American Academy of Emergency Medicine

The following is a "how to" guide for forming a state or other chapter. (Note that the AAEM bylaws allow for formation of chapters in foreign countries including Canadian Provinces, so if you have an idea but you are not quite sure, drop a line or an e-mail to aaem@info.org.

We would recommend the following procedures:

1. Write the bylaws. This is an easy process as you may use the bylaws from another state chapter and make the appropriate changes. The state chapter bylaws were modeled after national AAEM bylaws. Recall that the philosophy of AAEM is for freedom of choice, as opposed to forced membership, so your chapter will be independent of national AAEM. You may designate a national AAEM board liaison to your state board, however. The bylaws must be submitted to the national AAEM board for approval. The AAEM office will be glad to supply you with an electronic copy of the state chapter bylaws, which you may use as a format.

2. Find a group of AAEM members in your region who are dedicated to the mission statement of AAEM. My experience is that committed, enthusiastic EPs are better to name for the Board of Directors. Name a president (you), vice-president, and a secretary-treasurer. This will be the Executive Committee. Then name a Board of Directors, anywhere from four to six individuals. (Remember you want this to be an even number so that when the entire board meets for a vote you have an odd number when you add the Executive Committee, so that you don't end up with tie votes.)

3. Discuss incorporation of the chapter with AAEM's executive director, Kay Whalen. She heads an association management organization, EDI, which provides administrative services to a number of medical professional societies, AAEM and CAL/AAEM included. Kay and AAEM have made arrangements for incorporation of the state chapters and can assist you with tax issues. She can also add your state chapter's dues to the national AAEM dues statement, which will facilitate dues collection.

4. You will need to have an official address for the chapter. It would be best to have a post office box rather than your address or that of another Board member. When your chapter matures, you will be having elections, and any Board member (yourself included) may not be re-elected. Recall you are setting up a structure that is democratic and will continue beyond your time in any office of the chapter.

5. You will want to buy a copy of Rules of Order by Dr. James E. Davis to run the Board meetings and conference calls. This edition was selected by national AAEM due to the ease of use as compared to Robert's Rules. This book may be found at any local bookstore or may be ordered online.

6. We have found that e-mail is a very efficient way to communicate. I would encourage all officers and Board members to have an e-mail address. Two or three face-to-face meetings a year are important, but having conference calls in the interim may save money.

7. You will want to be recognized by your state medical society and get involved in the legislative process. Your state medical society will be able to help you with this. I suggest the president (at the very least) be a member of the state medical society. They often have annual legislative leadership conferences, which you may attend to find out what is happening in your state. This is your opportunity to meet and discuss issues of local concern with state politicians.

So what are you waiting for? Come on, throw your hat into the ring, and have a great time doing it realizing you will be part of EM history.