisions on frequency, type, time and place of meeting, should reflect members’ preferences as much as possible. • The vast majority of AFSA chapters schedule meetings monthly; however, some chapters meet every other month and a few chapters meet quarterly.

10. Quorum Requirements • A quorum must exist prior to conducting official business. • Number of Members in Chapter /Number of AFSA Members who MUST be Present: 501—or more 20201—500 1525—200 10 NOTE: If a quorum is not present, see AFSAM 100-2, Principle 5, Section 10d, for guidance on suspending quorum requirements.

11. Sample Meeting Agenda • Call to order • Invocation • Pledge of Allegiance • AFSA Preamble • Welcome Guests • Reading minutes of last meeting • Officers reports • Committee reports • Special orders --- Important business previously designated for consideration at this meeting • Unfinished business • New business • Announcements • Adjournment

12. Chapter Checklist/Required Actions • Meeting Dates/Times • Meeting Minutes • Meeting Agenda • Chapter Exec Council Roles/Duties • Training Reports • Membership/Working with Membership Rosters • Awards • Legislative Programs • Elections • Other miscellaneous Issues

13. Parliamentary Procedure • Parliamentary Procedure is a set of rules for conduct at meetings. • It can be adapted to fit the needs of any organization. • Parliamentary Procedure is the best way to get things done at your meetings but it will only work if you use it properly • Handbooks are available at AFSA HQs * Allow motions that are in order * Have members obtain the floor properly * Speak clearly and concisely * Obey the rules of debate * Most important, BE COURTEOUS!See http://www.robertsrules.com/

14. Chapters as Nonprofit/Non-Federal Entities on Bases • Ref: DoD Directive 1000.26E, 1000.15 & contained in AFI 34-223 • Work with JAG and Force Support Squadron: Ref: National Military Association Instruction (DoDI) 5410.19, enclosure 10, attachment 1 • Reference Sec-Def and SAF Support Letters • DoD Email Use (AFI 33-129, para. 2.1; DOD 5500.7-R, JER) • Suggest Non-Military Mail System (Gmail, Yahoo,etc) NOTE: If you encounter base-level issue you are unable to resolve contact your DP & AFSA IP or HQs Executive Director

15. Good To Know Information • Certificate of Insurance, on AFSA website/Resources tab/ Forms • Trustees are elected • Committees are created and assigned projects • Fundraising could be coin sales, T-shirts, car washes, sponsoring sport events, etc. • Sample award packages: ask DP to help & provide guidance • Suggested donation sources are other veteran groups, on base groups (Top3, etc), banks, credit unions and other establishments that have a product or service that military members can access. NOTE: Local support must NOT compete with HQs Corp Sponsors

16. Summary • Important to read manuals and follow them • When in doubt, ask for guidance or clarification from Division leadership or AFSA HQs—you are not alone! • Be organized and meet suspense dates--work ahead and keep notes, makes quarterly report writing so much easier! • You are AFSA’s frontline “Ambassador”—think first impression!