Page 6 - Denise Weathers Most Challenging and Leadership Presentation

CHALLENGES FACED

Exploration:

Implement the discovery phase: the files needed to explore all information about the chapter’s

charters, banking information, and resident agent were missing or dated.

The Chapters failed to recognize their status as separate legal entities, which led to non-compliance

with necessary legal obligations, such as incorporation, obtaining liability insurance, maintaining tax-

exempt status, and other matters they may believe are managed by the national association.

The chapters were given the authority to make membership decisions, which violated the risks of

violating antitrust laws, especially when such decisions lead to arbitrary exclusions of competitors,
which affected the national association.

There was confusion about the authority of the chapter versus the national association. The chapters
acted under the perception that they were agents of the national association, which led to issues of

liability and responsibility for both parties.

Financial Oversight and Accountability:

The Chapters had separate bank accounts, creating challenges in tracking financial activities and

ensuring transparency. The national association had limited visibility into the chapter's finances,

making it difficult to monitor expenditures and ensure responsible use of funds.

Difficulties in tracking and consolidating financial data across multiple chapters.

The individual bank accounts led to miscommunications about funding arrangements, resource

access, and financial expectations. This created tension between the national association and the
chapter, particularly when misunderstandings arose regarding contributions or support.

Member Engagement and Management:

The Chapters often struggled with maintaining member engagement and participation. This was

compounded by a lack of understanding of their legal status, diminishing motivation for members to

engage meaningfully.

Confusion about Authority:

There was confusion about the authority of the chapter versus the national association.