Steps Program

If you enjoy barbershop harmony and would like to know more about forming a chorus in your area, the following information is for you.

The chapter chartering program is designed to provide the assistance you will need to help you through the chartering process. The program consists of an introductory packet and the Step One and Step Two booklets, along with supplementary materials. In addition, an experienced member from your region of Sweet Adelines International will visit your group to assist you through the chartering process.

For more information and to order a complimentary introductory packet, contact Membership Coordinator, Ann-Marie Dowling, at 800-992-7464/918-622-1444 ext. 103 or e-mail ann-marie@sweetadelineintl.org.

Step 1

  • One of the most important items on this page is the Request for Prospective Status form. Please fill it out, and return it with your first $25.00 non-refundable charter fee installment as soon as you decide that you would like to form a prospective Sweet Adelines chorus.

After you complete and return the Request for Prospective Status form, you are considered an official prospective chorus in Step One of the Steps Toward Chartering Program! Another package will be mailed to you which will contain music, videos, brochures, an International Directory, Chapter Guide and various flyers.

  • Click here for the Choosing Your Chapter Name form, and begin thinking about a name for your new group. When you have completed this form, mail it to your regional marketing/membership coordinator. You can find your region's contact information in your Step One materials.

During Step One, you should:

  • Apply for an EIN with the IRS (U.S. chapters only). The forms are included in the materials you will receive.

  • Invite your regional marketing/membership coordinator for an administrative visit, and our regional education coordinator for a musical visit. Your MMC will help with ideas about organizing your paperwork, teach you how to prepare a budget, and will have excellent ideas for recruiting new members. The ED can approve your group for public performance, and will educate your group and director about the barbershop style.

Step 2
To apply for Step Two,

  • Complete the Request for Step Two form, and return it with your second $25.00 non-refundable charter fee installment to international headquarters. Note: You should first consider if you are ready to make the commitment to charter within two years. All groups entering Step Two are given two years from the application date to apply for chapter membership.

  • When you are ready, you will need to complete the form and return it to headquarters. More details are below.

When your Request for Step Two form is received by headquarters, your chapter contact will receive another package of materials including a Members Count! Toolkit, Selling Sweet Adelines, music, flyers, and a membership kit. The membership kit contains all the forms you will need when applying for chapter membership. Please be sure to keep it in a safe place so you will have it when you are ready to apply for chapter membership. Before you mail your application, be sure to review the checklist so you know that you have met all the requirements.

During Step Two, you should:

  • Gain enough members to charter (you will need 15 plus the director),

  • Save money for chapter membership which is due when the application is submitted ($80.00 per member [$40.00 Satellite] plus your third and final $50.00 charter fee installment - this is $100.00 total),

  • Create and vote on chapter Standing Rules and Bylaws, and have them approved by the regional team coordinator,

  • Choose a chapter government, and elect officers,

  • Select a permanent chorus director,

  • Pay annual (May 1) liability insurance fee to international (North American chapters only).

Groups in Step Two should also have another musical and administrative visit from the regional MMC and ED. This will fulfill the required two musical and two administrative visits to charter.

We want to make sure you are successful in your endeavor to become a chartered chapter. We enjoy hearing from you, especially to learn how things are going for your group. If you find that there ís a bump in the road to chartering, there are many people who are eager to help you. We also want to hear any suggestions you might have about improving our Steps Toward Chartering Program.

Good Luck!