Chapters & Groups

How to Start an ATA Chapter

Thinking about starting an ATA Chapter in your area? Here are the essential things to know.

Purposes

• Forum for translators and interpreters in a specific geographic area
• Organizes meetings to further information exchange and cooperation
• Provides information and services needed on the local level
• Provides means of communication between national Association and local members
• Supports and promotes the policies and objectives of the ATA

Requirements for Becoming an ATA Chapter

• Must have no fewer than 20 voting members of ATA (see establishment below)
• Must have a President and Vice President who are voting ATA members (see membership below)
• Must have bylaws that do not conflict with ATA's bylaws (see bylaws below)
• Must petition the ATA Board of Directors requesting chapter status (see establishment below)

Establishment

• Petition for the establishment of a Chapter must be signed by twenty or more voting members of the Association who:

    Reside or work in the designated geographical area
    Will signify their intention to remain members of the Association
• The petition must include a copy of the bylaws of the proposed Chapter
• Petitions are submitted to the ATA Board of Directors, which, in its discretion, shall determine whether the Chapter may be established

Membership

• Membership in the Association is not required for membership in the Chapter
• President and Vice President of the Chapter must be voting members of the Association
• Other elected officials do not need to be members of the Association

Bylaws

• Nothing shall prevent a Chapter from establishing additional objectives and requirements for membership, as long as qualifications are not based on race, creed, sex, political belief, or national origin and are not contrary to stated policies and objectives of the Association
• Any amendments to the Chapter's bylaws must be submitted to and approved by ATA's legal counsel
• All Chapters must comply with the Association bylaws and policies established by the Board

Reports

• Every Chapter is required to submit an annual report of its activities along with a financial statement, a roster of its members, and a copy of the current bylaws to the Association

For additional information, contact:
Jamie Padula
Chapter and Division Relations Manager
American Translators Association
225 Reinekers Lane, #590
Alexandria, VA 22314
Email: Chapter & Divsion Relations Manager