CRITERIA FOR FFCA AFFILIATES

FATHERS & FAMILIES COALITION OF AMERICA, INC. as a national professional development and membership nonprofit group Fathers & Families Coalition of America, Inc. (FFCA) focuses on the promotion of responsible fatherhood and healthy relationships. Working with state and local affiliated chapters, memberships, and other stakeholders the organization provides leadership to promote and implement professional development and program development efforts at both the national and local levels. FFCA helps its member base determine Best and Promising Practices that are culturally appropriate for promoting responsible fatherhood and building healthy relationships.  With the help of affiliated chapters, consultants, colleagues and concerned individuals like the organization is reconnecting fathers to children, strengthening families and building stronger communities nationwide. The organization’s multiple local programs, foster awareness that both mothers and fathers provide critical contributions to the development of children.   

FFCA has expanded with an affiliate base to garner a broader network of members capable of servicing the needs of families in various communities across the nation.  The goal is to galvanize the group through a multi-level membership status, and to provide ongoing executive training and development and support in conjunction with the level of membership participation.  FFCA will employ two forms of communication strategies to its member base including direct services and web-based contact.  The organization wants to use its traditional face-to-face meeting format for local affiliate participation requirements, including national and regional conferences, institutes, forums and workshops.

COMMON MISSION: The mission of State Affiliates is consistent with the FFCA mission.

BASICS OF ORGANIZATIONAL ACCOUNTABILITY AND STABILITY:

• All Associate Level Affiliates are effective, ethical, and financially stable 501(c) (3) or a not for profit in good standings with the state’s corporation office that are governed by an active volunteer boards of directors, and responsive to their constituencies, and administered by professional staff.
• All Mid-Level Affiliates are incorporated not for profit in good standings with the state’s corporation office that are governed by active volunteer boards of directors, and responsive to their constituencies, and administered by professional staff.
• All Entry Level Affiliates are entities with aspirations to establish as a not for profit and adapt articles of incorporation similar to FFCA meeting local constituents’ needs. Formal agreements between local entities and FFCA are established to ensure quality services. 

COMMON IDENTITY: FFCA Affiliates share a common identity which associates them as a part of the larger Fathers & Families Coalition, Inc. organization and is minimally demonstrated with the universal use of the Fathers & Families Coalition, Inc., logo, website page creation, email system and FFCA name adopted for local identification.

THE EXPECTATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS OF AFFILIATES ARE…

Active participation in the activities of Fathers & Families Coalition, Inc. on the National Level with each State Affiliate  to participate actively in the quarterly meetings, information exchange and dissemination, and activities and programs of the national organization.

• An annual fee schedule:

1.         Affiliates with an annual operational budget of $1,000,000 or more have    an annual chartering fee of $1,500.00;

2.         Affiliates with an operational budget of $400,000 or more have and have an annual chartering fee of $1,000.00; and

3.         Affiliates with an operational budget of less than $400,000 have an annual chartering fee of $500.00 ;

• Participation by Chartered Affiliates must provide a site visit within 18 months of signed affiliation agreements. Site visits must occur every two years with Fathers & Families Coalition, Inc. withthe affiliate covering all site visitor expenses. These site visits are intended to evaluate the effectiveness of each affiliate developing networks or direct services to improve outcomes for fathers, mothers and children;

• Required participation at Affiliate Director’s meetings through trimester web/conference call sessions and the annual meeting prior to the national conference , which includes networking opportunities, as well as presentations on strategic decision making at Fathers & Families Coalition, Inc. and cutting edge issues related to nonprofit governance., and

•          Participation will include national/Affiliate public awareness and at least one annual statewide fundraising activity with support from National Office.

•          State & Local level advocacy: Affiliates are active advocates for national and state-level responsible fatherhood policies and programs in their respective communities and states.

•          Each Affiliate will augment the efforts of the national office to provide best practice program certification.

•          Associate and Mid-Level Affiliates will participate on the national board of directors through and advisory council.

Public Awareness: State Affiliates create and maintain statewide public awareness and education activities with at least one annual Statewide Institute and four Statewide or local Network Meetings.

Information Resource: State Affiliates are accessible and recognizable information resources for comprehensive information and referrals on promotion of responsible  and involved fathers, professional development of practitioners to develop father inclusive services, a consultant directory will be provided.

Required Elements for State Affiliates

• Mission Statement inclusive of serving fathers and/or promotion of professional skills to enhance services for fathers

• Licensed to use FFCA name and trademarks with written approval from the National Office for contracted activities and events concurrent with FFCA’s mission

• Board holds regular (at least quarterly) meetings

• 501© (3) status or State Corporation of a Not for Profit in Good Standings

• Board-approved budget to support the mission of FFCA

• Executive Director or designee attends Affiliate Directors’ Meeting annually at the National Fatherhood & Families Conference

• Agency promotes itself as a statewide or community organization that promotes the efforts of FFCA

• Personnel policies reflect equal opportunity policies

• Programs, materials, campaigns developed with respect to diversity

• Agency advocates for legislative, philanthropic or corporate funding in its state for fatherhood program development

• Has paid all dues and fees to the National Office

Additional requirements for affiliation may be included after a complete application and site interview. Either party can terminate the contract by mutual agreement and/or written submission within 30 days.

For information or applications for affiliation contact us at 602-301-2947 or by email to jrodriguez@azffc.org