So, You've Decided To Form A Chapter
Forming your new organization should include the following steps:
- Hold general membership meeting at which you nominate and elect the following minimum officers: President, Vice President, Secretary/Treasurer. If your chapter will be representing both law enforcement officers and members of the community, your principal officers must be sworn law enforcement officers, either active duty or retired
- During your very first membership meeting establish the name and purpose for your organization. You should also attempt to develop your organizational logo, as it will serve to also define who you are.
- Develop basic constitution for organization. You may wish to use our sample Chapter Constitution to get you started. We suggest using this as interim document, then make all changes as amendments.
- File with your individual Secretary of State the following forms as may be required: Articles of Organization; Certification of Assignment of Resident Agent (this should be your president's information shown on this form). Each state may have different specific forms and related fees that will need to be paid, however each organization must be registered with their state in order to apply for their non-profit status.
- Obtain your Employer Identification Number. You can do this online, but you need to have this when you establish your organization's bank account, or you will need to use someone's social security number until obtained.
- Establish your bank account. Simple checking account is best, and should require 2 signatures to write anything over a specific amount. Usually set at $250.00 or more. And wherever possible, we strongly recommend establishing your account at a reputable minority-owned financial institution.
- File for nonprofit tax status. As of January 31, 2020, the Internal Revenue Service requires that all Form 1023 applications for recognition of for non-profit 501.c.3 tax exemption status must be submitted electronically online at Pay.gov
- Send (fax or mail, but recommend fax) copies of your press release to all news media (TV, print and radio), the primary community groups (Urban League, NAACP, etc.), community centers in the minority areas, and the obligatory copies to city management (mayor, police chief, city council members) and, of course, to your union, letting people know that you are organizing. If you are experiencing problems from your agency or union, this is a good way to put them on the defensive side, and that the heat is now being applied.
- Consider holding a formal press conference to announce the formation of your organization. Should be held somewhere very public, but not associated with the police department. Suggest it be held at Urban League or a community center. Regardless of where and when this is held, you should ask for and expect that all members not working at the time of the press conference be in attendance. DO NOT WEAR UNIFORMS. And make sure you invite the community, as they are the one's you are there for. If you start out including them, they will work both for and with you in your fight.
- Complete and return your application for Chapter Membership in the National Association of Black Law Enforcement Officers, Inc. (NABLEO). Your application will be considered during the next conference session after receipt.
- Have a representative (or two) attend the next conference session of NABLEO. Not only will you be welcomed, you will have a stellar opportunity to see the organization at work and gain a better insight into our programs.
The Chapter Application Process
There are two (2) methods for making an application to join NABLEO as a chapter organization.
Online Membership Application
Online chapter membership applications may be made at http://www.nableo.org/join.cfm.Mail-In Membership Application
Applications for membership may also be completed by downloading a copy of the general application form, found at https://nableo.org/publications/general_Application.pdfAll fields pertinent to the desired membership class presented in the various application forms are required for entry. Chapter membership applications require the submission of a copy of the organization's constitution or bylaws document. Online document file upload must be in Adobe pdf format ONLY. Chapter membership applications must include name and contact information for not less than 2 of the organization's general officers and must indicate whether representation is provided to sworn law enforcement officers only, sworn and non-sworn law enforcement officers, or law enforcement officers and community members. While a chapter applicant may represent both sworn and non-sworn members, general leadership officers must be either current active duty or retired sworn law enforcement officers only.
Online applications for membership must be completed by submitting the appropriate membership fees through PayPal. Mailed membership applications should be accompanied by check or money order, payable to NABLEO, P.O. Box 1182, Newark, NJ 07102
