Welcome to the
National
Preparedness
Network!
Interested in starting a chapter in your area? Strap in and read up on what it takes!
FAQS About Chapters
What is the purpose of a chapter within the NPN?
The purpose of a chapter within the National Preparedness Network (NPN) is to serve as a localized hub where members can connect, collaborate, and take action to enhance community resilience and preparedness. Chapters address the specific needs and challenges of their areas, ensuring that preparedness efforts are tailored to local conditions. They provide opportunities for members to gain skills, share resources, and build strong relationships within their communities.
Do I need to be a member of the NPN to join a chapter?
Yes, you must be an active member of the NPN to join a chapter.
What roles are available for members within a chapter?
Roles within a chapter typically include President, Vice President, Treasurer, Sargent at Arms and Secretary. Larger chapters may have additional roles such as recruitment/membership officers, event coordinators, outreach coordinators, or committee heads.
How do chapters recruit new members?
Chapters recruit new members through a variety of methods. They often host local events, workshops, and training sessions that promote the chapter's mission and engage the community. Outreach efforts may include collaborating with local organizations, attending fairs or expos, and leveraging social media or online platforms to raise awareness.
Can members belong to more than one chapter?
Yes, members can belong to more than one chapter. However, if they pay dues, they must choose one chapter to send their dues to, as the dues are allocated to the specific chapter they are affiliated with. This ensures proper financial distribution and support for the chosen chapter. The choice of chapter in this case, must be submitted with the member application.
Transfer from one chapter to another may be necessary due to relocation. Chapter leadership will be responsible to file the transfer paperwork and submit it to the National Secretary for processing. Transfers may take up to 10 days to be recorded.
Breakdown of the clubs structure and what each chapter does:
National Level
The National Preparedness Network serves as the overarching structure for the entire organization. Its primary role is to set the vision, goals, and policies that guide all chapters. It provides resources, training, and support to state chapters while maintaining consistency in the organization’s mission. The national level also acts as the central hub for communication between states, organizing large-scale events, online classes, and national campaigns. It serves as the ultimate decision-making body, ensuring the network remains cohesive and focused.
State Level
State chapters act as the regional leadership for the network, bridging the gap between the national and zone levels. Each state chapter oversees the activities within its borders, providing guidance and support to the zonal chapters. State leaders ensure compliance with national policies while tailoring initiatives to address the unique needs and challenges of their state. They are also responsible for statewide events, training programs, and managing state-level finances to ensure fair resource distribution.
Zone Level
Zonal chapters are the heart of the organization’s local efforts, covering smaller geographic areas within a state. These zones focus on building community relationships and providing hands-on training, workshops, and preparedness activities. Zone leaders act as liaisons between the state and county levels, ensuring effective communication and collaboration. They coordinate resources for their area and work to strengthen the preparedness of individual communities within their zone. ALL ZONES ARE BASED ON YOUR STATE’S CURRENT EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ZONES.
County Level
County chapters are the most localized and accessible level of the organization. They focus on directly engaging with members and residents in their immediate area, offering practical training and addressing specific community needs. County chapters organize regular meetings, events, and community projects to promote preparedness and resilience on a grassroots level. By fostering relationships with local organizations, businesses, and individuals, county chapters are the frontline of the network’s mission, helping to create a prepared and connected community.
Chapter-to-Chapter Collaboration, National Oversight & Documentation
While we encourage and support collaboration between chapters, it is essential to recognize that each chapter retains its full autonomy in making decisions and taking action. Whether county, state, or zone, every chapter has the right to operate according to its unique needs, goals, and local context. Local leadership is best suited to determine the most effective path forward, and the National Preparedness Network values and respects the independent nature of our chapters.
The role of national oversight is not to micromanage or control the actions of local chapters, but to ensure that collaboration is documented and that all activities align with the broader goals of the network. This oversight helps to track the progress of collaborative efforts, ensuring transparency and accountability while supporting consistency and the effective allocation of resources. By documenting these efforts, we can share successful strategies, recognize the work being done, and ensure no chapter is left without the support it needs. National oversight isn’t about limiting local initiative—it’s about enhancing it, providing the tools, structure, and recognition necessary to help chapters succeed.
National oversight ensures that all activities stay aligned with the network’s shared mission, values, and bylaws. This safeguard helps prevent any actions that could inadvertently conflict with the network’s guidelines, ensuring that everything we do remains in the best interest of our members. The goal is to help strengthen the entire network by supporting local efforts, amplifying successful initiatives, and ensuring that collaboration is effectively documented and shared.
Chapters are encouraged to collaborate freely, knowing their efforts are not only supported but recognized and amplified on a national stage. This balance of autonomy and national oversight creates a framework that nurtures collaboration while maintaining the integrity and unity of the network.
Any forms required will be available upon request.
New Chapter Membership Requirements
To establish a new chapter within the National Preparedness Network, the following requirements must be met:
Minimum Membership
A new chapter must have at least 15 founding members. This ensures sufficient participation to fill officer positions and maintain a general membership base. All meetings will be governed by the chapter’s bylaws, and voting privileges will be assigned in accordance with those guidelines.
Active Participation
Members must actively engage in meetings, events, and training sessions. The success of the chapter depends on the dedication and involvement of each member.
Understanding of Chapter Structure
All members should understand the structure of their chapter and its relationship with other chapters (County, Zone, State, National). This includes respecting the chain of command and working in collaboration with other chapters to achieve common goals.
Adherence to Bylaws, Mission Statement, and Code of Conduct
Members must be willing to uphold the chapter’s bylaws, mission statement, and Code of Conduct. These are the foundation for how we operate as a network and ensure that we stay true to our core values.
Commitment to Recruitment
Members are encouraged to actively recruit new individuals to join the chapter, helping to grow the network and strengthen our community. This can be done by talking to friends, family, and local groups about the chapter’s mission and events. Expanding the chapter’s membership not only increases our reach but also brings in new skills and ideas, making our community more capable and resilient.
Quarterly Meetings and Documentation
Chapters must hold at least quarterly meetings in accordance with the bylaws. Additionally, minutes from these meetings must be submitted to the relevant chapter above them (i.e., county to zone, zone to state). This ensures transparency and accountability within the network.
Application Process
All members must submit a completed application, which must be approved by the state or national chapter. Officers must complete an additional officer application, as well.
Officer Requirements
All officers must read the bylaws in their entirety and pass a background check. Any offenses that appear on a background check will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Please note, chapter approval cannot be granted until all background checks for the group have been returned. We take the integrity of our officers very seriously, and this process may cause delays. We appreciate your patience as we ensure the trustworthiness of our leadership.
Interim Leadership Structure
President
The President will serve as the head of the chapter, providing overall leadership, direction, and vision. This role ensures that the chapter remains focused on its mission and values while maintaining regular communication with the national and state levels. The President is also responsible for representing the chapter and coordinating with other chapters, as well as overseeing key decisions.
This person should have skills in:
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good communication
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group leadership
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organization
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attention to detail
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adaptability
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crisis management
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problem solving
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vision for the future
Vice President
The Vice President will support the President in their duties and assume the President’s responsibilities in their absence. This officer will also serve as a key advisor, assisting with the planning and execution of the chapter's programs, events, and initiatives. In the event of a vacancy in the President’s position, the Vice President will step in as the acting President until a new election is held.
This person should have skills in:
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Communication
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group leadership
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adaptability
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crisis management
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delegation
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organization
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support
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conflict resolution
Treasurer
The Treasurer is responsible for managing the financial aspects of the chapter, ensuring that all transactions are properly documented, transparent, and in line with the chapter's bylaws. This includes tracking funds, creating and managing the chapter's budget, and providing regular financial reports. The Treasurer will also work closely with the national chapter to ensure compliance with national financial policies and guidelines.
Separate training will be provided for this office.
This person should have skills in:
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Financial management
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organization
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recordkeeping & basic book keeping
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transparency & accountability
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fundraising
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budgeting
Secretary
The Secretary will handle all administrative duties, including maintaining accurate records of meetings, events, and important chapter communications. This officer will ensure that meeting minutes are documented and submitted to the appropriate higher-level chapters, such as zone or state chapters. The Secretary also ensures that all correspondence within and outside the chapter is well-organized and efficiently communicated.
The Secretary will be responsible for submitting quarterly reports including meeting minutes, membership roster, activity plans and financial reports to the State Secretary. This will ensure the proper protocol is followed for meetings and general Chapter operation. As stated previously, this is not to micromanage your chapter but to ensure transparency at all levels of the network and understanding of official protocol.
This person should have skills in:
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organization
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attention to detail
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recordkeeping such as filing, filling out forms, reports, etc..
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computer skills
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time management
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confidentiality
Public Relations Director
The Public Relations Director will manage the chapter's external communications, including social media, newsletters, press releases, and other outreach efforts. This officer will ensure that the chapter maintains a positive public image and promotes its activities effectively to the community. The Public Relations Director plays a crucial role in building awareness of the chapter's mission and attracting new members.
This person should be skilled in:
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Crisis communication
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media relations
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Strategy
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content creation
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event planning
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computer skills
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crisis management
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social media proficiency
Membership Director
The Membership Director is responsible for recruiting new members, maintaining the chapter’s membership records, and ensuring that members are engaged and informed. This officer will coordinate membership drives, manage applications, and work to ensure that members feel supported and valued within the chapter. The Membership Director will also track membership statistics and work to ensure that the chapter meets the required minimum number of members.
This person should be skilled in:
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Customer service
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Recruitment strategies
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Retention strategies
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communication
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Event planning
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computer skills
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data management (membership renewals, membership data bases, etc.)
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interpersonal skills
Training Coordinator
The Training Coordinator will oversee the educational efforts of the chapter, ensuring that training sessions, workshops, and skill-building activities are planned and executed effectively. This officer will work to ensure that members are receiving the training necessary to enhance their preparedness, survival, and homesteading skills. The Training Coordinator will also serve as a liaison with national and state-level training resources to ensure consistency and quality in the chapter’s educational offerings. This office will work closely with the State training officer.
This person should be skilled in:
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Organization
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communication
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in depth understanding of emergency management & importance thereof
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Instructional design
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adaptability
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public speaking
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problem-solving
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passionate for teaching others
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works well with others in any situation
Sergeant at Arms
The Sergeant at Arms will maintain order during chapter meetings and events, ensuring that the bylaws and rules of conduct are upheld. This officer will be responsible for managing attendance, assisting in maintaining decorum during discussions, and addressing any disruptions or issues that arise. The Sergeant at Arms also plays a key role in ensuring that meetings run smoothly and that members adhere to the Code of Conduct.
Separate training will be provided for this office.
This person should have skills in:
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Discipline
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Order
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Security awareness
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Conflict resolution
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Stuational de-escelation
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physical fitness
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attention to detail
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knowledge of the by-laws of the organization
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clean background check
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chain of command
Chartering and Recognition
Approved chapters will be formally recognized by National through a virtual chartering ceremony and receive a pdf file of their Probationary Charter Certificate to print if desired.
This ceremony marks the official start of the chapter’s journey within the National Preparedness Network.
Ohio chapters that may wish to hold a physical ceremony and can request a National officer to provide a presentation of Permanent Charter Certificate. Officer rank may vary due to schedule or location.
Your chapter will receive a framed Permanent charter certificate at the end of the probationary period.
Probationary Period and Evaluation
New chapters will undergo a one-year probationary period during which they will be evaluated on:
Membership Growth: Sustained efforts to recruit and engage members.
Financial Responsibility: Proper management of funds in line with guidelines.
Activity Level: Regular meetings, events, and training sessions.
Successful completion of this probationary period will result in full recognition and integration into the National Preparedness Network.
Ohio Chapters will be required to submit quarterly report to the State Secretary during this probationary period. Quarters will be based on a 3 month time frame from the official start date not on the calendar year.
This report will include :
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Minutes from meetings
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Financial reports
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Membership roster
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Yearly activity plans & progress reports
State level will review these reports to make sure there is a clear understanding of procedure and protocol according to the bylaws and assist the chapter with any additional training that may be required. This also gives the State the ability to allocate resources based on proper request channels, having a substantiated paper trail. Please note, the National Preparedness Network is a legal entity and proper procedure must be followed in all areas. (In the case of emergency requests, National and State officers will collaborate per protocol to determine appropriate response and is not affected by the chapter’s probationary status)
Please note, this is ONLY required during the probationary period and scheduled reports will not be required after the end of the term. However, at any point, a National or State Officer can request a Chapter audit for any reason. This would consist of these items as well as any other documents deemed necessary by the Officer or Board. Audits can be requested to include any time period and can date as far back as the date of application acceptance. Please be sure you are keeping accurate records. If you need assistance with these documents, please contact your National Liaison or the National Office. We will be happy to assist you.
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