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REQUIREMENTS FOR STATE AFFILIATE PROVISIONAL STATUS

1. An announcement of the intent to organize an AGS affiliate must be made in the AGS Newsletter.
   
   
2. A letter must be sent to all AGS members in the applicant's state announcing the intent to organize an AGS affiliate. The developing affiliate is required to write the letter and the mailing will be handled from the national organization.
   
   
3. At least one organizational meeting must be held and attended by a minimum of ten people.
   
   
4. At this meeting, an official representative of the organization must be appointed to serve as the contact person with the national office. This person must be an AGS member.
   
   
5. Every attempt must be made to communicate with individuals throughout the state (or region represented by the future affiliate) regarding all future affiliate activities - including organizational and educational meetings. Affiliates must be representative of at least one metropolitan area.
   
   

PROCEDURES FOR GRANTING PROVISIONAL AND OFFICIAL STATE AFFILIATE STATUS

1. A state affiliate provisional status application must be submitted to the national office.
   
   
2. The application will be circulated to the AGS Executive Committee, which will grant or deny provisional status. Provisional status is given to affiliates that appear potentially able to meet the guidelines for state affiliates outlined in the model by-laws within two years of the time provisional status is granted. The applicant will be informed in writing of the Executive Committee's decision.
   
   
3. Upon approval of provisional status, seed money will be sent to the new affiliate in the amount of $450. This money is to be used only for the following purposes: development of by-laws, mailings to members and potential members, organization of meetings, and educational programs.
   
   
4. Provisional status will be effective for two years, during which time the affiliate must develop by-laws and hold at least one state-wide meeting to elect officers. The affiliate needs to begin to obtain a federal tax id number and a separate 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status during this time (or may contact the AGS regarding a group exemption).
   
   
5. AGS staff and the Council will review the by-laws of the provisional affiliate and will submit the by-laws to the Board of Directors for approval. Affiliate status is finalized upon approval of the by-laws. The affiliate will be notified in writing of the Board's decision. The AGS will be available for mailings and will supply CME to those affiliates that are interested. A state affiliate manual for AGS joint sponsorship for CME is available.