Chapter Guidelines

Overview

These guidelines outline expectations for participation, professionalism, and mutual growth within the BNI Community Connectors chapter. They’re formatted in a privacy-policy style for clarity, quick scanning, and easy reference.


Effective Date: September 22, 2025

Vision Statement

To be the most trusted and dynamic network of business professionals in Northeast Mesa, where strong relationships, consistent referrals, and shared growth empower every member to thrive.

Mission Statement

Our mission is to foster a collaborative community of high-integrity professionals who are committed to building each other’s businesses through intentional networking, consistent referrals, and a culture of accountability, education, and mutual success.

Chapter Dues

  • Chapter dues ensure that we pay our venue in a timely manner and can be paid monthly, quarterly, or annually.

  • Dues shall be paid on or before your due date as announced weekly by the chapter’s Secretary/Treasurer.

  • There is a 15-day grace period.

  • If not paid by the end of the grace period, a $10 late fee will be assessed and deposited into the chapter’s general fund.

Attendance Guidelines

Attendance at every meeting is crucial. Members are encouraged to secure substitutes when unable to attend. A substitute does not count as an absence, though it is categorized differently on the Power of One report.

BNI policy states that a member with more than three absences in a 6-month period forfeits their position.

  • 1st absence (no sub): Membership checks in if no prior alert was given.

  • 2nd absence (no sub): Encouraging letter to attend MSP and provide a substitute.

  • 3rd absence (no sub): Written warning that member status is in jeopardy.

  • 4th absence (no sub): Membership may open your seat to a new member.

A member must be present for at least 75% of meetings in a 6-month period; otherwise, the leadership team may discuss potential expulsion (see Over-Use of Substitutes).

Late / Early Exit Policy

Our networking time is from 9:30 am to 9:45 am—a critical window to build relationships with members and visitors. Arriving late diminishes the importance of our meetings; leaving early is disruptive.

  • Arriving after 10:00 am: ½ absence

  • Arriving after 10:30 am: 1 absence

  • Leaving before 10:45 am: ½ absence

  • Leaving before 10:30 am: 1 absence

Substitutes

  • It is your responsibility to arrange a substitute and provide them with a 30-second commercial for your business.

  • When possible, choose a substitute whose classification does not conflict with a sitting member.

  • A substitute may give their 30-second commercial during the visitor portion up to twice during a BNI chapter year, provided the seat is open and there is no conflict. If there is a conflict, the substitute may only give your 30-second commercial.

  • If a substitute does not attend, the member is counted absent for that week.

Over-Use of Substitutes

There is no penalty for having a substitute. However, if a substitute is attending more than the member, the leadership team may inquire about the member’s intentions to fully participate and contribute.

Member Issues

  • Members should first attempt to resolve disagreements directly with one another.

  • If unresolved, a verbal complaint may be made to the Membership Committee for guidance.

  • If still unresolved, a written complaint may be submitted to document the issue for potential further action.

  • All complaints will be handled discreetly with every effort to maintain confidentiality.

Medical Leave

  • A leave of absence may be requested in writing for medical or family emergencies.

  • The request should provide a general reason, the length of time needed, and a substitute plan if applicable.

  • Approved leave can be up to eight weeks; additional time may be approved case-by-case.

Evaluating Member Participation

The Membership Committee reviews member participation on an ongoing basis and prior to renewals. Where time permits, members will be met with prior to renewal.

Evaluations include:

  • Attendance / over-use of substitutes

  • Referrals passed / received

  • Adherence to BNI Code of Ethics

  • Timely payment of membership and venue dues

  • Complaints received from chapter members

  • Acknowledgments / recognition received

  • Participation in the chapter (committees, leadership roles, etc.)

Conflict / Overlap of Professions

Some professions may overlap. Prior to accepting a member with potential conflicts, the Membership Committee will facilitate a conversation between the sitting member and the applicant. We believe space can be made for additional members without conflict while maintaining the integrity of each member’s seat.

Announcements & Handouts

  • Announcements (e.g., other networking events) can be emailed to the standing Events Coordinator to be listed in the weekly slide deck and announced at the end of the meeting.

  • Announcement time is not for additional advertising—please use your commercial for product/service promos.

  • Handouts (except for the speaker of the week) should be placed at the visitor host table before the meeting or at each seat prior to 9:45 am; passing them during the meeting is distracting.

Exit Interview

Exit interviews document a member’s experience with the chapter, especially when leaving prior to dues expiration. Interviews are conducted by a Leadership Team member in person or by phone.

Definitions

Visitor

  • Business professional who would benefit from referrals and chapter participation.

  • Wants to join a BNI Chapter (not already in a forming chapter) with an open classification.

  • May apply for membership if their classification is open.

Guest

  • Not a viable membership candidate. Examples include:

    • Non-referral job

    • Retired or unemployed (not seeking work)

    • Family member just visiting

    • Lives out of area

    • Already a member of another/forming chapter

  • Guests can still give referrals and should be welcomed.

Substitute

  • Attends on behalf of a member.

  • Could be a Visitor or Guest, but the goal is mostly Visitors.

Visiting BNI Members (not substituting)

  • Announce they are from another chapter.

  • Cannot compete with the chapter’s classifications.

  • Should register in the BNI Connect App before visiting.

  • Limited to 2 visits.