State leaders approve dissolutions and mergers of chapters, urge leadership development

New business after a mid-meeting break focused on chapter structure. Leadership announced that Chapters 10, 11 and 16 would be dissolved; Chapter 16 will join Chapter 13 and Chapter 11’s Salina houses will merge with Chapter 24. The leadership explained these steps aim to strengthen struggling chapters by reallocating houses to more stable leadership.

Marcus, speaking in support of the changes, said he was proud of the association’s record of service: "I couldn’t be proud to be able to serve on an association and chair on an association involving all you wonderful people," and urged continued replication, training and outreach so future splits happen only when leadership capacity exists. Members were encouraged to develop leaders and wait until chapters have sufficient strength before dividing.

The association also reminded members that elections for state officer positions are scheduled for November and encouraged qualified members to run.