The AHA Chapter program:

The Chapter designation is for groups interested in a high level of humanist identification and involvement, and for those in substantial agreement with the AHA's policies, goals and mission. We also have a lower level of connection called Affiliates, with whom we agree to promote each other, but nothing further.

What we ask of Chapters:

• The democratic decision to be a chapter, and ongoing democratic governance.
• Provide us public contact information.
• Have five AHA members in good standing.
• Provide us an updated list of local members and contacts for use in an annual membership appeal.
• Have the word "humanist" somewhere in the group name.
  
  

What benefits we provide Chapters:

• The opportunity to apply for program grants annually – ranging from $300 to $2,000 – from the AHA's Chapter Grant Fund. This year's application date has passed. Click here for more information.
• Additional opportunity to apply for one of three annual regional conference grants of $2,500 for marketing and administration. AHA spokespeople will also be made available for these regional conferences. Email grassroots@americanhumanist.org if you are interested, decisions are made on a rolling basis.
• Annually, the AHA national staff will assist in mailing to current national members in the Chapter's surrounding area for membership drives. 
• Access to the AHA's professional staff for assistance with fundraising, PR and organizing strategy.
• A list of local press contacts for your groups media outreach.
• New and renewing AHA members will be encouraged to join a local group.
• Chapter contact information will be publicized on the AHA's website, on official documents, and at the annual national conference.
• Will receive regular communications from the AHA that include recommended political and social actions.
• Will have low cost and often free access to AHA resources below, including pamphlets, magazines, and books.
• Access to a speakers bureau, accessible via the AHA’s website. Click here for information about our featured speakers.
• The AHA will provide a live back-up of the local group's membership list, accessible online by the group leader through a secure server. This server can be used to update contact information, send emails directly to the group's list, and utilize an optional chapter events page. Contact us to get started.
• The AHA can provide Chapters with a non-profit, educational purpose, tax exemption. Chapters can use this designation to accept tax-deductible donations and to apply for a sales tax exemption in their state.

We also provide the following resources to our chapters:

	Grassroots Manual A comprehensive guide for local group leaders on ways to maintain and run a local Humanist group. Includes sections on running meetings, planning public debates and speakers, activism, fundraising, strategic planning, and education. The manual is in a 3-ring binder, so the 12 sections (along with the appendices and addenda) can be referenced in any order. The AHA plans to periodically update the manual.
	Action Packets Semi-regular packets containing action items local groups may wish to pursue, occasional press releases and press clippings, and other current information from which local groups may benefit. Each Action Packet also has Chapter/Affiliate and Humanist Celebrant lists, as well as copies of the Humanist and Free Mind.
	Humanism and Its Aspirations: Humanist Manifesto III Humanism and Its Aspirations is the most up-to-date and concise iteration of the humanist worldview. We include the full, four page document as well as a wallet-sized card with main principles of Humanist Manifesto III listed out for easy reference and discussion.
	The Humanist Bimonthly magazine of critical inquiry and social concern, published by the AHA. The magazine's cover stories and articles focus on a broad range of issues that are of interest and concern to Humanists. Features include "Up Front: News and Opinion from Independent Minds," "Creative Controversy," "Civil Liberties Watch," "Church & State," and book reviews.
	Voice of Humanism Brochure General information brochure about the American Humanist Association. Includes a membership form, which can be detached and mailed in.
	Humanist Manifestos I and II Six-page reprint of the first two Humanist Manifestos: Humanist Manifesto I (released in 1933) and Humanist Manifesto II (released in 1973).
	I Was an Atheist in a Foxhole by Philip K. Paulson In this seminal work, Paulson describes his coming to atheism during the Vietnam War, and makes an appeal for people to become members of the AHA.