34 TH SecA) ULDsUtB OmNw Ue eee 
The CHAPTER SYSTEM 
of the ILLINOIS AUDUBON SOCIETY 
WHAT IS A CHAPTER? 
A Chapter is simply any local club in which all members are also members 
of the Illinois Audubon Society. The IAS By-laws state: “Local Chapters 
may be established by vote of the Board of Directors upon receipt and 
approval of the local club’s By-laws, dues schedule and membership list. 
The local club shall be known as .......-. Chapter cf the Illinois Audubon 
Society and agree to abide by the Society’s By-laws. Each member of the 
Chapter shall pay annual dues to the Society.” Clubs seeking Chapter 
status are usually local nature clubs, bird study groups or Audubon 
societies unaffiliated with other national organizations. 
BENEFITS of a CHAPTER of the ILLINOIS AUDUBON SOCIETY 
LOCAL CLUB IS OFFERED: 
1. The added prestige of the Audubon name and association with the 
time-honored Audubon movement. 
2. The added power and influence of a state Audubon Society. This 
is very helpful if club members are at all interested in nature and con- 
servation affairs, whether in county, state or nation. 
3. The more powerful voice of a large and statewide group recognized 
for its willingness to support local groups when called upon and involve 
itself in local affairs, no matter how small. 
4. Publicity and membership resources of the Illinois Audubon Society. 
In particular, the Illinois Audubon Society transmits the names of Illinois 
Audubon Society members living within the local Chapter’s membership 
area. 
5. The state Society’s resources of educational materials and technical 
assistance. 
6. The opportunity to exchange ideas, planning steps and program 
resources with other nature groups through special information sheets, 
contact and communication with other nature groups. 
7. Assurance of a strong position and the possibility of leadership 
in the state Society through close communication with and representation 
on the Board of Directors of the Illinois Audubon Society. 
8. The satisfaction of being an important part of a bigger program. 
9. Contact with leading ornithologists and naturalists offering privileges 
unavailable to individuals, and access to areas closed to the general public. 
10. An even greater exposure to the pleasures of a popular’ hobby, 
and a wider acquaintance among its devotees. 
11. A more active interest and opportunity to participate in endeavors 
that affect birdlife and nature in general. 
12. Members who are “sold” on bird and nature study and conservation 
and the importance of organized groups interested in these aims. They 
will be more informed, enlightened, active and naturally more valuable 
to the local club as workers and leaders. 
EACH INDIVIDUAL benefits: 
1. Becomes a member of the Illinois Audubon Society and a local 
organization with one dues payment. 
