LOCAL CHAPTERS OF THE SOCIETY
What are they?
The Historical Novel Society (HNS) is a large organization with an international membership spread across the globe. Understanding the desire for local connection amongst members, the HNS fosters the formation of Local Chapters of the Society for members within a particular geographic area. These Chapters are organized, led, and run by HNS members in that area, with very little centralized supervision from HNS Administration.
In addition to geographically-based Local Chapters, the Society also has Subgenre Chapters. These Chapters are based not upon members in a particular location, but rather those interested in a specific subgenre of historical fiction (e.g., Romance, Medieval Fiction, etc.).
Who leads them?
Chapter Leads are members in good standing of the Society. Local Chapter governance, meetings, membership, and other administrivia are independent of the HNS. The HNS serves an advisory and assistive role.
Local Chapters' Facebook groups should provide 'sleeping' admin access to the main Society, in case of any problems.
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STARTING A LOCAL CHAPTER
How to start a local or subgenre chapter of the Society
Please Contact Us if you wish to start a Chapter. Society administration must be made aware before any Local Chapters are formed, so that we can make sure there's no duplication, keep our contact information current, and direct members to Chapters near them when they reach out to us. All Leads will also be added to a Chapter Leads email group so Society administration can communicate with them, and they care easily share ideas and calls for assistance.
We recommend beginning with a private Facebook group. As noted above, Society administration will need "sleeping" admin access to the Facebook group in the event that Chapter leadership lapses or the Chapter becomes inactive. Once the Facebook group is live, we'll give a shout-out from our main social media, update the HNS website to list your Chapter, mention your Chapter in the next HNS Member Newsletter, and add you as Chapter Lead to our communication lists. We can also assist by communicating via email with all members in the target geographical area for the Chapter, letting them know of its existence and calling for participation.
There is a Chapter Guide with detailed information for those interested in starting a new Chapter or taking over administration of an existing Chapter. Contact Us and we'll provide access to this guide.
