Creating a New U.S. Chapter of the National Space Society

NSS U.S. chapters may serve a local area (“Indianapolis, IN”) or have a topical focus (“lunar bases”).

Chapters are integral to the society’s outreach efforts, organizing events, communicating with the public, and inspiring new generations of space activists.

For a list of currently active chapters, see the Directory of NSS Chapters.

If you’re interested in forming a new chapter, the basic steps are as follows:

1. Get a copy of the NSS Chapter Starter Kit.
   • Download the PDF version, or
   • Download the Microsoft Word version, or
   • If you would like to have a Starter Kit sent electronically to you:
     • Send an email to: [email protected]
     • Include your contact information (name, address, phone) and the area that you are interested in starting the local chapter.
     • See the NSS Chapters Rules for details.
2. Find at least two other NSS members in the area who are willing to help organize the chapter.
   • The Chapters Coordinator in your region can help you find such NSS members.
3. Decide on a chapter name — Example: “NSS Indianapolis.”
   • See the NSS Chapters Rules for guidelines on naming and other issues.
4. Decide on a democratic set of bylaws for your chapter.
   • Basic sample bylaws can be obtained here.
5. Fill out a Chapter Application Form as found in the Starter Kit.
   • Identify your contact information and names of chapter officers via this form.
6. Complete the NSS Group Exemption Authorization Form.
   • This signed form is required in order for NSS to claim your chapter as a “subordinate organization” to the IRS.
   • If your new chapter is an existing non-profit organization that independently files with the IRS, you may skip this step.
7. Assemble the following electronic or paper items into your chapter application package:
   • Proposed Chapter Bylaws (see Item 4 above).
   • Chapter Application Form (see Item 5 above).
   • Group Exemption Authorization Form (see Item 6 above) — if needed
   • A list of any additional current chapter members.
   • A short summary report on any chapter events already held.
8. Email your chapter application package to: [email protected]
9. Once approved as a U.S. NSS chapter, your new chapter will receive:
   • A Chapter Certificate showing your chapter in good standing.  Congratulations!
   • Listing on the Chapters Web site and in Ad Astra magazine.
   • Inclusion in the Chapter Leaders email list.
   • A free hosting site for your chapter Web site (if desired).
   • Resources to help your chapter with educational outreach and projects.
   • A Chapter Recruiter Code — a unique number used to track rebates and member-chapter relations.
     • Your chapter will receive a rebate of half the dues paid by new members joining who credit your chapter.
     • See the NSS Chapters Rules for details.
10. Following approval, your chapter must obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS.
    • An IRS EIN is required in order for your chapter to be included as an NSS subordinate organization.
    • The process to obtain an IRS EIN takes only minutes if you follow these
      instructions.
    • If your new chapter is an existing non-profit organization that independently files with the IRS, you may skip this step.