Start a Chapter - 10 Steps

1. Read Our Website
Please familiarize yourself with the documents and steps toward becoming a chapter, and be sure to peruse our project and chapter pages. Once you have read through our website, contact the MBB University Chapter Chair Zarra Elias (zelias.mbb@gmail.com), and consult with your university’s professors and students about starting your own local chapter.

2. Identify Key Persons
Once you introduce them to the vision and mission of MBB, there is typically a great deal of interest that needs to be contained and carefully managed. Find at least one person who is willing to serve in an advisory capacity and willing to help guide your chapter along the way. One of the most exciting benefits of membership is the opportunity for students to take an active role in designing and/or implementing sustainable projects in developing communities around the world.

3. Keep MBB National Office Updated
It is critical to keep the MBB national office updated as your chapter progresses. We are here to provide any assistance you may need, but we cannot help chapters if we do not know what they are doing. All too often, chapters are delayed in applying for projects because the basic chapter formation requirements have not been completed correctly. Please send your applications and dues to Alison Hines (ahines@mediatorsbeyondborders.org) at our headquarters in New York. Feel free to update us on all of your chapter's news as well.

4. Submit University Chapter Application
The University Chapter Application is available online only. MBB University Chapter Coordinator will contact you within two weeks of submission. By filling out this form, you are letting MBB know that you would like to establish an MBB University Chapter. Once we receive this application, you Chapter is an official "developing" chapter. It will also be listed on our website.

5. Begin to Raise Support on Campus
Use the brochures, PowerPoints and other materials available online in
our Promote MBB section to raise awareness on campus.

6. Hold Your First Chapter Meeting
Hold the first chapter meeting, elect officers and designate a faculty advisor. Remember, your chapter can have up to 25 student members and two faculty advisors, all of whom have full MBB memberships.

7. Submit your Constitution & Pay Chapter Dues to MBB
E-mail us your Constitution and pay chapter dues of US $365 to MBB National Office. Please use the University Constitution Template and review the University Constitution Suggestions document.

8. Submit Chapter Information Form
The Chapter Information Form is available online only. Once we receive the chapter information form, your chapter will have a full page profile on our website.

9. Declare a Project
Submit the University Chapter Statement of Interest to let us know what MBB Project your Chapter would like to be involved in.

10. Attend the Annual MBB Congress
The MBB Annual Congress is a great way for students to learn more about long term sustainable projects and other University Chapters. You can learn about past and current projects and attend workshops and seminars. The fifth MBB Annual Congress will be held in Baltimore, MD from March 2-4, 2012.