Possibilities.....Meeting #1

1. Have all who attend sign a registry. After the program, invite them to stay for the organizational meeting. 
2. Discuss benefits of having an ASTA chapter. 
3. Distribute membership forms. 
4. Collect membership forms, proof of student status, and checks for new members only. 
5. The faculty sponsor should take nominations for officers: President, Vice President, Secretary, and 
   Treasurer. 
6. Appoint committee chairs now or at the second meeting. Committee chairs may include 
   membership, social, newsletter, and community outreach. 
7. Name your chapter (usually the name of your university). 
8. Establish a chair and committee to draw up a constitution and bylaws. Samples of both are included 
   in this handbook. 
9. Establish a date, time and place for the next meeting, at which time a proposed constitution and 
   bylaws may be presented, and election of permanent officers may take place.

Meeting #2  

The committee assigned to write the proposed constitution and bylaws should: 

•   Establish the offices of the chapter, including job descriptions. 
•   Provide for a regular review of the officers. 
•   Define what elections are to be held and when offices are to change hands. 
•   Establish enough officers to ensure an active and healthy chapter. 
•   Consult with ASTA state officers. Obtain a copy of their constitution. You may find information of great value to your chapter. 
  At the Second Meeting 

1. The chair of the constitution and bylaws committee should present the proposed constitution and bylaws for membership review and ratification. A final and ratified copy may be forwarded to the National Office. 
2. Election of officers should take place. 
3. The secretary/treasurer should continue to accept membership applications and fees for new 
   members and forward to the National Office. 

10 

1. Hold a brainstorming session. Place and prioritize all ideas on a list for further and future comments. Set a date to meet with committee members to assign meeting dates, activities, and projects. 
2. Send a flier announcing the next meeting and program to all members and post it on the school activity bulletin board, or email a reminder. 
3. A healthy chapter sponsors its own events. However, do not neglect the possibility of cooperative projects with other student organizations or with the ASTA state chapter.

Planning Future Meetings 

1. ASTA chapter meetings provide time to make music with friends and to become involved in the world of string and orchestra teaching and playing. 
2. Keep the national ASTA chapter liaison informed of your local activities. 
3. Send chapter news and photos to the chapter liaison at the National Office. 
4. Since the financial needs of each chapter vary, it is recommended that these needs be identified 
   early in the year. Suggestions for fundraising projects should be solicited from the membership, and plans to implement a project should be well established.