Chapters play a critical role in the in the success and growth of the Gold Prospectors Association of America. They are truly the foundation of our organization and in many respects, are responsible for the long-term health and stability of the GPAA. 

One of the most important roles that chapters play in the GPAA is the generation of new memberships as well as renewals for the organization. Each chapter, as representatives of the GPAA, is responsible for the growth of their individual chapter and for promoting, not only the GPAA, but membership in the organization. It is important for chapters to actively recruit new members as well as to ensure that active members renew in order keep the chapter healthy a strong. 

Chapters provide many benefits to individuals who are already members of the GPAA, as well as those who are considering membership. These benefits provided by chapters for members are broad ranging and can be generally summed up as education, service and leadership opportunities. Chapter provide educational opportunities for their members from experienced mentors in the club. They also provide opportunities for service, either to the chapter or through other public service projects. Chapters also provide opportunities for leadership within the chapter as well as volunteer leadership opportunities that are available on the state and national levels.

Chapters also offer opportunities for individuals who share a common interest in prospecting through meetings, outings, and other special events where members can socialize, learn and share their experiences in a family-friendly environment. Meetings, outings and special events provide great opportunities for chapters to promote membership in the GPAA and to make membership kits available for purchase.

While there are many benefits to being a member of the GPAA and benefits that come from being affiliated with a chapter, there are also incentives available to the chapters whose members work to make their clubs stronger.  The greatest benefits to chapters are presented in the form of points which can be accumulated and used for the purchase of wholesale merchandise, membership kits or prospecting equipment that may be used by the chapters or used for fundraising. 

While there are a number of ways for chapters to earn additional points, they are earned primarily through the sale of GPAA membership kits and renewals by the chapter.  The points are automatically awarded as membership kits and renewals that are sold are activated by the members who purchased them. We now provide monthly points statements to chapters to allow us to not only produce more accurate information on chapter points but will help chapters set goals they would like to reach in the chapter’s points program.

Other opportunities also exist that will help chapters increase membership through membership kit consignment. If approved, chapters may be allowed to have a limited number of membership kits available for sale. This program will also be available soon to authorized dealers such as local prospecting shops who partner with local chapters. It will allow the local chapter gain points from the local dealer by receiving points for the kits sold through that dealer once the membership is activated. 

If you have any questions concerning any of these programs and how your chapter or local prospecting store may benefit from participating in the dealer program, please call the GPAA Chapters department at (951) 699-4749, Ext. 109.