FBL • CHAPTER OPERATIONS GUIDE

Chapter Operations Guide

This guide defines how FBL chapters operate consistently across markets. Chapters may customize local logistics (venue, timing), but may not alter FBL purpose, brand, culture, or nonprofit boundaries.

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Start Here Purpose Meetings Roles Onboarding Communications Data Escalation

Non-negotiables: no politics, no lobbying, no pitch culture, no misuse of member data, no brand deviations.

Start Here: Operating Standard

A chapter is successful when it consistently produces a trusted room: respectful, high-signal conversation, and practical leverage. The leader’s job is to protect the environment—not chase volume.

Protect the Room

Time discipline
No pitch behavior
Respectful conversation
Privacy & discretion

What “Good” Looks Like

Members want to return
Low drama / high trust
Organic collaboration
Clear leadership presence

I understand my primary job is to protect the room and the culture—not to build a transactional group.

I understand FBL is not a referral club and does not guarantee referrals, deals, or ROI.

1. Purpose & Positioning

FBL is a leadership community for operators. Chapters exist to develop trust, perspective, and strategic introductions—without pressure.

FBL Is

Leadership-focused community
Trusted peer room
Practical leverage through relationship

FBL Is Not

Pitch night
Lead swap
Political platform

I will position FBL correctly and will not market meetings as a referral exchange or sales forum.

I will protect nonprofit boundaries: no political endorsements, campaigning, or lobbying under FBL.

2. Meetings: Cadence, Format, Standards

Chapters may choose a meeting cadence and venue, but the meeting must remain structured, time-disciplined, and leadership-centered.

Minimum Standards

Start/end on time
Clear agenda
Facilitated discussion
No pitch behavior

Suggested Flow

Welcome (2–3 min)
Member updates (high-level)
Leadership topic discussion
Strategic introductions (earned)
Close + next date

I will enforce a no-pitch environment and intervene when behavior becomes transactional.

I will keep meetings structured and time-respectful.

3. Chapter Roles & Continuity

Leadership continuity protects members. Chapters should identify backup leadership and delegate basic operations where possible.

Recommended Roles

Chapter Leader: culture, compliance, execution
Co-Lead: backup + continuity
Admin: logistics + reminders

Leader Responsibilities

Protect standards
Onboard members correctly
Escalate issues early
Represent FBL professionally

I will maintain continuity coverage (co-lead or interim plan) and not leave the chapter leaderless.

I understand central leadership has final authority over chapter leadership assignments.

4. Member Onboarding & Standards

The goal is alignment, not volume. Members must understand expectations up front: no pitch, respect time, protect privacy.

Onboarding Essentials

Set expectations clearly
Confirm culture fit
Introduce Code of Conduct
Make the room feel safe

Avoid

Pressure recruiting
Overpromising value
Quotas or forced behavior
Transactional language

I will onboard members with clear expectations and enforce standards consistently.

I will not promise referrals or use pressure tactics to grow the chapter.

5. Communications & Public Representation

Communications should be professional, brief, and aligned. No political content, no controversy, no misrepresentation.

Do

Send clear meeting info
Set expectations
Keep tone calm and professional

Don’t

Claim partnerships without approval
Post politics under FBL identity
Use hype/pressure language

I will represent FBL professionally in communications and social media.

I will escalate media/press requests and will not speak as an official FBL representative without approval.

6. Member Data, Privacy & Solicitation

Member lists are not sales assets. Data misuse is a trust violation and may trigger removal.

I will not export, sell, share, or use member contact info for solicitation or non-FBL purposes.

I will report any data misuse or privacy concern immediately to central leadership.

7. Escalation, Incidents & Enforcement

If it risks compliance, reputation, money, or member trust—escalate first. Silence creates risk.

Escalate Immediately

Political / lobbying behavior
Financial misuse concerns
Harassment, threats, unsafe behavior
Public reputational incidents

Escalate Before Acting

Member removal decisions
Public statements
Partnership claims
Any unclear boundary

I will escalate compliance, legal, financial, or reputational issues immediately.

I understand enforcement protects the room and is part of leadership responsibility.

Rule: If you’re unsure, escalate. Don’t improvise.

Acknowledgment

By signing below, I acknowledge I have read and agree to follow the FBL Chapter Operations Guide.

Chapter Name

Role

Name / Signature

Date

Notes (optional)

Submission: Use the email button to submit this acknowledgment to FBL for recordkeeping.The Email button will activate once all required acknowledgments are checked, a membership payment option is selected, and the sign-off fields are completed. If the button appears inactive, click into the date field to confirm today’s date or select a different date. Once all requirements are satisfied, the button will turn blue.