Becoming a Chapter
PASS values chapter independence, but also highlights that chapters exist to build the SQL Server community. By formalizing its relationship with PASS, chapters are making a commitment to the professional development of their members by facilitating networking, developing influencers, and enabling the exchange of information.
Becoming a PASS Chapter has never been easier. Chapters must review and sign the Chapter Agreement before being becoming an official PASS Chapter. PASS welcomes both existing SQL Server user groups as well as new chapters as long as the primary focus of the group is SQL Server.
Benefits for PASS Chapters
FREE Web Site Hosting
Through the partnership of PASS and Maximum ASP, Web site hosting is available for FREE to your chapter group.
Official PASS Chapter Logo
What better way to win new members in your group than being eligible to post the official PASS Chapter Logo on your Web site.
FREE Summit Registration
Each chapter will receive one complimentary registration to the PASS Community Summit for the president or volunteer in a leadership role. Plus, one representative from your chapter will be eligible to participate in chapter leadership meetings and hospitality gatherings in conjunction with the Summit. Further information will be sent in the few months prior to the Summit.
Event Sponsorship Programs
PASS Community Connection Events, similar to code camps, can be a great way to facilitate learning and networking within your chapter. PASS will provide you with the financial and logistical support to put on a full-day, SQL Server-focused event. Details on the Community Connection sponsorship can be found at http://www.sqlpass.org/Events/CommunityConnection.aspx
Live Meeting Account
PASS, in conjunction with Microsoft, offers its chapters one complimentary Live Meeting Account to record their meetings and share desktops with remote members.
Regional Mentor Program - The Regional Mentor program helps new chapters find sponsors, venues, and speakers. Regional Mentors are often chapter leaders themselves and have specific expertise in building SQL Communities. They keep in constant contact with their chapter leaders, offering incentives and building reports to send out to the community at large. Regional Mentors are the best way chapter leaders have to make suggestions on the chapter program and request new resources and programs. To learn more about each Region and its Regional Mentor, click here.
Speaking as someone who just started a new chapter, the regional mentor was a big help in figuring out how to organize everything, structure the steering committee, and in general help get everything off the ground.
- Jeremiah Peschka, Chapter leader Columbus, Ohio
TechNet Plus subscription
Offered to chapters by Microsoft in conjunction with UGSS
Access to Chapter Leader List Serve.
Each Chapter Leader will have access to an exclusive listserve where they can share best practices, and communicate with all chapter leaders world-wide. This is a great way to share sponsor and speaker resources as well as get ideas for new events in your community.
Contacts at Local Microsoft Offices
Through our partnership with Microsoft, PASS has many contacts with local Microsoft offices that chapters can utilize for support at their meetings. Local offices may allow PASS chapters to use their office space to hold various meetings.
Promotional Support
- Your group will have the opportunity to be highlighted in the PASS Community Connector, PASS’ e-newsletter distributed to over 25,000+ SQL Server users world-wide
- Chapters will also be included in mailings regarding the organization's events, as well as receive quarterly PASS Chapter News
- Your chapter will be listed on the PASS Chapter Web site with a link to your Web page
Giveaways
Through our partnership with Microsoft and other vendors, throughout the year various items are donated to the PASS Chapter Program. PASS will distribute giveaways to chapters based on availability. These items can be used to drive attendance at your meetings or help reward a hard working volunteer or member.
Networking Opportunities
Besides being able to contact all the PASS chapter presidents via the list server, there are various sessions held at the annual PASS Community Summit, where chapter leaders and volunteers have the opportunity to join together and exchange ideas.
Welcome Kit. New chapters will receive a welcome kit with a book on starting SQL Server Communities and giveaways for the first meeting.
Downloadable Resources
Chapter Agreement
Chapter Benefits Document
PASS Chapter Set Up Presentation
Offical PASS Chapter Requirements
In order to become and remain an official PASS chapter, all chapters must fulfill the following requirements:
- Sign and fulfill the Official PASS Chapter Letter of Understanding,
- Post PASS logo, link to the PASS web site, state that they are a PASS Chapter, and promote PASS events that may occur,
- Attend the Chapter Leadership Meeting at the PASS Community Summit, if they are attending the Summit,
- Ensure that meetings contain SQL Server content,
- Inform PASS of any updates pertaining to contact information, change in leadership, and participate in quarterly chapter update reports,
- Encourage all members to join PASS, membership is free so there is no reason not to join.