FBL • CHAPTER SETUP • START & GO
Chapter Packet (Comprehensive)
This is the complete “Start & Go” chapter packet in one place. Read each section, check each acknowledgment,
add notes if needed, then email the full packet to FBL at the end.
Non-negotiables: No politics under FBL identity (no endorsements, campaigning, lobbying).
No pitch culture. Protect privacy. Follow brand usage rules. Escalate issues early.
1. Chapter Operations Guide
The chapter is a leadership room. The leader’s job is to protect the room: keep it structured, respectful, and high-trust.
Growth happens as a byproduct of quality—not pressure.
What Good Looks Like
- Starts on time, ends on time
- Clear agenda and leadership-centered topics
- Introductions are purposeful, never forced
- Guests are welcomed without being targeted
- Confidentiality and discretion are respected
FBL Is / FBL Is Not
- Is: a leadership community for operators
- Is: practical leverage through relationships
- Is not: a referral club or leads exchange
- Is not: a place to pitch the room
- Is not: political, divisive, or ideological
Protect the room: When someone turns the group into a hunting ground (pitching, extracting, gossip, drama), you intervene quickly.
2. On-Boarding Checklist
Onboarding is alignment. The goal is not “more members,” it’s the right members—operators who respect the room,
the time, and the standards.
Onboarding Must Cover
- What FBL is / is not
- Behavior standards (no pitch culture)
- Privacy and discretion expectations
- Attendance/engagement expectations (if applicable)
- Escalation process and enforcement
Common Failure Modes
- Letting “closers” and pitch personalities take over
- Unclear expectations (confusion becomes conflict)
- Not addressing issues early
- Allowing member lists to become marketing lists
- Promising outcomes you can’t control
3. Financial Stewardship Policy
FBL financial stewardship protects nonprofit standing and member trust. No off-the-books money, no personal benefit,
and no expense commitments without approval. Documentation protects everyone.
Core Rules
- No side accounts or “chapter cash” unless explicitly authorized
- No personal benefit from FBL funds/resources
- Receipts + purpose required for reimbursements
- No vendor commitments without approval
- Escalate unclear situations immediately
Not Allowed
- Cash handling as a normal process
- Personal meals/travel framed as “chapter expense”
- Unapproved sponsorship/donation handling
- Undocumented reimbursements
- Anything that looks like private benefit
4. Brand Leadership Enforcement
The brand is protected through consistency. Leaders enforce standards: correct assets, correct language, correct positioning,
and immediate correction of misuse. If it’s public, it must be right.
Do
- Use approved logo versions (high contrast; clearly visible)
- Use midnight navy as primary brand color
- Keep voice calm, confident, leadership-level
- Correct errors quickly
- Escalate gray areas
Don’t
- Distort, stretch, recolor, or redesign the logo
- Place navy logo on dark backgrounds (low contrast)
- Claim endorsements/partnerships/outcomes
- Use politics, divisive content, or ideological messaging
- Let local preference override brand standards
Simple rule: If a stranger saw your chapter page, would they instantly recognize it as FBL and understand it correctly?
5. Leadership Agreement
Leadership is accountability. You represent FBL in your market and are responsible for culture, compliance, and professional conduct.
You are not a free agent—chapters operate under central standards.
Leader Responsibilities
- Run structured meetings with clear expectations
- Protect members from pitch culture and misuse
- Address conflicts early and escalate when needed
- Ensure documentation and policy completion
- Maintain continuity (co-lead / interim plan)
Leader Boundaries
- No using the chapter as a prospect list
- No public statements on disputes/incidents
- No “local rule” overrides on brand/compliance
- No financial commitments without approval
- No politics under FBL identity
6. Communication & Media Policy
FBL communication is professional, calm, and leadership-level. Chapters may communicate locally, but must avoid controversy,
protect privacy, and never operate as spokespeople. If it’s risky, escalate.
Allowed
- Meeting logistics and guest invitations
- Leadership and operator-focused content
- Approved photos (with consent when appropriate)
- Sharing approved FBL announcements
- Directing inquiries to central email
Not Allowed
- Political posts, endorsements, or campaigning
- Divisive content that damages trust
- Publishing member information without consent
- Claiming endorsements/partnerships/outcomes
- Media interviews as “official FBL”
Media rule: “Thanks for reaching out—please email member@fblconnect.com for an official response.”
7. Launch Scorecard (Pass/Fail)
Launch happens when fundamentals are in place. This is pass/fail readiness—don’t launch on hype.
If you can’t run the meeting with consistency and protect the room, you are not launch-ready.
Pass Looks Like
- Confirmed venue, cadence, and meeting format
- Leader + backup coverage (co-lead / interim)
- Clear expectations (no pitch culture; respect)
- Comms + brand compliance ready
- Financial handling compliant and documented
Fail Triggers
- Unclear or changing meeting structure
- No continuity plan
- Leader afraid to enforce standards
- Marketing as “referrals/leads”
- Any off-platform money handling
8. Conflict of Interest Disclosure
Conflicts do not automatically disqualify someone—hiding them does. Disclose relationships and interests that could influence decisions.
Recuse when necessary. Never use FBL for private advantage.
Examples of Conflicts
- Vendor relationship tied to chapter decisions
- Paid sponsorship/advertising arrangements
- Close personal relationships affecting enforcement
- Business interests that bias decisions
- Use of role to steer deals unfairly
What To Do
- Disclose early (in writing)
- Recuse from decisions when appropriate
- Escalate questionable situations
- Document how the conflict is handled
- Prioritize the integrity of the room
9. Removal & Succession Policy
Continuity protects members and the brand. Removal and succession are controlled processes—leaders do not improvise public statements,
retaliate, or “handle it quietly” without escalation. Protect fairness and documentation.
Removal May Be Triggered By
- Financial policy violations
- Politics/divisive behavior under FBL identity
- Misuse of member lists / solicitation
- Repeated brand misuse or misrepresentation
- Conduct issues that harm trust and safety
Succession Must Include
- Continuity plan (co-lead/interim)
- Clear documentation of issues
- Central leadership review
- Professional communication (no gossip)
- Stable handoff of operations
Spokesperson rule: Chapters do not publish “removal statements.” Escalate and follow central direction.
Final Sign-Off
By signing below, I confirm I have completed every section of this FBL Chapter Packet and agree to follow FBL standards and policies.
Submission: 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.
