 Section 1. Organization of Local Chapters

The Association encourages the development of local Chapters to promote local interest and participation in the profession. New chapters may be accepted by the Board of Directors upon meeting the following criteria:

• The group must consist of at least 12 members
  
• There may be no more than one FMHCA local Chapter in any given geographical area.
  
• The Local Chapter will organize in accordance with the Bylaws of FMHCA and develop their own Chapter bylaws to reflect local operations and structure. They will assure that their chapter is in compliance with applicable FMHCA Bylaws concerning local chapters
  
•  All officers of the Local Chapter will be members in good standing of FMHCA 
  
• Charter status is awarded to the Local Chapter by the FMHCA Board of Directors.
  
• The Local Chapter will be free to conduct its affairs at the local level in compliance with the Bylaws of the Association, an
  
•  Local chapters must present Chapter Bylaws to the FMHCA Board of Directors for approval to become an official Chapter of FMHCA.
•  All Chapters officers must be FMHCA members                                                   

• Standards for charter renewal reflect the sound organization and development necessary for a Local Chapter of FMHCA.
  
• The Secretary of the FMHCA Board will make recommendations annually to the FMHCA Board of Directors concerning charter renewal for each Local Chapter.
  
• Standards and Procedures for Charter Renewal will be established by policy in accordance with the Bylaws. 
  

• The Board of Directors will have the power to revoke the charter of a Local Chapter when it is deemed in the best interests of the Association to do so.
  
• Procedures for revoking the charter of a local chapter will be established by policy. 
  

Section 5. Interest Sections of "Special Interest Groups" ("SIGs")