Chapter Essentials

Where are the chapters? 

They are all over the world!  If you would like to see the list of all of the chapters, both topic-based and location-based, check out chapters.culturefirst.com/chapters for the full list. 

We also have topic-based chapters that are predominately virtual chapters for anyone to join. 

This program welcomes anyone who shares our mission of creating a better world of work, regardless of their title, role, or industry. Our gatherings are free and are open to customers, prospects and even campers! 

Chapter Leads: These are the volunteers who plan, host, and facilitate events. They are asked to host at least four events a year and are provided with a small budget each quarter for their events. 

To access the chapter lead directory, click here. 

Community Members: These are individuals subscribed to one or more of our global chapters. Their role is primarily as event attendees.

Campers: A camper is the nomenclature for a Culture Amp employee. Many campers are involved in our chapters program. They invite our customers and prospects to our events. They attend our gatherings to continue to learn and stay up to date in the industry. They even co-lead chapters. 

Have a general question? 

If you're a chapter lead and have general questions, there are few ways to reach out. We'd first recommend starting with this wiki site and using the search feature. From there, here are the preferred ways to communicate with us:

1. Slack - Reach out directly in Culture First slack with a DM to Jessie or even pose your question to other chapter leads by dropping your question in the #leads-all channel in slack.

2. LinkedIn - Slack not your thing? Reach out to Jessie with a DM on LinkedIn. 

3. Email - please note Jessie prioritizes email last, because most of our members are on slack.

Looking to start a chapter or refer a chapter lead?

Do you know someone who could be a great addition to your current team of chapter leads? Or maybe there's someone in your network that would be interested in launching a local chapter in their area. Have them fill out our chapter lead application. 

Apply to be a chapter lead

We ask that chapter leads host at minimum 4 events a year, ideally one per quarter. In order to host those gatherings, each Chapter gets $600 USD per quarter. 

Chapters gets $300/quarter AND one workshop/quarter ($300 value). They can forgo the workshop and have $600 total, but chapter leads must ask Jessie in advance. 

The money does NOT roll over. You either use it that quarter or you lose it. 

Examples for how chapters have used their money:

• happy hour

• gift cards

• book clubs

• coffee

• meeting supplies (pens, markers, whiteboards, etc.) 

Chapter leads will pay for the expenses and then get reimbursed by filling out the reimbursement form here. 

Our new chapter leads go through a 90-minute session with a cohort of other chapter leads from around the world. 

Below is the deck we cover during that session.

Chapter leads are welcome to make a copy and use this deck for their online events if they would like. 

New Chapter Checklist

• Think of it as a soft launch or even a pre-launch

  • keep things simple and don't overcomplicate things

• Pick a date and location 

  • Give yourself a couple of weeks

  • Determine if you want to launch virtually or in-person

• Publish your event on Bevy our events platform

• Invite folks from your immediate network 

• Clarify your agenda and consider using the 'Your First Event' gathering guide

• Facilitate your event 

  • share who we are and our principles

  • create connection amongst attendees

  • reflect on what you all want to see from the chapter moving forward

  • identify some action items

• Send followups and schedule your second event 

Advice From Fellow Chapter Leads

Below is a video from a leads check-in call with great advice and tips. 

And here are some words of wisdom from your fellow leads and community managers on launching a new chapter and running your first event

• "Community is the long game. People come for the unity (what they can get out of it) and once they find safety too, they will stay for the unity and the connections."  - DeMario Bell 

• "You don't need a lot of time to prep, plan and promote your event. When running your first event, think of it as a soft launch. Just publish the event!" - Jessie Jacob 

• "Don't worry about the numbers of people who show up! Start small-- the connections are BIG." - Lindsey Taylor (Kansas City)
  
  

• "You don't need to prepare so much. Present a question and let the community dive in from there. Give space for people to share vulnerably and just guide the conversation from there." - Hannah Siddique (Dubai)

• Lean on your community managers and fellow co-leads 

• Don’t get discouraged if you don’t have events planned or a co-lead. Y

• Block time on your calendar to do Culture First stuff. 

• Partner with other more established chapters or other like-minded communities. Co-hosting can save you LOADS of time. Partners could be nonprofits, coworking spaces, other HR related organizations."

• "Create an experience rather than just talking about topics." - Natalia Bayurova (Geneva)

• If you have a co-lead and they create the Bevy event, be sure to register yourself 🙂 

• "Ask Demario to promote your event - Slack him the event page once it is created." - Christiane Bayor (Seattle)

• "Plan for the year in advance. Involve the chapter leads and your community members. If they feel like they are co-creating this with you, they will have greater buy in. Planning in advance takes off the burden too." - DeMario Bell 

• "Run your events by other leads and share in the leads all channel." - Natalia Bayurova

• "Not all of your events need to be in English. Just specify which language the session will be in the event description as well as on LinkedIn." - Jessie Jacob 

• "Leverage the workshops available. Takes a lot of pressure off having to plan a gathering and the facilitators are nice and helpful. Reach out in the workshop booking channel on slack. Also reach out to the leads channel with questions or ideas on connecting." - Christiane Bayor (Seattle)

• "I strongly recommend you collaborate and co-host with other chapters especially if you are bringing in a speaker. You want to make sure there are plenty of people are there. There's strength in numbers when you bring new speakers/facilitators in." - Sonja Monatague MacKay (Edinburgh)

Taking Over an Existing Chapter Checklist

• Get set up in Bevy and send out a message to the existing chapter members introducing yourself 

  • you could even consider sending our a feedbck survey

• Think of your event as a re-launch

  • keep things simple and don't overcomplicate things

• Pick a date and location 

  • Give yourself a couple of weeks

  • Determine if you want to launch virtually or in-person

• Publish your event on Bevy our events platform

  • note that you may already have chapter members so when you publish your event it will send out an automated email 

• Invite folks from your immediate network 

• Clarify your agenda and create a deck 

• Facilitate your event 

  • share who we are and our principles

  • create connection amongst attendees

  • reflect on what you all want to see from the chapter moving forward

  • identify some action items

• Send follow ups and schedule your second event 

Advice From Fellow Chapter Leads

Below is a video offering advice to new chapter leads on how to re-launch an existing chapter. 

As a chapter lead, you're likely passionate about fostering a vibrant community and driving meaningful events. However, navigating relationship dynamics with a co-lead can sometimes be challenging, especially since this is a volunteer role. It's not uncommon to feel awkward addressing these issues, but a proactive and Culture First approach is essential for the chapter's success.  

The Importance of Addressing Challenges

Ignoring relationship challenges or avoiding difficult conversations can lead to misunderstandings, decreased chapter activity, and ultimately, a less engaged community. Ghosting or not addressing the issues at all isn't the best solution. It's also the opposite of what creating a better world of work is about. Instead, we encourage you to embrace a Culture First approach, ensuring that both you and your co-lead feel heard and respected.

Recommended Approach

We recommend using the Conscious Leadership Group's Clearing Conversation Model to navigate these conversations. This model helps in framing your thoughts and feelings in a constructive way. Here’s a link to the video that explains the model in detail.

If you are having challenges, let your Community Manager know, but we'd recommend you try your best to navigate this on your own first. 

Templates for Communicating with Your Co-Lead

Below are a couple of templates you can use to communicate with your co-lead if you're experiencing challenges. Feel free to make these your own. 

Template 1: Initial Outreach

Hi [Co-Lead's Name],

I hope you're doing well. I've been trying to connect with you regarding our chapter activities on [specific dates], but we haven't been able to find a time that works for both of us.

The story I am telling myself is that you might be struggling to find the time for this role right now, even though I know it's something you’re passionate about. I’m feeling [frustrated, confused, etc.].

To move forward together as co-leads, I would love to have more consistent communication and collaboration with you. If that's not possible for you at this time, I’d like to discuss how we can keep the chapter's momentum going, possibly with me taking a more active leadership role and you supporting as a community member.

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts.

Best,
[Your Name]

Template 2: Follow-Up Conversation

Hi [Co-Lead's Name],

I wanted to follow up on my previous message. I understand that life can get busy, and sometimes our availability changes. I’m committed to ensuring our chapter remains active and engaging for our community members.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on how we can best move forward. Whether it means adjusting our roles or finding another solution, I’m open to discussing what works best for both of us and the chapter.

Thanks for your understanding and cooperation.

Best,
[Your Name]

Reflecting on Your Needs

Before reaching out, it's important to reflect on what you truly need from this co-lead relationship. Consider the following questions:

• Do you want your co-lead to be more involved? If so, what specific contributions do you need from them?

• Would you prefer to lead the chapter on your own for now?

• Do you want to find another co-lead to support you?

We're Here to Support You

While it's often best for you to address these issues directly with your co-lead, please know that we're here to support you through this process. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you need further assistance or guidance.

Thank you for being a Culture First Chapter Lead Mentor!! 

As a mentor, your role is vital in helping new chapter leads feel welcomed, confident, and ready to host their first events. You'll guide them through the tools, resources, and best practices that make a successful Culture First gathering. Here's the mentor checklist:

✅ Initial Connection

• Reach out on Slack: After the onboarding session, introduce yourself to your mentee via Slack. Help them get comfortable using Slack for community engagement.

• Schedule a 1:1 Meeting: Set up a virtual meeting to connect personally. Discuss their goals and walk them through what they can expect in their first few weeks/months as a chapter lead.

✅ Tools and Resources

• Get them familiar with Bevy: Help them navigate Bevy and guide them through publishing their first event. Explain how emails work and share tips from your own experience on managing the platform.

• Walk through the Wiki and Onboarding Deck: Show them how to use the Wiki and what resources are available, such as the Gathering Guides and Workshops. 

• Encourage community connection: Remind them to attend the leads all check-in calls with fellow chapter leads and connect with others on Slack and LinkedIn.

✅ Event Design and Facilitation

• Support them in planning their first event: Offer guidance on event design and facilitation. Share tips on creating a meaningful and engaging experience. If they need help, point them to the Experience Design & Facilitation guide in the Wiki. There's a gathering guide titled "Your First Event" to help.  Encourage them to view the first event as a "soft launch" to take the pressure off.

• Assist with promotional materials: Show them how to create event graphics using the Creative Assets, and support them in promoting their event through email and social media.

✅ Event Support and Follow Up

• Attend or record a video for their first event: If possible, join their first event virtually to offer support. If you can't attend, record a video they can share with attendees about your own experience as a chapter lead. Why did you join as a chapter lead? How has being involved supported you personally or professionally? What's your chapter like?  

• Support them in having a game plan for what's next: Encourage them to get their second event scheduled sooner than later. Have them consider putting together a rough outline of events for the year, even if it's a happy hour or coffee chat every quarter. Or maybe you all can co-host a virtual event together! 

✅ Compensation, Commitments and Benefits 

• Compensation: Mentor receive $300 for your time and effort in supporting. After the chapter hosts their first event, you'll fill out the normal reimbursement form here. Attach an invoice showing you're a mentor and link their event URL in the form. 

• Time Commitment: The total time commitment is approximately 4-6 hours over a month, from your first introduction to post-event follow-up.

• Building relationships: Beyond compensation, you'll have the opportunity to give back to the community and form meaningful relationships with new chapter leads across the globe.