Guidelines for Establishing a USITT Regional Section
Regional Sections stimulate the exchange of ideas and information
among those within a specific geographical area and maintain
strong ties to USITT, which grants
them charters. Regional Sections are independently
run organizations and have activities that can
include master classes, tours, exhibitions, and competitions.
Some sections maintain web sites, publish newsletters, and
have listserves. Individuals and organizations can join and
participate in the activities of more than one section in
addition to USITT.
The primary requirement for establishing a USITT Regional
Section is interested people! A core of
dedicated volunteers is essential to establishing a long-lasting,
successful Regional Section. Completed applications for
establishing a Regional Section should be sent to the VP
for Sections & Chapters.
The basic requirements for forming a USITT Regional Section,
according to the USITT By-Laws, are:
- The number
of founding members of a Regional Section shall be
not less than fifteen (15) voting members of the Institute.
A Regional Section may not continue with fewer than
this number of members of the Institute (XI.1.b).
- Both
student and individual members qualify under the
regulation above although not all sections distinguish
between the two.
- Non-members signing the application
letter must include their individual applications
for USITT membership and checks for dues for one year
with the letter of application
for Regional Section status.
- The application for the formation of a
Regional Section shall list the names and addresses
of all members to be active in the Regional Section and
shall be signed by each founding member listed. The application
shall contain the names of the elected or appointed
Chair, Vice-Chair and Secretary/Treasurer, pro tepore (XI.1.e).
- These
three officers are the only ones required. However
many sections have Members at Large or Directors at
Large, split the Secretary and Treasurer
into separate offices, or have more than one Vice-Chair,
each with different responsibilities.
- Do note that XI.1.h of the By-Laws states that all
officers of a Regional Section need to be members
in good standing of USITT. Therefore, the addresses
listed on the application should be the same ones used
by the Institute so
membership can be verified.
- The application should include a map of the proposed
geographical area within which the Regional Section
shall operate.
- The service area should be small
enough to permit easy access to meetings and the
ready exchange of ideas and information.
- Regional Section
boundaries do not have to follow state lines although
a state or several states MAY seem to outline a logical
Regional Section.
- Regional Section boundaries are
not exclusive – individuals
can and do belong to more than one Regional Section
especially when they live near or frequently work in
a Regional Section other than the one closest to home.
- It also should include a
copy of the proposed By-Laws under which it will operate. Sample
By-Laws can be obtained from the VP
for Sections and Chapters. Also, some Regional
Sections have posted their By-Laws on their websites,
which might be useful examples.
