A Letter from the AWCI Affiliate Chapter Chair

Dear AWCI members,

At the 2022 AWCI Fall Symposium, it was proposed that we, on the Affiliate Chapter Committee, reach out to all AWCI members individually, on a state-by-state basis, to help members form affiliate chapters in every state that does not have one. During our further discussion we realized that chapters do not have to be limited by state lines. Chapters could be formed regionally, or even formed nationally, based on an area of interest—such as The Chronometer Club. Perhaps members would like to form a marine clock chapter or an antique pocket watch chapter.

Why should members want to form an affiliate chapter? The affiliate chapters are a great place to network with qualified horologists on a regular basis. The number of watchmakers and clockmakers in the US continues to dwindle each year. By forming an affiliate chapter, horologists can join with others to help educate and mentor the next generation. Also, affiliate chapters have direct input into the governance of the AWCI. The affiliate chapter chairperson has a seat on the AWCI Board of Directors and represents the interest of the chapters.

With the advent of online meeting spaces such as Zoom or GoToMeeting, even if you are miles apart in the state, you can all get together at one time. We are currently working with the AWCI Constitution and Bylaws Committee in reducing the number of AWCI members required to start an affiliate chapter from 10 down to five. The affiliate chapter committee and AWCI are committed to helping members, however possible, to have a chapter in their state, region, or area of interest. We will be reaching out to AWCI members individually over the next several months.

If you are interested in starting an affiliate chapter, please contact Chris Carey at watrtwn@aol.com or contact AWCI at 513-367-9800, ext. 301.

Sincerely,
Chris Carey
AWCI Affiliate Chapter Chair