The Association for the Tutoring Profession’s (ATP) mission is to provide a communication platform linking tutors, tutor coordinators, and administrators who are committed to the development of the independent learner. The goals, as stated in the constitution, are “to provide opportunities for tutors, tutor coordinators, and administrators to develop and enhance skills through the sharing of methods and strategies; to provide a basis to stimulate research in the philosophy and application of tutoring; to develop relationships with other organizations, schools, and businesses which are also committed to the development of independent learners; and to offer an annual conference and publications to bring information to all interested groups.”

As a result of the highlighted goal it is proposed that ATP support and work collaboratively with those individuals interested in bringing the mission and goals of the ATP to individuals at the state and/or regional level.

By the nature of its position, ATP has a broader perspective and wider scope of activity than that envisioned by state/regional chapters. In the same regard, chapters would have a more specialized perspective to offer on the grassroots level. Whether the chapter is a state or regional organization, it is envisioned that each group has a unique role to play in the world of tutoring.

The purpose of the chapter partnership is to enhance the capacity of both the ATP and its affiliated organization to build effective relationships within their respective communities with tutoring professionals, paraprofessionals, students, teachers, leaders from schools, legislators, businesses, media and other individuals dedicated to the process of improving and enhancing student academic success. By working together and sharing resources, we strengthen all of our efforts.

Policies and Procedures

• Organization name should reflect geographic location (state or region), if appropriate.

• A constitution exists with an accompanying set of by-laws governing operations.

• A clearly stated mission/purpose and goals statement which are aligned with the mission and goals of ATP.

• There are written plans for membership development.

• There must be a nonrestrictive membership clause that states that no Chapter organization may require membership in another organization as a prerequisite for membership. No Chapter organization may deny membership on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, political persuasion, disability, height, weight, or age, except in cases of establishing a minimum age requirement. In exceptional cases Chapter organizations may consider restricting memberships based on criteria other than those listed (e.g. geography).

Financial Stability

• Chapter organization dues are collected annually.

• Submission of annual report, including financials.

• Funds allocation based upon written mission and goals.

• Orderly procedure exists for transfer of financial records and funds from one executive board to another.

• Dissolution of funds clause exists clearly taking care of excess funds in the event of the dissolution of the chapter organization.

Chapter Activities

• Annual meeting held for membership.

• Newsletter distributed on a regular basis.

• Governing board of Chapter organization communicates with members via regular letters, email, memorandums, newsletter and/or announcements.

• Governing board of Chapter organization maintains appropriate liaison with other state and regional agencies, organizations, and institutions concerned with tutoring and the tutoring profession.

ATP Affiliation

• All members of the Chapter organization’s governing body must be members of ATP.

• More than twenty-five members of the Chapter organization must be members of ATP. (Note: Members of the state/regional organization not previously members of ATP may join for five dollars for the Chapter’s inception year).

Chapter Governing Rules

Chapters shall be maintained by following the Governing Rules set out below.

Policies and Procedures

• Annual submission of the Goals and Plans Report with related documents and Activity Report to the ATP Executive Board via the Chair of the Chapters Committee. (Note: Chapters in their initial year will not have an Activity Report to submit.)

• Chapter governing body shall be responsible for maintaining membership records and submitting annually to ATP Executive Board as part of Goals and Plans Report.

• Chapter governing body shall be responsible for membership recruitment to include informing its membership of ATP, its programs and publications, and encouraging membership in ATP.

Services Provided to Chapters by ATP

• ATP provides training for new officers of a Chapter at national conferences.

• ATP provides guidelines for development of constitution and by-laws, when needed.

• ATP informs the membership of Chapters of upcoming conferences.

• ATP provides links to Chapters via its main web page.

• ATP acts as a clearinghouse of ideas between all Chapters and works to coordinate attendance at conferences or online workshops.

• ATP works with Chapters to develop certification criteria and offers ATP certification to Chapters members who fulfill ATP certification guidelines.

• ATP allows opportunities for Chapter members to publish in ATP's newsletter and journal.

• ATP provides board members to conduct training workshops and to speak at conferences/meetings of Chapter organizations. (If Chapters have funds to offset expenses, then they will be asked to do so. If not, the Chapters could offer these workshops as fee-paying events to cover expenses.)