Chapter Leader E-Newsletter February 2026
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Chapter Leader E-Newsletter February 2026

Membership Chapters Chapter E-Newsletter February-2026-Chapter-Leader-E-Newsletter

Chapter Leader E-Newsletter, February 2026

Dear Chapter Leaders,

Chapter leaders, CAMFT Board members, and CAMFT staff had a wonderful time at this year’s Chapter Leadership Conference in San Diego. Chapter group photos will be emailed to the Chapter Boards by February 20, 2026.

2026 Chapter Leadership Conference Attendees

 

Congratulations to the Outstanding Chapter Leader Award recipients!

Outstanding Chapter Leader award recipients

(Front): Allison Weaver, LMFT, Sacramento Valley; Kusum Punjabi, AMFT, Santa Clara Valley; Dr. Jane Akponye, LMFT, Inland Empire;  Jennifer Stonefield, LMFT, Los Angeles; Emily Larkin, LMFT, Redwood Empire; Nanci Finley, LMFT, East Bay; Donna Chapman, PhD., LMFT, San Diego; Reesa Morala, LMFT, Southwest Riverside County (Back): Yesenia Rosado, AMFT, Long Beach-South Bay; Rachel Barr, LMFT, Marin County;  Kathryn Bikle, LMFT, San Gabriel Valley;  Joy Alafia, CAMFT; Corrina Zandakis, LCSW, Monterey County; Jodie Shea, LMFT, Orange County; Jennifer Calderon, LMFT, San Fernando Valley; and Linda Ankeney, LMFT, Sierra Foothills (Not shown): Kim Richards, LMFT, Central Coast; Akiah Robinson-Selwa, LMFT, Los Angeles; Marguerite "Meg" Ferrel, LMFT, Redding Regional; Kady Fleckenstein, LMFT, Santa Barbara; and Nadine Newman, LMFT, Sierra Foothills. 

For a list of recipients and the reasons they are so deserving of their awards, click here.  Award recipients, your photos will be emailed to you directly, no later than February 20, 2026.

SURVEY: CLC attendees, if you have not had an opportunity to complete the survey yet, please do so here.

EVENT PHOTOS: Click here to view the event photos: (Event: CLC 26 / Password: CLC)

February Highlights: 

  • Annual reports are due March 31
  • Chapter Leadership Conference survey, handouts, and award winners
  • How State & Federal Laws may affect your Chapter's DEI Initiatives Meeting
  • 2026 CAMFT presentations available to Chapters
  • Pre-Licensed Membership Recruitment Tips
  • CAMFT Committees
  • National Exam Transition
  • And more…

Michele ChampionIf you have any questions, need more information, or have content suggestions, please reach out to to the Chapter Relations Manager, Michele, at mchampion@camft.org.

 

 

 


  • For All Positions
  • Chapter Calendar
  • Presidents
    (incl. - Elect, Vice-, and Past-)
  • Treasurers/Secretaries/Chapter Admin
  • CEPA/Education/Events
  • Membership/Marketing/Sponsorship
  • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
  • Pre-Licensed/3,000 Club
  • Technology/Website/
    Social Media
  • Archived Newsletters

For All Positions

Conference wrap-up: Chapter Leadership Conference (CLC), January 30-31, 2026

  • Conference attendees AND leaders who were unable to attend, feel free to view/download the following information:
    1. The Award Winner/Chapter Recognition Booklet
      • Click here
      • Review for best practices and for innovative ideas on how to manage your chapter
    2. Session slides/handouts
    3. Survey
      • Thank you to those of you who have already completed the survey. If you have not yet, please click here as soon as you have a moment. We appreciate your feedback.

Tip: Are you looking for a way to build a social network of colleagues?

Annual Reports: Due on March 31, 2026

  • Chapters are required to submit their Annual Reports to CAMFT by March 31, 2026, to remain in compliance.
  • Tips for Success:
    • Start preparing the reports sooner rather than closer to the due date
    • Assign report sections by board position—don’t leave it all to the President.
    • Complete reports throughout the year while the information is current and accessible.
    • Reports required: General, Membership, Financial, Events, DEIA+, and Pre-Licensed.
    • Use the provided online forms to simplify reporting—no lengthy writing required.
    • Include database reports (member roster, financial summary, event list).
    • Reports may be emailed individually or as one package to mchampion@camft.org
  • Click here for the Annual Report requirements and reporting links.

Chapter Showcase at the Annual Conference: Sign up now

  • Chapters will have an opportunity to showcase on either Fri, May 1, or Sat, May 2
  • Spots are limited to 10 per day and will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis
  • Please indicate your 1st choice here
  • In exchange, your Chapter will receive two (2) discounted registrations to the Annual Conference. The discount is 50% off the early access price (More information in the email below)
  • CAMFT will confirm your assigned day by March 9, 2026
  • For more information, review the Listserv email from Feb 9

Your Vote Counts!  CAMFT Board Elections due March 12

  • Clinical members are invited to vote in our upcoming Board of Directors election and on the proposed revisions to the CAMFT Bylaws. These decisions help shape the leadership and rules that guide our Association.  
  • Election ballots will be mailed to the voting membership by February 10, 2026. Ballots are due on or before March 12, 2026. Please notify CAMFT of any change of address to ensure you receive mailings.
  • Bylaws Vote  - In addition to the Board election, members are asked to vote on proposed Bylaws revisions. Please take time to review the PROPOSED BYLAWS REVISIONS

REPEAT Meeting: How State & Federal Laws May Affect Your Chapter's DEI Initiatives – March 25, 2026

  • Don't miss this important meeting to learn how state and federal laws, regulations, and litigation may affect your chapter's DEI programs, policies, and initiatives.
  • Association Attorney Jeff Tenenbaum will offer insights, advice, and answer your questions to help you mitigate legal and non-legal DEI-related risks for your chapter.
  • If you have any questions for the presenter, please click here to submit by March 18, 2026
  • The session will NOT be recorded.
  • Link: Pre-register/login on the day: here

National Exam Transition: FAQ

  • The Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) is continuing to take steps forward to authorize the Association of Marital and Family Therapists Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB) National Exam for MFT licensure in California. As part of this effort, CAMFT is working with the BBS on a comprehensive outreach strategy to ensure that all individuals understand when and how this transition will occur, as well as the steps required to comply with the new exam process.
  • We recognize that licensed MFTs and applicants have many questions. This page will be updated regularly with new details and resources to provide early, accurate information to help guide you through this change.
  • Click here for more information

Chapter E-news Calendar

 

Chapter Leaders

Presidents (incl. –Elect, Vice-, and Past-)

DEADLINE: Annual Reports are due on March 31, 2026<

  • Chapters are required to submit their Annual Reports to CAMFT by March 31, 2026, to remain in compliance.
  • Tips for Success:
    • Start preparing the reports sooner rather than closer to the due date.
    • Assign report sections by board position—don’t do it all as the President.
    • Assign report sections by board position — don’t do it all as the President.
    • Reports required: General, Membership, Financial, Events, DEIA+, and Pre-Licensed.
    • Use the provided online forms to simplify reporting—no lengthy writing required.
    • Include database reports (member roster, financial summary, event list).
    • Reports may be emailed individually or as one package to mchampion@camft.org
  • Click here for the Annual Report requirements and reporting links.

Tip: Tactics for Effective Board Member Onboarding

  • View the Board Orientation Template discussed at the CLC here  

Tip: 5 Steps to Relentless Results

  • Stop Stinking
  • Remember reasons
  • Build on abilities
  • Define behaviors collaboratively
  • Create self-designed accountability
  • Read more in the Playbook/Section IV/Articles

Invitation: Interested in joining the President'sListserv?

  • Email  mchampion@camft.org with your request
  • For more information on how to manage the Chapter Leader Listservs, click here

Treasurers/Secretaries/Chapter Admin

DEADLINE: Annual Reports are due on March 31, 2026

  • Chapters are required to submit their Annual Reports to CAMFT by March 31, 2026, to remain in compliance
  • Start preparing the reports sooner rather than closer to the due date
  • Click here for the financial Annual Report requirements
  • Reports may be emailed individually or as one package to mchampion@camft.org

Invitation: Interested in joining the Finance Listserv?

  • Email  mchampion@camft.org with your request
  • For more information on how to manage the Chapter Leader Listservs, click here

CEPA/Education/Events

DEADLINE: Annual Reports are due on March 31, 2026

  • Chapters are required to submit their Annual Reports to CAMFT by March 31, 2026, to remain in compliance.
  • Start preparing the reports sooner rather than closer to the due date
  • Click here for the events Annual Report requirements
  • Reports may be emailed individually or as one package tomchampion@camft.org

Invitation: Interested in joining the CEPA or Events Listserv?

  • Email  mchampion@camft.org with your request
  • For more information on how to manage the Chapter Leader Listservs, click here

Reminder: CEPA Handbook 2026  & Changes related to CEPA

Tip: Need more Chapter revenue, but do not have time to plan an event?

  • Sign up for the 2026 Chapter L&E Revenue Share program.
  • Law & Ethics Revenue Share Program: Webinars
    • Less work for Chapter volunteers ~ more Profit for the Chapters
    • The highest earner two years in a row received over $8,000
    • If you are not familiar with the program yet, click here, or contact mchampion@camft.org for more information
    • The 2026 agreement is available here
    • A planning guide will be available to chapters upon sign-up

2026 Presentations: 2026 CAMFT Presentations offered to Chapters

  • State of the Profession (SOP): In-Person
    • Chapters are eligible to receive one in-person presentation in 2026
    • Any fees collected by the Chapter remain the property of the Chapter
    • Since the presentation is only a 1 CE/90-minute presentation, Chapters are encouraged to combine it with their Annual Meeting, a Lunch meeting, a “Meet the Board” reception, a Pre-Licensed event, etc.
    • Dates are available on a first-come, first-served basis
    • Click here to schedule your Chapter presentation
  • Law & Ethics: In-Person
    • Dates are available on a first-come, first-served basis
    • The presentations will be available between April and December 2026
    • Limited spots are available
    • Click here to schedule your Chapter presentation
    • Any fees collected by the Chapter remain the property of the Chapter

Membership/Marketing/Sponsorship

Deadline: Annual Reports are due on March 31, 2026

  • Chapters are required to submit their Annual Reports to CAMFT by March 31, 2026, to remain in compliance.
  • Start preparing the reports sooner rather than closer to the due date
  • Click here for the membership Annual Report requirements
  • Reports may be emailed individually or as one package to mchampion@camft.org

Tip: Use the Chapter L&E Revenue Share program as a marketing tool

  • Here is how:
    • Once your Chapter is signed up for the program, CAMFT will provide you with marketing images and registration links to the webinars
    • The first webinar is Friday, February 6, 2026: "Navigating Gray Areas with Confidence: A Helpful Overview of Dual Relationships, Coaching Considerations for Therapists, and Soliciting Reviews and Testimonials from Patients and will be presented by Bradley Muldrow, JD, CAMFT Staff Attorney
    • When your Chapter markets the CAMFT L&E Webinars to the members and non-members in your catchment area, you can primarily market that chapter members will receive a $5 discount for every CAMFT L&E webinar they sign up for
    • You do NOT need to mention the revenue share program aspect, since that is an agreement between CAMFT and the Chapter Boards
    • If you are not familiar with the program yet, click here, or contact mchampion@camft.org for more information
    • The 2026 agreement is available here

CAMFT Resource Quarterly Add/Drop Membership Reports

  • CAMFT provides chapters with quarterly reports of dropped and current CAMFT members in their catchment area. Complete contact information is provided.
  • Chapters are encouraged to utilize these reports in their membership recruitment and marketing efforts.  Please note: these lists are not for personal use
  • The reports were emailed to Chapters on Feb 11.
  • If you have not received the reports yet or need to be added to the recipient list, please get in touch with mchampion@camft.org
  • To verify whether your chapter member is a member of CAMFT, log in to www.camft.org / My Dashboard. On the left navigation bar, scroll all the way down to “Membership Directory

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion

Deadline: Annual Reports are due on March 31, 2026

  • Chapters are required to submit their Annual Reports to CAMFT by March 31, 2026, to remain in compliance
  • Start preparing the reports sooner rather than closer to the due date
  • Click here for the DEIA+ Annual Report requirements
  • Reports may be emailed individually or as one package to mchampion@camft.org

DEI Webinar: How State & Federal Laws may affect your Chapter's DEI Initiatives – March 25, 2026

  • Don't miss this important meeting to learn how state and federal laws, regulations, and litigation may affect your chapter's DEI programs, policies, and initiatives.
  • Association Attorney Jeff Tenenbaum will offer insights, advice, and answer your questions to help you mitigate legal and non-legal DEI-related risks for your chapter.
  • If you have any questions for the presenter, please click here to submit by March 18, 2026
  • The session will NOT be recorded.
  • Link: Pre-register/login on the day: here

Invitation: Interested in joining the DEI Listserv?

  • Email  mchampion@camft.org with your request
  • For more information on how to manage the Chapter Leader Listservs, click here

Pre-Licensed/3,000 Club

Annual Reports: Due on March 31, 2026

  • Chapters are required to submit their Annual Reports to CAMFT by March 31, 2026, to remain in compliance.
  • Start preparing the reports sooner rather than closer to the due date
  • Click here for the Pre-Licensed/3,000 Club Annual Report requirements
  • Reports may be emailed individually or as one package to mchampion@camft.org

Tip: Why should Pre-Licensed members join CAMFT?

  • Reminder: Only CAMFT members may be members of a Chapter
  • Sometimes Chapter members forget what first inspired them to join CAMFT as a Pre-Licensed member, so each month we’ll spotlight a few great reasons you can share with prospective CAMFT Pre-Licensed members
  • The January newsletter lists reasons 1-3 (Click on the Archived newsletters on the navigation bar on the left).

Reason 4:
Road to Licensure Support:
Our Road to Licensure Resources include test-taking and self-care resources, as well as regular communications regarding BBS activities and licensing mandates.

Reason 5:
Scholarships & Grant Three Scholarships and a grant are offered through CAMFT's Educational Foundation each year. Membership in CAMFT is one of the factors considered in the scholarship and grant selection process.​

Reason 6:
Malpractice and Student Liability Insurance
Graduate student members are now eligible to receive FREE professional liability insurance coverage through CPH and Associates. Get the details here.

Technology/Website/Social Media

Tip: What Associations Need to Know About Gmail and Yahoo Email Protections

Chapter E-newsletter Archive

Archived Newsletters

January 2026