CAMFT Services to Chapters

Mailing Labels/Lists

A chapter can request and receive, at no charge, up to four mailing/e-mail lists per year comprised of members of CAMFT located within the region represented by the chapter. The request form is available on CAMFT’s website in the “Chapter News” area of the “Chapter Information” section and also in the Chapter Presidents and Chapter Leadership groups in the CAMFT Community.

Promotion

Chapter membership and activities are promoted in each issue of The Therapist, on the CAMFT website, and in the monthly chapter events e-mail sent to all CAMFT members. Early in 2010, CAMFT began giving each chapter an opportunity to be spotlighted in an upcoming issue of The Therapist magazine. Each CAMFT application package (given to prospective members) contains information about chapter affiliation. In addition, each process package (initial package sent to applicants upon receipt of member application) contains chapter information, as does each acceptance package (notification of acceptance by CAMFT Board). CAMFT provides monthly add/drop reports to chapter presidents and membership chairs at the beginning of each month. These reports can be used by the chapters to recruit new members, as well as check on the membership status of existing chapter members. CAMFT regularly encourages members to join chapters.

Information

Updates on a variety of topics are regularly provided to chapters. Such information might include: reports on CAMFT Board activities, new member programs, information about chapter promotional programs, political action, legislation, etc. A resource library with additional information is also housed in the Chapter Presidents and Chapter Leadership groups in the CAMFT Community.

Presentations

The CAMFT executive director and staff attorneys present programs for chapters as requested. These are available at no charge to any chapter that requests a presentation. CAMFT pays costs for transportation and lodging. These presentations may be as brief as an hour or up to a full day, such as the “Legal and Ethical Issues: Best Practices” workshop. A form is available on CAMFT’s website or you can contact Eileen Schuster at eschuster@camft.org to schedule a presentation.

Chapter Leadership Conference

CAMFT hosts a day-long meeting each year for chapter representatives in order for chapter leaders to network and learn from one another. The Chapter Leadership Conference begins with a chapter presidents’ dinner which provides chapter presidents an opportunity to network with one another.

Legislation

CAMFT has sponsored and successfully achieved legislation intended to benefit chapters, e.g., immunity from liability for chapter referral services and telephone information libraries.

Chapter Handbooks

CAMFT provides chapters with a handbook which contains such items as: CAMFT Bylaws, Educational Foundation Bylaws, PAC Bylaws, Model Chapter Bylaws, Guidelines for Forming a Chapter, CAMFT Ethical Standards and Procedures, CAMFT
Policies that Affect Chapters, Directories of CAMFT Board and Chapter Representatives, CAMFT literature, comparative data on chapter activities, managed care, and other resources. This information is now available in the Chapter Presidents and Chapter Leadership group libraries in the CAMFT Community.

Use of CAMFT Name and Logo

Chapters which meet certain criteria are permitted to use the CAMFT name and logo. The name of the larger organization and its recognition provides the chapter with greater strength and recognition.

Literature

CAMFT literature, such as the Code of Ethics, The Therapist magazine, CounselingCalifornia.com brochures and other promotional materials are made available to chapters at no charge when utilized for a chapter function.

Referrals

CAMFT directs requests for therapist referrals to www.CounselingCalifornia.com or local chapter referral services.

Answers to Questions

CAMFT staff, including executive director and staff attorneys, assist chapters in answering questions that arise in the course of running the chapter and the conducting of chapter business.

Communication

Chapters are encouraged to communicate with CAMFT on any and all issues of concern. CAMFT, as well, strives to communicate with chapters on issues that are relevant to them.

Development

CAMFT assists in the development of new chapters or in the mediation of problems that may arise amongst existing chapters.

Annual Conference Display

A special display at the Annual Conference exhibit is made available to chapters at no charge. Chapters may display chapter information to promote the chapter.

Trauma Response Network

CAMFT’s Trauma Response Network Committee has developed a Trauma Response Network with a coordinator from each chapter. These coordinators are listed in the “Trauma Response Network” section of CAMFT’s website. The Trauma Response Network typically meets yearly at the Chapter Leadership Conference. A stipend is available to chapters who hold the Eye of the Storm training. Involvement of chapters in the Trauma Response Network is critical to its success. For more information about this program, please contact Shawn Talbot, CAMFT’s Director of Chapter Relations & Certification at shawn@camft.org or (858) 292-2638 x 308.

Website

CAMFT’s website provides links to chapter websites, as well as chapter contact information, a listing of legal and ethical issues workshops, as well as other events. You can access this area of the website by selecting the “Chapter News” link on CAMFT’s website. A link to this area of CAMFT’s website is available in the Chapter Presidents and Chapter Leadership groups in the CAMFT Community.

Discount for Concurrent Chapter Memberships

CAMFT offers a $25.00 discount to each member who joins a local chapter of CAMFT at the same time they join CAMFT. This $25.00 discount applies only to those paying the full $50 application fee. A certificate is provided to all new CAMFT members outlining the steps involved in receiving the $25.00 discount.