Requirements for Running a CreativeMornings Chapter
Photo by Derek Neuland for CreativeMornings/Buffalo
When running a chapter there are important must-dos. These essentials define CreativeMornings as a brand and unite far-flung local chapters into a strong global organization. Nothing here should come as a surprise; these requirements are also outlined in the chapter application, the interview, and the license agreement. Before deviating from any of these requirements, please talk to CMHQ.
Events
Every chapter is required to host one free, inclusive, and open-to-the-public event per month on a Friday morning. Each event includes a talk, coffee, and breakfast.
Documentation
Documenting every event with high-quality photos and videos is required. Photos must be uploaded to Flickr and videos uploaded to the CreativeMornings website in a timely manner after each event, ideally before the following event. Videos must use CreativeMornings’ official intro music.
CreativeMornings’ tools and accounts
Using CreativeMornings’ tools and accounts is required. This includes using CreativeMornings’ ticketing system for RSVPs and check-in, as well as the monthly sharing kit, chapter email address, chapter social media accounts, and Mailchimp.
Thanking Global Partners
Global Partners are the generous, heart-forward, and supportive companies that champion our community. Our current Global Partners are Mailchimp, Basecamp/HEY, and Skillshare. In return for their investment, CMHQ gives Global Partners certain marketing benefits, including highlighting them on our website, including in the footer of all CreativeMornings emails, and featuring them on our digital channels. CMHQ manages most of the benefits given to Global Partners.
However, we need your help with one key part: We require all chapters to thank our global partners onstage at each event. This thank you is critical to the ongoing success of CreativeMornings and to our Global Partnership program. Thanks for your help with this!
Speakers
CreativeMornings is an opportunity to shine the light on your local community. When selecting speakers, focus primarily on diverse talent in your local community. Exercise thoughtfulness and care when deciding who gets the spotlight at your events.
Visiting speakers: It’s okay to occasionally give the mic to a visiting speaker, but before doing so, please check to see if there’s a CreativeMornings chapter in the city where that person lives. If there is, the local chapter gets priority, so contact that chapter’s host to get permission before proceeding.
Your organizing team: Active hosts may not serve as speakers. It’s okay if a member of your organizing team speaks occasionally, as long as there’s a compelling reason (such as a perfect fit with the theme) and the rest of the team is in consensus that that is a good idea.
Themes
The monthly global themes are chosen by chapters in order of when they became chapters. The themes serve as a common thread that ties each local chapter’s event together into a global conversation. You may interpret the theme as creatively as you’d like, but please do incorporate that month’s theme into your event.
Finances
There are many approaches to handling money for your chapter. Some chapters work with all in-kind partners and never directly exchange money. Some work with an umbrella organization to Others set up business entities, such as LLCs, non-profits, or other designations. If your chapter sets up a business entity, please don’t use “CreativeMornings” or “CreativeGuild” in the name.
Above all, it’s essential that you follow local rules and regulations for handling taxes and bank accounts, and seek professional guidance, as needed.
Resources:
- Official CreativeMornings intro music for talk videos (opens in Google Drive; see: Theme Music)
- How to upload photos to Flickr (opens in Handbook; password: goodmorning)
- How to upload videos to creativemornings.com (opens in Handbook; password: goodmorning)