How to Establish a National Chapter

Local chapters are independently established and officially registered as professional associations or civil society organizations within their respective countries. Led by local scientists, researchers, public health practitioners, and others working in-country, these chapters operate autonomously and have full authority over their direction and activities. Each chapter is formed by individuals with a shared interest in public health analytics and modeling—especially as it relates to malaria.

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Local Chapter Establishment Guidelines

Establishing a local AMMnet chapter is a three-step process.

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Bylaws

Guidance and Template for AMMnet Local Chapter Bylaws

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Frequently AskedQuestions

This FAQ offers guidance for individuals or groups interested in establishing a local AMMnet chapter. It highlights common questions and challenges and shares successful strategies from existing chapters. Whether you’re just getting started or strengthening an ongoing effort, this resource is designed to support you during your chapter’s development.

What is the process for establishing a local chapter and obtaining official recognition from AMMnet global?

Read carefully and follow the steps outlined on the AMMnet website at How to Establish a National Chapter. Make sure you pre-register your intent to establish a chapter by sending an email to the Secretariat at info@ammnet.org.

How long does it take to get approval after submitting a local chapter application?

The approval process takes some time, as it involves multiple steps and volunteer reviewers. Here’s what to expect:

Application Receipt – The AMMnet Secretariat will confirm receipt of your application and forward all materials to the Local Chapter Development Task Force.
Initial Review – Your application and supporting documents will be reviewed by the Local Chapter Development Task Force.
Recommendation – Once everything is in order, the Task Force will recommend your chapter for establishment to the AMMnet Governance Committee.
Board Review & Vote – The Governance Committee will present your application at the next AMMnet Board meeting for a vote to approve the officially recognized establishment.

The AMMnet Governance Committee and Board each meet every two months, so please plan your timeline accordingly. We appreciate your patience during this process.

What is the relationship between AMMnet local chapters and AMMnet global?

AMMnet local chapters are independent organizations, not subsidiaries, branches, or legal entities of AMMnet global. Each local chapter is registered within its own country—typically as a professional association or civil society organization—comprising local scientists, researchers, public health practitioners, and others interested in public health analytics and modeling, especially as it relates to malaria.

This decentralized structure allows local chapters to operate autonomously and determine their own direction. AMMnet encourages chapters to pursue local funding opportunities and build systems that support long-term sustainability.

Because local chapters are not branches of an international NGO, AMMnet global does not provide letters of support for registration. This helps avoid confusion with national authorities. Instead, chapters should seek guidance from existing professional associations in their country if they encounter challenges in the registration process.

While local chapters are independent, AMMnet global welcomes a formal sister organization relationship—including through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). AMMnet global may also provide operational funding when available, provided the local chapter:

Aligns with the AMMnet mission
Adheres to the AMMnet code of conduct
Manages funds responsibly and in compliance with reporting requirements

In summary, AMMnet global and its local chapters form a federated network of affiliated organizations, rather than a single NGO with country branches. Local chapters are also encouraged to form collaborative relationships with one another to strengthen regional and cross-country partnerships.

What does AMMnet global require from a local chapter to maintain its status and continue receiving operating funds?

To maintain active status and remain eligible for continued operational support, each AMMnet local chapter must submit an annual report to AMMnet global. This report must include the following four components:

Current Membership List
- A complete and updated list of chapter members.
Financial Report
- A detailed breakdown of how AMMnet-provided funds and membership fees were spent
- A general financial summary covering any additional funding sources
Activities Report & Self-Assessment
- A summary of activities conducted during the past year
- A self-assessment of how well the chapter met its objectives
- Metrics used by the chapter to measure success
Objectives and Action Plan for the Coming Year
- A clear outline of goals and planned activities for the next 12 months.

AMMnet global will provide reporting guidelines to help chapters complete and submit these documents.

How have other local chapters addressed administrative challenges with country registration?

Several local chapters have encountered challenges with obtaining legal registration in their countries. Here are some strategies that have helped:

Engage government stakeholders early. Building relationships with the Ministry of Health and the National Malaria Control Program (NMCP) early in the process can help legitimize your chapter and facilitate approval from government authorities.
Partner with a host institution. In cases where registration is delayed, local chapters may operate temporarily under a host institution or organization that is already legally registered in the country. This arrangement provides a legal framework for the chapter to begin operations while awaiting formal registration.
- The chapter must provide a justification for choosing the host institution.
- If approved by the AMMnet Board, provisional authorization will be granted for up to one year to operate under the host institution.‍
- Obtain registration within one year. Local chapters are expected to complete their legal registration within 12 months of receiving provisional authorization. Proof of registration must be submitted to AMMnet global. Renewal of the chapter’s status beyond one year will depend on successful registration.

How have other local chapters handled leadership selection?

During the establishment phase, local chapters typically appoint interim leadership to guide the formation process. However, the goal should be to hold a formal election as soon as feasible.

Here are some key practices other chapters have followed:

Prioritize transparency. Ensure that the leadership selection process is open and clear to all members.
Develop governance documents. Form a small committee to draft the chapter’s governance structure and bylaws, including guidelines for leadership roles, election procedures, and term lengths. AMMnet provides a template, though chapters may adapt it to reflect local preferences.
Include election details in your bylaws. Clearly document the election process and leadership terms in your chapter’s governance documents.
Promote inclusive leadership. Aim for diversity in leadership—including across disciplines, genders, and geographic regions—to reflect the full composition of your chapter.

By planning ahead and fostering inclusivity and transparency, local chapters lay a strong foundation for effective governance and long-term success.

What is the ideal structure and size of the local chapter leadership (core officers)?

Each AMMnet local chapter must have at least three core officers to manage operations:

Chairperson
Secretary
Treasurer

These roles must be held by three different individuals—no one person may hold more than one of the core positions.

Beyond these required roles, the size and structure of the leadership team can vary based on the chapter’s objectives, size, and local context. Chapters may appoint additional officers as needed to support specific functions such as:

Deputy or Vice roles
Research coordination
Capacity strengthening and training
Liaison with the National Malaria Program (NMP)

When expanding the leadership team, chapters should consider:

The skills needed for effective management and impact
The importance of diverse expertise (e.g., public health, modeling, research, policy)
Active engagement with AMMnet global

Chapters are encouraged to adapt their leadership structure to what best supports their mission while maintaining clear, inclusive, and transparent governance.

What are effective strategies for growing local chapter membership and engagement?

Many local chapters have successfully expanded their membership and increased participation by using the following strategies:

Elect motivated leaders.
Strong, committed leadership helps drive the chapter forward, energize members, and create opportunities for growth and collaboration.
Engage new AMMnet members in your country.
Request an updated member list from AMMnet global to identify new members in your country. Reach out and personally invite them to join the local chapter.
Leverage social media.
Use platforms like X/Twitter, LinkedIn, Bluesky, or Facebook to share updates, promote events, and highlight member achievements. Social media increases visibility and helps attract new members who are interested in public health modeling and analytics.
Share updates through the AMMnet monthly newsletter.
Submitting your chapter's events and updates to the monthly AMMnet newsletter helps inform the broader network and can inspire more involvement at the local level.
Host events using an AMMnet Small Event Award.

These awards provide funding to organize workshops, seminars, or networking events that can attract new members and raise awareness of the chapter’s activities. You may find more information about the Small Event Award on our website here.

By combining outreach, strong leadership, and regular communication, local chapters can build a vibrant and engaged community.

Can multiple local chapters exist in the same country? How is this handled?

AMMnet global strongly supports the establishment of one local chapter per country to promote national collaboration and unity.

However, in exceptional cases—such as in large countries with a geographically dispersed membership—the Board may consider proposals for more than one chapter.

To ensure coordination:

Chapters should engage with AMMnet global early in the development process and formally express their intent to establish.
If there is already a chapter forming in your country, the AMMnet Secretariat will connect interested individuals to those already involved in the process.

AMMnet’s mission centers on fostering local connections and building strong communities. Working collaboratively within a single local chapter is often the most effective way to achieve this goal.

How to Establish a National Chapter

Frequently AskedQuestions

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