Local Chapters

RFTS chapters are your best source of information and support. Chapters are volunteer-led by parents, care providers, and other professionals. RFTS is hoping to have chapters in every state reaching out to individuals with cerebral palsy and their families with information, support, and encouragement.

Learn more about

• Chapter Description
• Chapter Benefits
• Starting a Chapter

Chapter Descriptions

An RFTS chapter is the local arm of our organization. A chapter is the place where:

• Information and services specific to a local area are provided through dedicated parent and professional volunteers
• Resources for parents of recently diagnosed children can be found
• Comfort and companionship is given to families managing the years of growth and change
• Local grassroots advocacy is organized for implementing change where change is necessary

Chapters are places that the RFTS mission is implemented. Chapters enhance community awareness, provide education for professionals and parents, and maintain supportive, informative networks comprised of parents, professionals, and community leaders. Chapter activities include, but are not limited to:

• Support Meetings
• Seminars
• Fundraisers
• Community Awareness Events
• Fun Activities for Families
• Grassroots Advocacy
• Informative Newsletters

Chapter Benefits

Has your child just been diagnosed and there's no one to turn to?
Heard about a new treatment for CP and you want to learn more?
Just need someone to talk to who understands?

• Valuable Peer Support
  Chapter meetings bring together parents and families who are dealing with the same emotions, some joyful and some painful, that you may be experiencing. Joining a chapter allows you to share with and learn from others.
• Local Information and Referral
  Volunteers who have gained experience and knowledge regarding your local school systems, doctors, and other service providers in your area operate most of the chapters. By joining a chapter, you can gain this same knowledge through chapter meetings and discussions with other chapter members. Many have developed brochures and written materials on various issues or topics.
• Local Newsletter
  Most chapters publish a quarterly newsletter, which outlines local regulations and information; events and activities sponsored by the chapter or local community and stories about chapter members.
• Local Workshops and Seminars
  Chapters often sponsor workshops and seminars on a wide range of issues, bringing in nationally known speakers or local professionals.
• Government Affairs
  Chapters are very active in local grassroots causes and policy development. Being a member affords you a say in policy development with regard to state and federal legislation.

Starting an RFTS, Inc. Chapter

RFTS is now forming network of local chapters and fill this will be the lifeblood of the foundation and our chapter will help us to fulfill our stated mission—“To improve the lives of all individuals affected by cerebral palsy”. We feel our chapters will be the most vital link to families dealing with cerebral palsy across the United States.

RFTS chapters offer support and encouragement, provide accurate information and trustworthy referrals, provide first rate advocacy, arrange seminars and educational programs for parents, publish local newsletters, and hold regular parent support meetings to discuss and address common issues, concerns, problems and experiences. With respect to our local chapters' activities, the sky is the limit.

The initial formation and the continuing organization and management of a local chapter takes the involvement of many dedicated individuals. The application process is rather simple, yet detailed and requires the participation of all members of the proposed chapter.

The first step in the process is to direct a simple “letter of intent” to the “Reaching for the Stars. A Foundation of HOPE for Children with Cerebral Palsy” indicating your intent to form a local chapter. This letter should contain the following information and may be emailed, faxed or sent via regular mail to the national office. The letter shall include:

• The intended name of your chapter. Please note that RFTS prefers names that are related to the geographic area you intend to serve (e.g., The Blake County Chapter).
• A brief description of the geographic area you intend to serve as a chapter. Include a map and the applicable zip codes (All chartering officers must live within the zip codes of the proposed organization.)
• A statement that you have a minimum of 10 people willing to participate in your chapter. However, please note that all individuals joining your local chapter must first subscribe to RFTS. (Membership is open to anyone with an interest in Cerebral Palsy who is willing to work to improve the lives of all affected by CP.)
• A brief but thoughtful explanation setting forth the reason(s) that you have for wanting to become part of the RFTS chapter network.

In response to your letter we will forward a Chapter Application Packet for your group to complete in full and submit to the RFTS national office for review.

If you have any questions or need further information about starting a local chapter of RFTS, please do not hesitate to contact us at info@reachingforthestars.org.