Why start an ASA Chapter?
If there's not already an organization in your state working specifically on medical cannabis, launching an ASA chapter can bring together like-minded advocates in your community to work toward ensuring safe access to medical cannabis. Starting a new group can be challenging, but ASA chapters are a part of a national network that depends on ASA and each other for support, guidance, and encouragement. ASA provides chapters with the materials and tactical advice to ensure success.
A great ASA chapter creates an environment of mutual respect for vibrant activists, shared responsibility, and constructive political activism. It provides a space for new advocates to join the movement and for skilled community members to lend their skills toward a common goal. The ideal ASA chapter is networked into the larger community and is a constructive voice for patients and providers of medical cannabis.
ASA chapters advocate on local, state, and federal issues. They hold educational events and public meetings, raise funds for campaigns, lobby elected officials, organize protests, perform community outreach, and much more.
What is an ASA chapter?
ASA Chapters are organizations with structured governance set by ASA, including elections, bylaws, and officers. Chapters must host regular public meetings, work on ASA national campaigns, and work on local/state issues and geographic organizing with ASA. ASA Chapters are non-partisan and cannot endorse political candidates. ASA leans heavily on ASA chapters to determine priorities in the state or region and when to get involved with legislative efforts.
ASA Chapters must sign a Chapter agreement, adopt ASA bylaws, elect officers in accordance with the bylaws, designate a member to attend regular ASA organizing calls, agree to donate $50/month or one-time annual donations of $500, agree to hold an annual fundraiser, hold public meetings, and add ASA as an admin/manager to social media accounts.
ASA Chapters receive free memberships for their members, participate in monthly organizing calls with ASA’s national network, have time designated with ASA senior staff for advice on legislation or other state-wide/local issues, can purchase ASA merchandise and publications at cost, receive discounts (when available), and can nominate candidates for scholarships when available for ASA conferences and events.
ASA Chapters are listed on the ASA website’s advocacy page, including contact information and public meeting details. They can also provide updates in the ASA Newsletter, contribute blog posts to the ASA blog, and request support from ASA to promote events and actions through the ASA social media channels and email lists.
What is the difference between an ASA Action Group and an ASA Chapter?
- ASA Action Groups are self-selecting groups of activists who want to work together on medical cannabis issues. ASA Chapters represent ASA in a specific community. ASA Chapters have elections, rules, and officeholders. ASA Action Groups do not.
- Chapters must have at least 10 current dues-paying ASA members as part of their Affiliation Agreement. Action Groups must have at least 3 current ASA members as part of their Affiliation Agreement.
- Action Groups cannot use the ASA name or logo without the explicit permission of ASA National. This includes outreach, social media, and fundraising.
How do I start an ASA Chapter?
An ASA Chapter must have at least ten current ASA members to start and must agree to ASA's goals and values. When you have met these two requirements, email us at [email protected] for the initial meeting to discuss the next steps, including forming a core steering committee of 5-10 members and electing the Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, and any other positions as needed. The Chapter Core must also set a time and place for regular public meetings and provide a public contact. Next, the Chapter Core will adopt the Bylaws, sign the Chapter Affiliation Agreement, and complete other paperwork.
*For more information about what chapters do and how to start a chapter, email questions to [email protected]
What you can do immediately:
- Become an ASA Member. Becoming a member of ASA means you are not just supporting the medical cannabis movement; you are becoming a part of it. For as little as $35 a year, you can ensure that ASA will be here to both support medical cannabis patients across the country and to fight to change the laws to achieve safe access. If you already believe in this work, become part of it.
- SIGN UP to get ASA alerts
- Go to the Advocate Training Center to find resources and print organizing materials.
- Organize a meeting of activists, patients, and all others concerned with medical cannabis access.
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