USASO Chapter Guidelines

United States Anti-Slavery Organization (USASO)

National Chapter Standards & Operating Framework

1. Mission Alignment

All USASO chapters must uphold and advance the national mission:

• Ending the 13th Amendment slavery exception.

• Advocating for due process, equal justice under law, and freedom for all who remain wrongfully incarcerated.

• Supporting modern abolitionist education, survivor leadership, and community empowerment.

• Promoting civic engagement, peace, human rights, and justice nationwide.

Every event, campaign, partnership, or public communication must uphold these principles.

2. Chapter Structure

Each chapter should maintain a basic leadership team:

Required Leadership Roles

• Chapter Director – Oversees chapter operations, strategy, and mission alignment.

• Deputy Director / Operations Lead – Manages logistics, internal planning, and event execution.

• Community & Survivor Engagement Lead – Builds trust with impacted communities, supports survivor voices, oversees ethical storytelling.

• Advocacy & Policy Lead – Tracks legislation, organizes campaigns, coordinates outreach to public officials.

• Communications & Media Lead – Social media, content creation, branding, public materials.

• Finance & Fundraising Lead – Handles chapter budgets, fundraising drives, compliance.

Chapters may create additional roles as needed.

3. Chapter Membership Requirements

Chapters must:

• Welcome all individuals committed to the mission of ending slavery and injustice.

• Maintain a safe, inclusive space free of discrimination.

• Uphold trauma-informed practices, especially when working with survivor communities.

• Encourage members to participate in national campaigns, trainings, and briefings.

4. Survivor Leadership Standards

USASO is survivor-centered. Chapters must:

• Prioritize ethical survivor storytelling (never exploitative).

• Never pressure survivors to share details of trauma.

• Ensure survivors reviewing material that includes their stories.

• Provide honorariums when possible for speaking, storytelling, or labor.

• Protect confidentiality and safety at all times.

5. Required Chapter Activities

Each chapter must conduct at least three types of activities per year:

1. Educational Programming

Examples:

• Teach-ins

• Panel discussions

• Campus/community workshops

• Film screenings

• Constitutional literacy programs

2. Advocacy & Civic Action

Examples:

• Letter-writing campaigns

• Petition drives

• Legislative meetings

• Youth civic engagement events

• Awareness rallies

3. Community Engagement

Examples:

• Survivor support events

• Partnerships with local organizations

• Resource drives

• Public storytelling initiatives

6. Branding & Communications

To maintain national consistency:

• Use USASO-approved logos, colors, and style guidelines.

• Chapters must not create independent logos without approval.

• Major public statements, op-eds, or media interviews should be coordinated with National Communications.

• Social media handles should follow the format:
  USASO – [City/State/School] Chapter

7. Financial Guidelines

• Chapters may fundraise locally but must report all funds to USASO National.

• No member may profit personally from chapter funds or activities.

• Fundraisers must align with USASO values (no partnerships with exploitative industries).

• Annual financial reports are required.

8. Conduct & Safety Standards

Chapters must:

• Maintain a harassment-free environment.

• Follow trauma-informed practices.

• Use content warnings when dealing with violence, incarceration, or trauma.

• Ensure physical security at events (venue checks, emergency protocols).

Any violation may result in review by USASO National.

9. Annual Reporting

Chapters must submit:

• Annual goals

• Event summaries

• Financial reports

• Membership roster updates

• Advocacy outcomes or impact reports

10. Starting a New Chapter

To start an official chapter, groups must:

1. Submit a Chapter Application Form to USASO National.

2. Complete an orientation meeting/training.

3. Identify a minimum leadership team (3–6 people).

4. Sign the USASO Chapter Agreement.

5. Participate in national onboarding and communications channels.

Once approved, the chapter will receive:

• Logo package & brand kit

• Starter materials

• Access to national training

• Inclusion in national directory

11. Chapter Accountability

USASO National reserves the right to:

• Audit financial practices

• Review public communications

• Remove leaders for misconduct

• Pause or terminate a chapter for violating mission or safety standards

12. Coordination With National

Chapters should maintain regular communication with USASO National for:

• Strategic campaigns

• Legislative priorities

• Legal guidance

• Survivor support networks

• National days of action

• Media & branding approval