The Local Approach
Every local chapter is different! The Board and the members of the local chapter
have the option to determine what activities and events they want to create in their area.
Some of the possibilities include:
- Networking get-togethers (such as luncheons or evening meetings)
- Gatherings with speakers and classes
- Group or co-op buys of products to get reduced prices for the participants
- Community service activites, such as gathering donations of handcrafted products for a local charity
- Putting on demonstrations or educational events for the general public
Really, the possibilities are endless, limited only by the imagination of the chapter board and members!
Click on any of the chapter buttons below to see what that chapter is up to.
The Legal Details
The Handcrafted Soap and Cosmetic Guild is registered with and approved by the IRS as a not-for-profit trade
association. All local chapters will be likewise registered under the non-profit umbrella of the HSCG national
office.
Any Professional or Retired Handcrafter member of the HSCG may apply to start a local chapter. Only
a Professional or Retired Handcrafted member may serve as an incorporator, Board Member, Officer or President
of a local chapter. A current member of the HSCG Board of Directors may start a chapter, but must replaced
by a member-at-large at the Local Chapter's first Annual Meeting.
Local chapters are funded in part by a portion (not to exceed 10%) of the national membership dues of
the members who choose to join that chapter. Additionally, local chapters may solicit donations or charge fees
to cover expenses for local activities, but they may not set or require local chapter members to pay additional
membership dues. Of course, any member may contribute additional funds to their local chapter
if they so choose.
HSCG members may join a local chapter of thier choice, but are not required to do so.
The HSCG national office will send a starter kit to each new chapter at no charge and will provide assistance
and expertise, as well as legal and professional support, to the local chapter as needed.
Finally, in the event the chapter must be disbanded for any reason, legal provisions are in place to ensure that
any and all property or assets shall inure to the HSCG national office.
