Start or Reactivate a Chapter

Interested in starting or reactivating a chapter? First visit SfN's Chapter Directory to determine whether there is a chapter in your area. If there is no chapter in your area, you may submit a petition to start a new chapter. In the event the local chapter is inactive, you may reactivate the existing chapter.

Please submit completed petitions during the Spring and Fall. Specific dates will be indicated in the electronic chapter applications. Chapter petitions will then be reviewed by the Global Membership Committee.

Start a New Chapter 

To start a new chapter, follow these guidelines:

• Chapter Petition Forms must be signed by 10 current Regular or Emeritus SfN members in the same geographic region.
• Student Members may initiate the process but will need to engage 10 Regular or Emeritus members as signatories on the petition.
• A chapter must adopt bylaws to regulate its affairs that don’t conflict with SfN's articles of incorporation, bylaws or resolutions to the bylaws. View sample chapter bylaws.
• A prospective chapter may only submit a petition if a local chapter does not already exist.

Reactivate a Chapter 

To reactivate a chapter, follow these guidelines:

• Elect a representative responsible for completing the Chapter Reactivation Form.
• The form only requires 4 SfN member signatures; 2 must be chapter officers.*
• Update/adopt bylaws to regulate your chapter's affairs.These bylaws cannot conflict with SfN's articles of incorporation, bylaws or resolutions to the bylaws. View sample chapter bylaws.