2023 Chapter Guidelines

 UMVA Chapter Guidelines  -  August 5, 2023

UMVA encourages artists, and art supporters around the State to become members and form regional chapters for mutual camaraderie, exhibitions and support.  By paying their dues and becoming members, individuals agree with UMVA purposes and principals and are under the umbrella of its nonprofit status, protected by its liability insurance covering UMVA activities, and eligible for UMVA promotion and support.

To facilitate cooperation, communications, understanding and support within UMVA, protect its tax-exempt status and minimize its liability, the Board of Directors and the two current chapters have developed the following chapter guidelines:

1. Members who want to get together and form regional chapters sanctioned and supported by UMVA will develop a structure and operating procedures following these guidelines.

2. Chapters will have a structure with members to serve as: a convener who organizes and conducts meetings, a recorder who writes and shares minutes of meetings, a communications person who develops and coordinates publicity, and a contact/point person who responds to general inquiries. A person may serve in more than one capacity. Exhibits and event opportunities may be explored and set up by many different members, not necessarily by one person.

3. In accordance with UMVA’s tax exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, the UMVA Treasurer will manage all UMVA receipts and expenditures. These include membership dues; donations; auction proceeds: commissions; and reimbursements for rental, promotional or other chapter expenses for which receipts are timely submitted through the chapter to the Treasurer. There are additional guidelines for the UMVA Gallery managed by the Portland Chapter.

4. Chapters contemplating an event with live music, refreshments or other activities making it susceptible to liability risk but presenting the event as protected by UMVA liability insurance, will seek UMVA Board advice and approval first. This does not apply to venues such as independent galleries, libraries or other non-UMVA venues that have their own rules and protection for such activities.

5. Chapters will hold member meetings and timely share meeting announcements, minutes and reports of special activities with chapter members, the UMVA Board, newsletter editor, webmaster and Maine Arts Journal, to facilitate coordination and promotion.

6. Chapter communications persons will coordinate news releases with the UMVA communications director and use the UMVA logo in all promotional materials.

7. Chapters will help promote UMVA membership and organizational goals. UMVA will provide chapters with the additional contact, procedural and organizational information they need to understand and follow these guidelines.