Chapters are the vital connection points—or "nodes"—of the DAMA International® global network. Each Chapter is an independently governed, not-for-profit organization (as local laws allow). These Chapters are more than just local groups; they are essential extensions of DAMA International®, promoting excellence in data management, sharing professional knowledge, and upholding our shared values, principles, and Code of Ethics.
DAMA® Chapters create vibrant communities of data professionals, offering members opportunities for learning, networking, professional development, and certification support in their region. By organizing events, webinars, study groups, and local initiatives, Chapters bring the global DAMA® vision into local focus.
To ensure success, DAMA International® actively supports each Chapter throughout its lifecycle—from initial formation through to full affiliation and ongoing operations. This support comes through:
- Regional Coordinators, who act as your first point of contact, providing hands-on guidance in your time zone and language where possible.
- Chapter Services, which provides strategic insight to support growth and alignment with DAMA®’s goals along the Chapter's lifecycle.
- Dedicated Support Staff, offering administrative support and resources, document templates, branding guidelines, and direct assistance with processes like incorporation, bylaws, and affiliation.
Together, this structure ensures that every Chapter, regardless of where it is in the world, has the tools and support needed to thrive—while staying closely connected to the global DAMA International® community.
How to Create a New Chapter
Creating a new Chapter is a two-stage process:
Stage One: Become a Forming Chapter
Requirements:
- Research the requirements for establishing a not-for-profit organization in your jurisdiction and build your roadmap accordingly.
- Check your area: Make sure no other DAMA® Chapter exists in your target geographical area by consulting https://dama.org/membership/find-your-local-chapter/. If there are other interested parties in creating a new DAMA® Chapter in the same area, you will be connected with them to join efforts.
- Minimum Founding Members: The minimum number of Founders depends on the target geographical area: 3 at the city level; 5 at the regional/province level; 9 at the country level.
- Sector/Industry: 2/3 of the Founders must be from different companies/organizations and across at least 3 sectors (e.g., finance, education, public service).
- Data Management: 75% of Founders must have Data Management skills.
- Membership: All Founders must be an Individual Professional Member of DAMA International®.
- Location: Founders must be based (reside or work) in the area where they propose to establish the chapter.
- Existing Chapter Officers: Founders may not be on the board of an existing affiliated chapter.
- Naming Convention: Must follow this format: DAMA® <Country> - <City> or DAMA® <City>. Country-wide names are possible by exception (particularly for small-population countries).
- Legal Considerations: Your country may require more founding members. No more than 2 can be from the same organization. DAMA® will not accept applications from countries where the United States has no diplomatic relations. Also, founding members cannot be on the OFAC list.
- Legal Entity: You will have to create a not-for-profit organization to become affiliated, or add terms provided by DAMA International® to your legal document.
- Commitment: Founders must commit to serving the chapter for a minimum of 3 years.
Steps:
- Complete the Interested Party Roadmap [link to roadmap]
- The application is reviewed by DAMA International® and, if approved, the application moves on to the next step.
- Each founding member will be provided and needs to sign:
- The Letter of Intent (electronically)
- The DAMA® Code of Ethics Form
- DAMA® reviews your submission.
- Upon DAMA International® Board's approval, you become a Forming Chapter and can:
- Participate in Presidents' Council meetings
- Begin community engagement activities
Stage Two: Become an Affiliated Chapter
Requirements:
- Register your not-for-profit organization. The Articles of incorporation must be approved by DAMA® before submission.
- Obtain a Government ID (e.g. Tax ID)
- Develop and adopt Chapter Bylaws. Operational Bylaws must be reviewed by DAMA® before being enacted.
- Sign the Affiliation Agreement
- Include or replace founding members if needed (same diversity requirements apply)
- Meet DAMA-I Individual Professional Member (IPM) recruitment targets based on Chapter scope (15 city / 25 region / 50 country).
- All Board members must sign the Code of Ethics.
Documents to Submit:
- 3-year Strategic Plan One-Pager
- Letter of Incorporation or equivalent
- Government ID or Tax ID
- Operational Bylaws
- Signed Affiliation Agreement
Note: Simple English translation of each document is required (if applicable)
Once approved, the Chapter becomes Affiliated, can manage membership, and gains full access to DAMA®-I programs and events.
Suggested Timeline for Chapter Formation & Affiliation
Stage One: Becoming a Forming Chapter (Estimated Duration: 1–3 Months)
| Week | Task |
| 1–2 | Check for geographical overlap; identify and coordinate with other interested parties if applicable |
| 2–3 | Confirm the founding members meet all criteria |
| 3 | Choose Chapter name (according to naming convention) |
| 3 | Submit the new Chapter application |
| 4-6 | DAMA® reviews and, upon approval, sends a Letter of Intent and Code of Ethics |
| 6-7 | All Founders sign the Letter of Intent, and the DAMA® Code of Ethics |
| 7–8 | Develop project plan with milestones |
| 7–8 | Start recruiting DAMA® members |
| 8 | Submit artifacts to DAMA® |
| 8–10 | DAMA® reviews the application |
| 11 | Upon approval, officially recognized as a Forming Chapter. |
| 12 | Submit a URL for people to contact (LinkedIn, FB, Meetup, etc.) |
| 12+ | Connect with the assigned Regional Coordinator. Begin participating in Presidents’ Council meetings and early engagement (e.g., meetups, social media) |
Stage Two: Becoming an Affiliated Chapter (Estimated Duration: 3–maximum 12 Months)
| Month | Task |
| 1–2 | Determine the legal process to establish a not-for-profit organization in your jurisdiction |
| 3 | Start recruiting IPMs |
| 4 | Develop a strategic plan with milestones |
| 4–5 | Draft legal organizational statutes |
| 4–5 | Draft Chapter Operating Bylaws |
| 5 | Submit Bylaws and statutes to DAMA®-I for approval |
| 6-7 | DAMA®-I reviews artifacts |
| 7-8 | If approved, finalize artifacts and legally register the not-for-profit organization |
| 9-10 | Submit all final (sealed) legal documents, Operating Bylaws, and government registration with simple English translation, when applicable, to DAMA® |
| 10 | Ensure all Board members have signed the DAMA® Code of Ethics |
| 10-11 | Sign the Affiliation Agreement |
| 11–12 | DAMA® Board approves the Chapter as Affiliated and countersigns the Affiliation Agreement |
| 12 | Chapter officially becomes an Affiliated Chapter |
| 12+ | Launch full membership management and local programming |
Total Suggested Timeline: 6–8 months
This timeline accounts for variances in legal processing times across different jurisdictions. If delays are anticipated (especially in forming the legal entity), Chapters are encouraged to proactively request an extension from DAMA®-I before the 12-month deadline. A monthly progress report must be submitted to DAMA®-I.
Chapter Obligations
While Forming:
- Use full Chapter name + “Forming Chapter” in all materials
- Report monthly progress to DAMA®
- Follow the DAMA® Code of Ethics
Once Affiliated:
- Operate under your Chapter’s bylaws and the DAMA®-I Code of Ethics
- Website must include:
- Chapter Bylaws
- Board contact information
- Statement: “Affiliated Chapter of DAMA® International”
- Synchronized CDMP® content (if applicable)
- Update DAMA® with changes to Board contact information
- All Board members must sign the most current Code of Ethics online
- Submit an annual report of Board members, roles and terms
- Submit an annual report of Membership plans and member counts for each
- Submit an annual report of Chapter Activities
- All Chapter Board of Directors shall be Individual Professional Members of DAMA-I in addition to chapter members
IMPORTANT: These document are provided to allow founding members to learn what they will commit to, Do not download, sign and submit these documents. You will receive them electronically for your signature.
Chapters Resources
- Chapter Quick Start Guide
- Roadmap for Interested Parties
- Strategic Plan One-Pager
- Affiliation Checklist
- Chapter Bylaws Outline
- Chapter Directive
- Brand Guidelines
- Disaffiliation
Marketing & Promotion Templates
DAMA Brochures
DAMA International® Brochure
CDMP® Brochure
DAMA-DMBOK® Brochure
These brochures are available in English, French, Spanish, Italian, Dutch, Japanese, Chinese, and Portuguese and can be modified with your chapter logo and contact information. Contact our office at info@dama.org to arrange for the creation of your chapter brochures. Brochures will be provided in printable PDF format for local printing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Formation & Affiliation
Legal & Financial