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SWS is currently recruiting student leaders to start new SWS chapters in 2010-11. To learn more about bringing SWS to your school, please review the information below.
starting a chapter of SWS
Smart Woman Securities (SWS) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. At the national level, SWS is run by a Board of Directors responsible for overall policy and direction of SWS. At the chapter level, all SWS chapters are independently-run entities separate from SWS.
SWS chapters
While SWS provides resources, support, and guidance for its chapter organizations and leaders, each chapter is independently run by students. Students are responsible for the following:
 Fundraising- Recruiting speakers
- Managing their budgets
- Planning and executing all programs
- Applying for 501(c)(3) non-profit status, if they so choose
- Other (applying for student organization recognition, complying with school regulation, organizing all chapter logistics, etc.)
SWS National provides the following resources for chapters:
- Initial start-up funding
- Usage of SWS logos and media
- Access to SWS curriculum and research, resources
- Organizational materials (how-to guides, best practices, templates, etc)
- Interaction with other SWS chapters
All chapters are autonomous from the national organization and may set its own internal policies, including controlling its structure, programming, and finances
why start a chapter of SWS?
- Structure: SWS provides a formalized education model with recommended programs to be implemented at each chapter
- Independence: At the same time, SWS allows student leaders the flexibility to build the chapter programs around what is best for the students
- Resources: SWS provides extensive support and guidance, along with startup funds for each new chapter
- Network: Starting any student organization requires passion, dedication, and resources; our extensive network provides chapter leaders with access to potential speakers and mentors, in addition to greater learning opportunities
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SWS new chapter timeline
The following timeline is for 2010-11 SWS chapter recruitment.
To start a chapter on your campus, you need to have an initial call with SWS Co-Founders, where we will explain the application process in more detail and answer any questions you have. Subsequently, your founding team will submit a Chapter Interest Application. All Chapter Interest Applications are due on December 1, 2010..
If your application is approved, you will submit a Soft Launch Prospectus (SLP) due January 15, 2011. If your SLP is approved, your team will be granted initial funding and have the opportunity to introduce SWS to your campus in the spring semester. Finally, the ultimate Chapter Prospectus is due April 1, 2011 in order to become officially affiliated with SWS and to receive full funding. If approved, your chapter will commence full operations in the 2011-2012 school year.
| Action |
Description |
Timeline |
Follow-Up |
Initial Contact |
Email, conference call, etc. |
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SWS National sends out application to student leaders at prospective chapters |
Chapter Interest Application |
Prospective chapters must fill out an application detailing initial interest in starting a new chapter of SWS |
Application due Dec. 1, 2010 |
SWS National will make the decision to move forward within 1 week of receiving application. If approved, student leaders will then be given a starter kit, with recommendations for starting to build a chapter infrastructure and plan for programs. |
Soft Launch Prospectus (SLP) |
Prospective chapters give SWS National an update on the chapter infrastructure, as well as expand on details in the application |
|
SWS National will make the decision to move forward within 1 week of receiving the SLP. If approved, student leaders will be given an initial stipend of $200 for soft launch events. |
Soft Launch on Campus |
Prospective chapters host events on campus to spread the word about SWS |
6-8 weeks |
Ongoing guidance from SWS National |
Chapter Prospectus (CP) |
During the soft launch, student leaders also work on finalizing chapter materials, formalizing program plans, and preparing the final chapter prospectus (CP) to become an official SWS chapter |
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SWS National will make the decision to approve a new chapter of SWS within 3 weeks of receiving the CP. If approved, new chapters must sign an operating agreement, and will receive $600 in startup funds. New chapters will also be given access to all SWS resources. Chapters are then expected to operate independently, working through the summer to plan and execute programs for an official launch in the fall |
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get started
If you are interested in starting a chapter of SWS at your school, please contact us to set up an initial conference call with SWS co-founders Tracy Britt and Teresa Hsiao.
After the initial call with SWS Co-Founders, students who wish to start a new chapter of SWS will be sent a Chapter Interest Application. Please review the timeline above to see how application process works. All prospective chapters must schedule a call in order to receive an application, so please email us in advance to ensure that your call will be scheduled.
All Chapter Interest Applications will be due on December 1, 2010.
If you have any questions, feel free to email us at newchapter@smartwomansecurities.com.
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