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Start a DAMA International® Chapter

Chapters are the vital connection points—or "nodes"—of the DAMA International® global network. Each Chapter is an independently governed, not-for-profit organization (if local laws allow it). 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.

dama chapter lifecycle

How to Create a New Chapter

Creating a new Chapter is a two-stage process:

Stage One: Become a Forming Chapter

Requirements:

  • Check your zone: Make sure no other DAMA® Chapter exists in your target geographical zone by consulting the [Existing and Forming Chapters List]. If there are other interested parties in creating a new DAMA® Chapter in the same zone you are interested in, you will be connected with them so that efforts can be joint.
  • Founding Members: Minimum of 3 individuals from different companies/organizations. A balance across sectors (e.g., finance, education, public service) is recommended.
  • 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.
  • Naming Convention: Must follow this format: DAMA® <Country> - <City> or DAMA® <City>. Country-wide names are not allowed.
  • Legal Entity: You will eventually need to create a not-for-profit organization to become affiliated, or add terms provided by DAMA International® to your legal document.

Steps:

  1. Submit your request to form a Chapter
  2. The application is reviewed by DAMA® International and if in order the application moves on to the 3rd step.
  3. Each founding member will be provided and needs to sign:
  4. DAMA® reviews your submission.
  5. Upon DAMA Internternational® Board's approval, you become a Forming Chapter and can:

 

 

 

 

new chapter request forming stage

Stage Two: Become an Affiliated Chapter

Requirements:

  • Register your not-for-profit organization. The Articles of incorporation must be reviewed by DAMA® before getting signed off.
  • Obtain a Government ID (e.g. Tax ID)
  • Develop and adopt Chapter Bylaws. Operational Bylaws must be reviewed by DAMA® before being signed off.
  • Sign the Affiliation Agreement
  • Include or replace founding members if needed (same diversity requirements apply)

All Board members must sign the Code of Ethics

 

Documents to Submit:

  • 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.

new chapter request affiliation stage

Suggested Timeline for Chapter Formation & Affiliation

Stage One: Becoming a Forming Chapter (Estimated Duration: 1–2 Months)

WeekTask
1–2Check geographical zone for overlap; identify and coordinate with other interested parties if applicable
2–3Confirm 3+ founding members from different organizations
3Choose Chapter name (according to naming convention)
3Submit a request to start a Chapter
4-5DAMA® reviews and if the request is approved, sends a Letter of Intent and Code of Ethics
5-6Founding members sign the Letter of Intent and the DAMA® Code of Ethics is signed by all Founding Members
4Submit Letter of Intent application to DAMA®
5–6Application review and approval by DAMA®
6Officially recognized as a Forming Chapter. Once approved, submit a URL for people to contact them (LinkedIn, FB, Meetup, etc.)
6+Connect with your Regional Coordinator and begin participation in Presidents’ Council meetings and early engagement (e.g., meetups, social media)

Stage Two: Becoming an Affiliated Chapter (Estimated Duration: 3–maximum 12 Months)

MonthTask
2–3Begin legal process to establish a not-for-profit organization
3–4Must appear after Finalize and legally register the not-for-profit organization
3–4Draft Chapter Operating Bylaws
4Submit Bylaws and Incorporation documents to DAMA®-I for review
5Finalize and legally register the not-for-profit organization
5All Board members sign DAMA® Code of Ethics. All final (sealed) legal documents and the Operating Bylaws, and Gov ID must be submitted to DAMA® with simple English translation, when applicable
5–6Sign and submit the Affiliation Agreement
6–7DAMA®-I reviews and counter-signs the Affiliation Agreement
7Chapter officially becomes an Affiliated Chapter
7+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:

Benefits

For Forming Chapters:

  • Use of DAMA® logo (per branding guidelines)
  • 50% discount on bulk purchases (min. 10 books) from DAMA-DMBOK® publisher
  • Access to mentoring from established Chapters
  • Participate in Presidents' Council meetings
  • Participate in Regional Council meetings
  • Build community through meetups and social media
  • Access to the speaker roster

For Affiliated Chapters:

  • Full participation in DAMA®’s global community
  • Discounts on events, books, and CDMP® prep from REPs
  • Option to hold a PIYP (Pay If You Pass) CDMP® event annually
  • Eligibility to nominate members to DAMA®-I committees and board positions
  • Access to licensed DAMA-DMBOK® content
  • Option to suggest speakers to be included to the  speaker roster
  • Eligibility for Chapter Awards

Useful Documents

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Formation & Affiliation

Legal & Financial