A practical guide for building welcoming, thoughtful, and sustainable Uncharted Chapters Book Club chapters.
1. Welcome to Uncharted Chapters Book Club
Our goal is to keep things simple, fun, and accessible to members who want to engage in lively discussions, find meaningful connections, and can commit to a dependable routine for reading together. This handbook gives every chapter a shared foundation while leaving room for local personality.
Our Purpose
Each Uncharted Chapters Book Club local chapter exists to make reading social, accessible, and enriching. Chapters create space for members to exchange ideas, discover new perspectives, and build lasting relationships through books.
Core Values
Inclusivity: Anyone with a love of reading and wanting to respectfully engage is welcome, regardless of background or identity.
Welcome: Make it easy for new and returning members to participate.
Curiosity: Ask thoughtful questions and remain open to different interpretations.
Respect: Discuss ideas without dismissing people.
Reliability: Communicate clearly and follow through on chapter commitments.
Joy: Keep reading and gathering enjoyable.
Connection: Building deeper friendships through the sharing of personal perspectives and experiences.
Safe spaces: All meetings and gatherings must remain respectful, kind, and focused on community safety.
2. Starting a Chapter Minimum Requirements Your chapter must use the exact format: Uncharted Chapters Book Club City Name at a minimum.An additional personalized moniker is an option. Visuals: You will be provided with a standard logo file. Please use this for your local social media icons to keep our network recognizable. Social media: Handles and tags must adhere to the format noted above and group description must include: “The official [City] chapter of @_UnchartedChapters.”The following hashtags will be used, at a minimum, for all postings under Uncharted Chapters:#UnchartedChapters#UnchartedChaptersBookClub#UnchartedChaptersBookClubFresno#UnchartedChaptersBookClub[City]
Chapter Lead: Identify at least one organizer who will be designated as the chapter leader and is willing to take responsibility for the organization, communications, and engagement of the voluntary members.
Meeting Times: Select a regular meeting cadence and a primary communication channel as determined by the members.
Expectations: Adopt the community standards in this handbook. No Contracts: Chapter leaders may never sign legal contracts, commercial leases, or venue rentals using the Uncharted Chapters or Uncharted Chapters Book Club name. We are an unincorporated network with no formal tax status; we do not have a central bank account. Recommended Launch Steps: Define the chapter’s audience, format, and reading interests. Recruit a founding group of 5–12 readers. Hold a kickoff meeting to confirm leadership, meeting norms, and the first selection. Create an upcoming calendar. Invite new members with a clear description of what to expect. Chapter Identity: Chapters may develop their own added name, themes, traditions, and visual style, provided they remain consistent with Uncharted Chapters Book Club's name, logo, values, and community standards. 3. Chapter Leadership Leadership may rotate, be elected, or be shared. Every chapter should assign the responsibilities below, even if one person fills more than one role. Role Primary Responsibilities Chapter Lead: Maintains the calendar as determined by the members, coordinates and facilitates decisions, and serves as the main contact. Discussion Host: Prepares questions, guides conversation, and supports balanced participation. Membership & Communications Lead: Welcomes members, maintains the contact list, sends reminders, and shares updates in the method in which was collectively determined by the members. Events & Logistics Lead: Confirms venues or virtual links, accessibility needs, supplies, and special events. Leadership Terms: Review roles and make changes as the chapter’s members see fit. Changes in chapter leadership will be vetted through the Uncharted Chapters Book Club via a new Local Chapter Leader Application. Changes in local leadership will only be official after approval through this process. 4. Membership Who Can Join: Participation should be open to anyone who agrees to the community standards. Current chapter members will determine the size of the chapter and the selection process of new members. Member Expectations: Respond to event invitations when possible. Make a good-faith effort to read the selection, while recognizing that unfinished readers may still participate. Avoid spoilers beyond the group’s agreed stopping point. Share discussion time and respect confidentiality when personal experiences arise. Inform an organizer about access needs or concerns. Welcoming New Members: Send each new member the upcoming schedule, communication-channel details, meeting format, current book, and a copy or link to the chapter standards. 5. Meetings Facilitation Recommendations: Meetings will be as formal or as informal as collectively determined by the members. How meeting time is spent, which may include more or less time on formal book discussion questions, will depend on the needs and wants of the current members. Members should not feel pressured to answer questions or engage in discussions in which they are uncomfortable sharing. Conclude each meeting by identifying the next date (if not already predetermined) and agreed upon book selection. In-Person and Virtual Meetings: For in-person events, confirm seating, noise level, transportation, and accessibility needs. For virtual meetings, send the link in advance, provide basic participation instructions, and use features such as chat or raised hands to support balanced discussion. 6. Choosing Books Selection Principles: Based on members’ preferences, it is recommended that the chapter’s book choices vary in genre, format, author background, setting, and publication era. Share content notes to help members decide future book selections. Avoid repeatedly favoring the same members’ tastes. Selection Methods: Chapters may vote from a short list, rotate member picks, appoint a selection committee, or plan around a seasonal theme. Suggested Reading Rhythm: Choose books at least four to eight weeks in advance. Beyond the Monthly Book: Optional additional social engagements may include author events, library visits, book swaps, themed gatherings, short-story nights, reading challenges, or community service connected to literacy. Your chapter can be as creative or meaningful to your city’s greater community as you want! 7. Communications Communication Standards: Members should identify and use the agreed upon channel(s) for official dates, selections, and changes. Ask permission before sharing member photos, contact details, or personal stories. Meeting Notices and Reminders: Notices and reminders about upcoming meetings should include the date, start and anticipated end time, location or virtual link, selected reading, RSVP instructions, and a contact for questions. 8. Money and Resources We never charge membership dues or attendance fees. Any expected voluntary expenses must be explained in advance and agreed upon by members electing to participate. Basic Controls: Approve anticipated expenses before purchase. Keep receipts and a record when members are providing funds prior to the event. Arrange no-cost participation options when feasible. 9. Community Standards Uncharted Chapters Book Club local chapters are discussion spaces, not debate contests. Members may disagree, but everyone is expected to contribute to a respectful environment. Expected Conduct: Listen without interrupting and make room for others. Use people’s stated names and preferred pronouns. Personal attacks or harassment will lead to removal as a chapter member. Critique ideas, writing, and interpretation—not a member’s worth or identity. Respect boundaries and do not pressure members to disclose personal experiences. Follow venue rules and organizer instructions. Addressing Concerns: Raise concerns with a chapter leader as soon as practical. Leaders should listen, document the issue appropriately, speak with involved members, and choose a proportionate response. Responses may include a reminder, facilitated conversation, behavior agreement, temporary pause, or removal from chapter activities. Immediate safety concerns should be directed to the venue, platform, or appropriate local emergency resources.Chapter members should elect to no longer participate as a member if they cannot commit to the group's set meeting and behavior expectations.Routine check-ins may be helpful in ensuring current members are willing to continue their commitment to the group. 10. Privacy, Access, and Records Collect only the member information necessary to run the chapter. Store contact lists and account credentials securely and limit access to current leaders. Use blind-copy or an approved group platform for large email lists. Provide a clear way to unsubscribe or leave the chapter. Retain only useful operational records and dispose of outdated personal information responsibly. Ask about accessibility needs in advance and choose formats, venues, and materials that enable broad participation whenever practical. Read widely. Discuss generously. Keep the community strong. Handbook version 1.0 • Local chapter details may be added without changing the shared Uncharted Chapters Book Club values or community standards.
2. Starting a Chapter Minimum Requirements Your chapter must use the exact format: Uncharted Chapters Book Club City Name at a minimum.An additional personalized moniker is an option. Visuals: You will be provided with a standard logo file. Please use this for your local social media icons to keep our network recognizable. Social media: Handles and tags must adhere to the format noted above and group description must include: “The official [City] chapter of @_UnchartedChapters.”The following hashtags will be used, at a minimum, for all postings under Uncharted Chapters:#UnchartedChapters#UnchartedChaptersBookClub#UnchartedChaptersBookClubFresno#UnchartedChaptersBookClub[City]
Chapter Lead: Identify at least one organizer who will be designated as the chapter leader and is willing to take responsibility for the organization, communications, and engagement of the voluntary members.
Meeting Times: Select a regular meeting cadence and a primary communication channel as determined by the members.
Expectations: Adopt the community standards in this handbook. No Contracts: Chapter leaders may never sign legal contracts, commercial leases, or venue rentals using the Uncharted Chapters or Uncharted Chapters Book Club name. We are an unincorporated network with no formal tax status; we do not have a central bank account. Recommended Launch Steps: Define the chapter’s audience, format, and reading interests. Recruit a founding group of 5–12 readers. Hold a kickoff meeting to confirm leadership, meeting norms, and the first selection. Create an upcoming calendar. Invite new members with a clear description of what to expect. Chapter Identity: Chapters may develop their own added name, themes, traditions, and visual style, provided they remain consistent with Uncharted Chapters Book Club's name, logo, values, and community standards. 3. Chapter Leadership Leadership may rotate, be elected, or be shared. Every chapter should assign the responsibilities below, even if one person fills more than one role. Role Primary Responsibilities Chapter Lead: Maintains the calendar as determined by the members, coordinates and facilitates decisions, and serves as the main contact. Discussion Host: Prepares questions, guides conversation, and supports balanced participation. Membership & Communications Lead: Welcomes members, maintains the contact list, sends reminders, and shares updates in the method in which was collectively determined by the members. Events & Logistics Lead: Confirms venues or virtual links, accessibility needs, supplies, and special events. Leadership Terms: Review roles and make changes as the chapter’s members see fit. Changes in chapter leadership will be vetted through the Uncharted Chapters Book Club via a new Local Chapter Leader Application. Changes in local leadership will only be official after approval through this process. 4. Membership Who Can Join: Participation should be open to anyone who agrees to the community standards. Current chapter members will determine the size of the chapter and the selection process of new members. Member Expectations: Respond to event invitations when possible. Make a good-faith effort to read the selection, while recognizing that unfinished readers may still participate. Avoid spoilers beyond the group’s agreed stopping point. Share discussion time and respect confidentiality when personal experiences arise. Inform an organizer about access needs or concerns. Welcoming New Members: Send each new member the upcoming schedule, communication-channel details, meeting format, current book, and a copy or link to the chapter standards. 5. Meetings Facilitation Recommendations: Meetings will be as formal or as informal as collectively determined by the members. How meeting time is spent, which may include more or less time on formal book discussion questions, will depend on the needs and wants of the current members. Members should not feel pressured to answer questions or engage in discussions in which they are uncomfortable sharing. Conclude each meeting by identifying the next date (if not already predetermined) and agreed upon book selection. In-Person and Virtual Meetings: For in-person events, confirm seating, noise level, transportation, and accessibility needs. For virtual meetings, send the link in advance, provide basic participation instructions, and use features such as chat or raised hands to support balanced discussion. 6. Choosing Books Selection Principles: Based on members’ preferences, it is recommended that the chapter’s book choices vary in genre, format, author background, setting, and publication era. Share content notes to help members decide future book selections. Avoid repeatedly favoring the same members’ tastes. Selection Methods: Chapters may vote from a short list, rotate member picks, appoint a selection committee, or plan around a seasonal theme. Suggested Reading Rhythm: Choose books at least four to eight weeks in advance. Beyond the Monthly Book: Optional additional social engagements may include author events, library visits, book swaps, themed gatherings, short-story nights, reading challenges, or community service connected to literacy. Your chapter can be as creative or meaningful to your city’s greater community as you want! 7. Communications Communication Standards: Members should identify and use the agreed upon channel(s) for official dates, selections, and changes. Ask permission before sharing member photos, contact details, or personal stories. Meeting Notices and Reminders: Notices and reminders about upcoming meetings should include the date, start and anticipated end time, location or virtual link, selected reading, RSVP instructions, and a contact for questions. 8. Money and Resources We never charge membership dues or attendance fees. Any expected voluntary expenses must be explained in advance and agreed upon by members electing to participate. Basic Controls: Approve anticipated expenses before purchase. Keep receipts and a record when members are providing funds prior to the event. Arrange no-cost participation options when feasible. 9. Community Standards Uncharted Chapters Book Club local chapters are discussion spaces, not debate contests. Members may disagree, but everyone is expected to contribute to a respectful environment. Expected Conduct: Listen without interrupting and make room for others. Use people’s stated names and preferred pronouns. Personal attacks or harassment will lead to removal as a chapter member. Critique ideas, writing, and interpretation—not a member’s worth or identity. Respect boundaries and do not pressure members to disclose personal experiences. Follow venue rules and organizer instructions. Addressing Concerns: Raise concerns with a chapter leader as soon as practical. Leaders should listen, document the issue appropriately, speak with involved members, and choose a proportionate response. Responses may include a reminder, facilitated conversation, behavior agreement, temporary pause, or removal from chapter activities. Immediate safety concerns should be directed to the venue, platform, or appropriate local emergency resources.Chapter members should elect to no longer participate as a member if they cannot commit to the group's set meeting and behavior expectations.Routine check-ins may be helpful in ensuring current members are willing to continue their commitment to the group. 10. Privacy, Access, and Records Collect only the member information necessary to run the chapter. Store contact lists and account credentials securely and limit access to current leaders. Use blind-copy or an approved group platform for large email lists. Provide a clear way to unsubscribe or leave the chapter. Retain only useful operational records and dispose of outdated personal information responsibly. Ask about accessibility needs in advance and choose formats, venues, and materials that enable broad participation whenever practical. Read widely. Discuss generously. Keep the community strong. Handbook version 1.0 • Local chapter details may be added without changing the shared Uncharted Chapters Book Club values or community standards.
Uncharted Chapters Book Club
Official Chapter Handbook & Guide
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