Starting a Zebras Unite Chapter
Zebras Unite (ZU) believes that everyone has an equal right to imagine and create the future. We catalyze community, capital, and culture for people building businesses that are better for the world. We are both international and intersectional, and are a founder-led movement for and by founders, investors, thought leaders, and practitioners of all different stripes.
The growth of this movement depends on global leaders and communities to bring together Zebras building for a new economy and that’s why we’re so grateful to individuals like you who have stepped forward as potential leaders of Zebras Unite. Thank you!
We recognise that there is a desire for regional, localized gatherings to occur to bring together Zebras actively seeking camaraderie and connection. In addition to the desire for the community to self organize, we acknowledge the opportunity for regional communities to play a larger role in the ZU organizational structure going forward so we’ve been busy creating an infrastructure that will support you on this journey. We want to ensure that every Chapter Lead and Chapter member has an exceptional experience.
As a Chapter Lead, you will be invited to agree to our Membership Agreement which grants you the right to use the Zebras Unite brand, tools and infrastructure.
We expect Chapter Leads to protect, celebrate and champion the Zebras Unite vision and mission to empower others to join this movement.
“It’s been a thoroughly rewarding experience leading the formation of the London Chapter. Every day I meet fantastic Zebras founders and through the ecosystem we are building, have the opportunity to see them thrive and grow.” ”
FAQ
What are some responsibilities that Chapter Leads expected to fulfil?
Adhere to ZU’s code of conduct
Complete a 3-month trial period during which Leads are expected to engage with the global community through attendance of online events , organise a Zebras Unite event and engage with other Chapter Leads
Maintain a regular calendar of events and other content on your chapter landing page
Organize at least quarterly in-person chapter meetings and/or virtual events
Support and participate in ZU information interviews, surveys, and feedback sessions as scheduled from time to time by ZU HQ
Maintain a contact database for your chapter
Collect at least annually demographic and business information about your members using surveys and other templates provided by the Cooperative
Utilize the Chapter Leads Slack channel; monthly regional chapter leads calls; and direct outreach to the Zebras Unite Chapter Success Lead.
Create at least four pieces of original content per year, such as a recording of a webinar or talk you hosted, a piece of analysis you conducted, or a publication you authored or were featured in and add to your chapter landing page
Agree to an annual assessment of the Chapter by the Cooperative.
Coordinate with the HQ on the provision of support to Chapter participants and in achieving the mission of the Cooperative, as set out in the preamble of the Bylaws, regardless of the membership status of Chapter participants.
Discharge the rights and responsibilities of the Chapter Lead to the best of their abilities.
Are there any costs/fees associated with running a chapter?
Chapter Leads are expected to join the Zebras Unite Coop and remain in good standing. The associated cost is a one-time payment of $100 for the Co-Op share, and $100 in annual dues. This will grant the Chapter Lead the ability to receive dividends in proportion to their patronage and exercise their voting rights.
Can we use revenue to cover costs associated with running the event?
Zebras Unite will provide Chapter Leads with a discretionary stipend to help Chapter Leads offset the costs of chapter activities, such as costs for childcare, catering, rentals and production of materials.
Do we need to incorporate and if so, do we incorporate as a Limited company, non-profit, CIC, CoOp or any other legal structure?
We will collaborate with Chapter Leads in their national jurisdiction on the exploration of a Zebras Unite entity that acts as an intermediary for member dividends, patronage, grants, sponsorships, and other considerations if you decide to incorporate.
What happens if I want to step down as Chapter Lead?
We will share guidelines that empower existing Chapter Lead to nominate, mentor, manage and evaluate their peers as potential Chapter Lead to takeover. If your Chapter has been registered as a legal entity, we will need to work with you to seamlessly transition your role to the new Chapter Lead.
How long am I required to fulfil my responsibilities as a Chapter Leads?
We would prefer Chapter Chairs to only take on this role if they’re committed to building the Chapter for at least 12 months so that the community can familiarise itself with the leadership. All Chapter Leadership roles will remain active for a maximum two year licensing term, thereafter, the Chapter Lead will become a regular Zebras Unite Member.
Can I pay myself a wage with generated revenue?
Chapter leads receive patronage credit for the time they spend organizing these activities, and patronage results in dividends paid out from profits. If a chapter lead has specific needs, such as help with offsetting childcare costs during chapter activities, we can provide a stipend.
Do we need to get partners and speakers approved by HQ?
No, Chapter Chairs have full autonomy over who they invite to participate in Chapter events as long as you believe they align with our values and agree to our Code of Conduct.
Can I register social media accounts for our local chapter?
We create Twitter accounts for all chapters and details for this are available in your GDrive Folder.
What are some qualities that you seek in Chapter Leads?
Familiarity with the Zebras Unite movement and ethos
Building a loyal community around a mission, creating unique programmatic events and bringing together diverse thought leaders to share their work requires a lot of time and dedication
Is dedicated to working in a leadership capacity within a membership organization
Understanding of the challenges facing values-driven entrepreneurs
Can there be more than one Chapter Leads per city?
No. In the interest of maintaining clear leadership in each city and uniting communities, we allow one chapter per city.
Can I co-lead a Chapter?
The Chapter Lead Agreement will be between one individual or organization and Zebras Unite. Chapters have autonomy over how they would like to structure their team.