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.
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:
- Submit your request to form a Chapter
- The application is reviewed by DAMA® International and if in order the application moves on to the 3rd 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 Internternational® 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 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.
Suggested Timeline for Chapter Formation & Affiliation
Stage One: Becoming a Forming Chapter (Estimated Duration: 1–2 Months)
| Week | Task |
| 1–2 | Check geographical zone for overlap; identify and coordinate with other interested parties if applicable |
| 2–3 | Confirm 3+ founding members from different organizations |
| 3 | Choose Chapter name (according to naming convention) |
| 3 | Submit a request to start a Chapter |
| 4-5 | DAMA® reviews and if the request is approved, sends a Letter of Intent and Code of Ethics |
| 5-6 | Founding members sign the Letter of Intent and the DAMA® Code of Ethics is signed by all Founding Members |
| 4 | Submit Letter of Intent application to DAMA® |
| 5–6 | Application review and approval by DAMA® |
| 6 | Officially 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)
| Month | Task |
| 2–3 | Begin legal process to establish a not-for-profit organization |
| 3–4 | Must appear after Finalize and legally register the not-for-profit organization |
| 3–4 | Draft Chapter Operating Bylaws |
| 4 | Submit Bylaws and Incorporation documents to DAMA®-I for review |
| 5 | Finalize and legally register the not-for-profit organization |
| 5 | All 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 |
| 5–6 | Sign and submit the Affiliation Agreement |
| 6–7 | DAMA®-I reviews and counter-signs the Affiliation Agreement |
| 7 | Chapter 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:
- 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 PDF
- Yearly report of Board members, roles and terms
- Yearly report type and count of members
- Yearly attestation of events held
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