Once you have the list of KAs in your area, telephone the men you know and ask them to join you in the organization of a KA Alumni Chapter. Many will express an interest in assisting if you let them know that they will not be individually responsible for getting the group “off the ground.” If they know that they will be part of a group of men working to establish an alumni chapter, they will be much more willing to lend a hand. Beginning with this small group of men who are committed to the success of the effort is one of the keys to establishing a healthy chapter.
After you have a small group willing to help, set a time and place for an organizational meeting. To promote this meeting, one, or both, of the following will attract attention:
- Email or mail a letter to all alumni in the area informing them of the desire to establish an alumni chapter and inviting their participation;
- Contact area alumni by phone
The National Administrative Office can work with you to get a letter written and can print and mail it to all alumni in the area at no cost to you. This letter will be mailed bulk-rate (3rd class) and will generally take 10-14 days to arrive, so the date, time and place of the meeting must be set well in advance.
The office can also tell you if any staff members or your Province Commander might be in the area visiting an active chapter. They may be able to offer some helpful hints or answer questions which arise at the meeting.
Other than face-to-face contact, the telephone is often the best way to encourage interest in an alumni chapter. Because an invitation may be misplaced, lost, thrown away, or the event simply forgotten, a phone call is sure to increase attendance and interest. If a few members have agreed to help get the chapter started, divide the list among yourselves and call each alumnus.
