The IEEE defines a 'Chapter' as:
"A technical sub-unit of one or more IEEE sections. Society chapters are your local link to the valuable resources available from the IEEE and its 39 technical societies. Chapter activities may include guest speakers, workshops, and seminars as well as social functions. Chapters provide society members with valuable opportunities to network at a local level - enabling both personal and professional growth."
In practical terms, this means that the primary purpose of a chapter is to conduct events (i.e., technical meetings of short duration, community outreach programs, day-long workshops) at the IEEE Section-level that are within the Society's Field of Interest, which is the theory and practice of education and educational technology involved in the effective delivery of domain knowledge of all fields within the scope of interest of IEEE. This means that our members are focused on educational methods, educational technology, instructional materials, the history of science and technology, and educational and professional development programs within Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, and allied disciplines. Typically chapter meetings are of a technical nature; but, many chapters also host additional events such as workshops and educational seminars that also tend to be technical in nature.
However, the IEEE's view of a 'chapter' as primarily focusing on technical meetings/programs is somewhat narrow. Today the membership is a much more diverse group with diverse needs. The function of a chapter must adjust to the changing face of the IEEE.
It is very reasonable for a chapter to facilitate/formalize, support, or enhance collegial relationships among its members, and the wider community. Still again, a chapter may exist to formalize existing (or begin) educational activities and community outreach in Science, Engineering & Technology related fields. Many chapters do exist for one or all of these very sound reasons. However, chapters also exist for other reasons that are equally as important as those noted above!
Chapters develop leaders, who are necessary to maintain the vitality needed in a volunteer organization. These leaders are the people who provide direction and guidance for the Education Society, for their IEEE Section, and for the IEEE itself. In many instances, chapter leaders represent their peers to campus, state, and federal government bodies (e.g., campus board of education, the board of higher education, the European Union's Education Commission, the national government).
