1. Beginning the Process
Although there are numerous organizations which serve the interests of each of the groups and disciplines which are represented in the LERA, our organization is unique in that it has the greatest potential for inclusively of all those who labor in our field of industrial/labor/employee relations and related interests. Most chapters have been started by members who moved to locations where there was not a chapter, individuals who were introduced to the LERA through business or union acquaintances or by academics at universities who were teaching or researching in the field.
The first step in starting a chapter is to form a committee to ascertain whether there is sufficient interest in forming a chapter. This core group should include a wide spectrum of interests: mediators, arbitrators, attorneys, academics, government, labor and management representatives, human resources and personnel officers from a cross section of private, public and federal sectors.
If there is sufficient interest in starting a new chapter, contact the national LERA to request a prospective chapter packet. The information received from the national office will include tips on organizing and chapter programs, examples of chapter constitutions, and brochures and samples of LERA publications. A list and set of labels of national members in the area will also be sent. New chapters should always refer to themselves as Organizing Chapters until affiliation with national has been completed. New chapters should maintain close contact with the national office throughout the organizing process.
Next, the organizing committee should develop a large mailing list of people in the field or related fields who might be interested in participating in or joining the chapter (see Sources of Members and Tips from Experienced Chapter Officers). The Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service is a good place to start locating names for your list. Check other governmental agencies, colleges and universities, bar associations, unions, and be sure to use the listing of national members in the area.
"Seed" money for initial start-up costs and mailings can sometimes be acquired through funds from a university, a co-sponsoring organization, a nearby sponsoring chapter or a company or union.
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