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START A CHAPTER

Thinking about starting a We Make Noise chapter in your community?
This page covers everything you need to know about the process of becoming a chapter.

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What is a WMN Chapter?

Chapters are the essential foundation of We Make Noise, bringing our mission to life through in-person programming in communities around the world. From volunteer-led student groups in small towns to fully-funded programs in major music hubs, each chapter is unique, shaped by its local social, economic, and cultural context. What unites us is our shared commitment to advancing global gender equity in music and technology through education, community building, and creating opportunities.

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TYPES OF PROGRAMMING

 

Our chapters host a diverse range of events independently and in collaboration with our global team, including:

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  • Workshops & Courses

  • Meetups & Networking Events

  • Masterclasses & Panel Discussions

  • Concerts & Festivals

  • Writing Camps

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Topics covered include:

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  • Music Production

  • Songwriting

  • Audio Engineering

  • Synthesis & Sound Design

  • Beatmaking & Sampling

  • DJ-ing & Live Performance

  • Music Business

 

and more!!!

What it means to "Lead a Chapter"

Our Chapter Leaders are dedicated advocates who bring the mission of We Make Noise to life in their local communities. They lead in-person initiatives, creating inclusive spaces that foster connection, learning, and growth.​

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WHAT YOU'LL DO

 

  • Community Building: Foster a safe, welcoming space that encourages meaningful connections among members.

  • Event Planning: Organize and host engaging programs tailored to your community's needs.

  • Collaboration and Networking: Build meaningful relationships with chapter members, local businesses, industry professionals, and organizations, as well as other Chapter Leaders and the We Make Noise community.

  • Advocacy and Outreach: Champion intersectional gender equity and amplify underrepresented voices in the music industry and beyond

  • Fundraising and Resource Acquisition: Secure funding, partnerships, and resources to sustain Chapter initiatives.

  • Data Collection and Reporting: Track Chapter activities and provide regular updates to the WMN team.

Resources & Support for Chapters

Each of our Chapters have access to a wealth of resources designed to support and amplify their efforts:​​

 

  • Branding & Visibility: Usage rights to our branding assets, including logos, templates, and guidelines as well as the opportunity to leverage our social media presence to promote your events and initiatives

  • Fundraising Support: Personalized support from our Development team, tools, strategies, proposal templates, and the option to process donations through our U.S. 501(c)(3) status. U.S. Chapters are also eligible for fiscal sponsorship.

  • WMN HUB: Free premium membership to the We Make Noise Hub - which includes online workshops, courses, certifications, partner discounts, discussion channels, and access to our HUB members

  • Program & Curriculum Support: Access to a variety of pedagogical resources and curricula to support your programming, including Ableton lessons, Songwriting, DJ-ing, as well as event planning resources.

  • Global Network: Access to our global network, including collaboration opportunities with other chapter leaders, global staff, and our global partners.

How Chapters Support WMN

The relationship between WMN and our local chapters is a symbiotic exchange. While we provide resources and support, we ask our chapters to contribute in the following ways:​​

 

  • Active Engagement: Participate in WMN activities, including regular meetings, timely communication, and collaboration with our team, while adhering to our handbook.

  • Data Collection & Sharing: Help us measure impact by collecting and sharing chapter data, such as demographics, event attendance, and program outcomes. This data is essential for securing grants and funding that directly support WMN initiatives—including your chapter. (Note: We recognize that data regulations vary by location and will work with you to ensure full compliance with applicable laws.)

  • Chapter Fees: To help sustain WMN’s global network and ensure ongoing support for all our initatives, we ask each chapter to contribute a small annual operational fee based on their annual operating budget. Fees can be paid at the end of the year or in monthly installments.

    • Standard Chapters: 10% of annual operating budget

    • Fiscally Sponsored Chapters: 15% of annual operating budget

    • No Funds, No Fee: If a chapter does not generate income or receive funding, no fee is required.

 

This structure ensures that we can continue providing valuable resources and support for all chapters and community members.

HOW TO START A CHAPTER

1.

Apply to become a Chapter

Fill out the Chapter Application. This is your chance to share your vision, goals, and other essential information about your prospective chapter.

2.

Initial Meeting

Once you’ve filled out the application, your Regional Chapter Manager will set up a meeting to get to know more about you and your vision. Together, we’ll review your application, discuss your community’s needs, and explore how We Make Noise can support your goals. This is also a great opportunity to ask questions about WMN, our mission, and the responsibilities of leading a chapter.

3.

Create a Chapter Proposal

After our initial meeting, you'll develop a Chapter Proposal outlining your plans for the chapter. This document will help our team, board, and potential partners understand your goals and assess feasibility. We’ll provide you with a template, examples, and support to help refine your proposal. Once it’s ready, submit it to your Chapter Manager for review. Our team will make sure it aligns with WMN’s mission and may suggest revisions if necessary.

4.

Onboarding & Agreements

Once your proposal is approved, we’ll send over our handbook, an agreement, and schedule an onboarding meeting to go over everything in detail. If everything looks good, both parties will sign the agreement and officially establish your chapter.

5.

You are a WMN Chapter!

Congratulations! With the signed agreement, your chapter is now officially part of We Make Noise. You’ll gain access to WMN’s resources, including educational materials, branding assets, and dedicated support from your Regional Chapter Manager. Now you’re ready to start planning your first program and make your vision a reality!

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Ready to start your chapter?

If you have any questions, please reach out to:

© 2025 We Make Noise 

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