The Four Biggest Challenges Faced by Multi-Chapter Organizations

Improve communication between headquarters, chapters, and members with a unified platform

​With so many multi-chapter organizations operating in the United States, there is relatively little research on how they maintain order and operations. How do individual chapters interact with their central or national office? What are their biggest challenges? It is difficult to keep processes streamlined when attempting to coordinate activities, goals, and communications. To dig a little deeper, here are four issues that are routinely faced by multi-chapter groups:

1. Communication

​Effective communication between chapters and headquarters is one of the biggest challenges, both internally and when representing either level of the organization to members. And excellent communication is vital for success. That’s where membership management software comes into play. With a platform like memberplanet, each chapter can create its own profile page and marketing materials while still providing headquarters with the access to oversee and coordinate the effort.  

2. Membership data management

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​Managing member data and information is a complicated task for multi-chapter organizations. And sending files back and forth between headquarters and various chapters is an easy way to lose both information and peace of mind. 

​How many members do you have? Who needs to renew? Which members participate the most? What (and where) is the most recent reporting? We live in the connected economy – there is no need for cumbersome and imprecise methods of file sharing.

​An effective member management database and can seamlessly maintain records and renewals online while enabling groups to grow their membership. That’s why we’ve developed a user-friendly database that makes it easy to search, sort, and upload files while also streamlining dues collection and payment processing.

3. Being social but consistent 

​Many groups with multiple chapters eventually experience a common problem with their social media campaigns: chapters create their own accounts before headquarters has given approval for them to do so, and before they have determined brand standards for these platforms. This creates an inconsistent online brand between chapters as well as the national or regional organization. 

To manage this issue, the head office should develop a comprehensive social media strategy, create an email list of who is responsible for the campaigns for each office, and send them appropriate guidelines. Building a successful and consistent brand requires regular communication between HQ and the points of contact at the respective chapters, which is easily accomplished through internal email campaigns.

4. Leveraging technology for all chapters

​Each chapter likely has similar needs to the head office, but typically lacks the budget and resources to accomplish all of their goals. And with different chapters relying on different technologies with various features and capabilities to meet these needs, it becomes impossible for headquarters to manage all of the current information. 

​The solution? A single, connected platform will provide chapters the tools to manage their respective silos while also coordinating with organization leadership. A user-friendly, adaptable level of consistency makes training, turnover, and growing membership much simpler to manage. And it can transform an organization for the better.

​If you’re part of a multi-chapter organization and face even one of these challenges, investigate our all-in-one membership management platform and see how it can simplify your life. 

Updated since original publication on 10/10/2016.

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About Patrick Terrian

You'll be hard-pressed to find anyone who's as hardworking and dedicated to client success as our Director of Business Development. Patrick's determination, entrepreneurial spirit, and diehard Michigan Wolverines loyalty make him one of the best membership experts in the industry.