Although there is no exact method, many Advisors have used the following objectives to ensure that all necessary paperwork is filed with the State and National offices.

1. Meet With School Administrators
As a first step, take time to meet with the school administrators to learn about the school’s policy regarding student organizations such as SkillsUSA.

2. Target Groups
The key to establishing a SkillsUSA chapter is to not only educate administrators, but also school board members, school counselors and teachers. These people work closely with students and parents.

3. Report the Facts
Discuss the need for a chapter in your institution. Point out the options available for establishing a SkillsUSA structure that will best fit your school. Point out the advantages that an active SkillsUSA chapter can bring to the institution, its students and staff. These include leadership and professional development skills, as well as job skills necessary for success in the world of work.

4. Get Student Leaders Interested
Stimulate activity among several key students by asking them to meet and talk about SkillsUSA. Invite five or six interested students from one specific training program to start a chapter within that training area.

5. Organizing Committee
The Organizing Committee should be put to work immediately. Their assignments are to:

A. Plan and carry out a membership campaign. (See Chapter 4: Conduct a Membership Campaign.)

B. Write a suggested chapter constitution. See the SkillsUSA Leadership Handbook. Download the Constitution and Bylaws in MS Word here.

C. Plan to conduct the first elections. (See Chapter 6: Elect and Train SkillsUSA Officers.)

6. Conduct an Organizational Meeting
Hold a meeting to “kick off” organizational activities for the SkillsUSA chapter or inform new career and technical students about SkillsUSA. If a SkillsUSA alumnus is available to help with the membership campaign, the students can hear first-hand the benefits of being a SkillsUSA member.

7. Conduct a Membership Campaign
Kick off a membership campaign in each of the training programs. The organizing committee must be informed and prepared to answer any questions that may arise. Learn more about membership options here.

8. Meeting of Newly Elected Officers
Hold a meeting of the newly elected officers as soon as possible. The first item of business should be to petition the state association for a charter.

9. Elect and Train SkillsUSA Officers
Once a chapter constitution is in place, elect and train officers. Since leadership development is one of the key benefits of being involved in SkillsUSA, encourage new members to run for an office.

10. Establish Working Committees
Review the structure of standing committees and the program of work in the SkillsUSA Leadership Handbook. Each SkillsUSA chapter should appoint or accept volunteers for committees and develop a program of work using the chapter members.

11. Plan a Program of Work
The success of the SkillsUSA year evolves around a well-planned calendar of events. Begin this plan as early as possible in the school year (within the first month after returning to school).

12. Participate in Competitive Events
SkillsUSA members benefit most by being involved at each level of the state and national structure. Encourage as many members as possible to participate.

13. Equipment and Materials Needs
Establishing a reference library of SkillsUSA materials is also important. SkillsUSA makes materials available to chapters at a reasonable cost.