NPN: We used the guide to get set up on our new organization. In the beginning we refered to this reference quite often. I haven't used the guide lately because I am currently waiting on a reply to our 501(c)(3) but many of the magazine articles are interesting and you find new ideas and information concerning parent groups.
How long did it take?:I started the whole process in August of this year but I didn't really get serious until I received the NPN guide in September. I first applied for a tax id number. This took maybe a week to fill out the paperwork (which we found online) and then get a reply from the IRS. We decided to incorporate. In Ohio in means filling out a relativley short form (which I again, found online). This again only took weeks from start to finish. In the meanwhile I started drafting our bylaws. These did not get approved until October of last year. You can find examples of bylaws by clicking on the member's recourse in this website. I think that was how I found our bylaw starting point and reworked it to fit our groups needs. It is important that the purpose of your bylaws and your articles of incorporation (in my case the form I filled out) do not contradict your application for 501(c)(3). Applying for 501(c)(3) has taken awhile. I started this in November, reworked it in December, and finally felt brave enough to mail it at the end of January. I have received a brief notice from the IRS that it was received and a telephone call letting me know I forgot to attach my attachment 'B' (the form to Ohio to incorporate) but I haven't received positive response yet. I've been told it takes a minimum of 6 weeks and could take longer. Because I used the NPN guide to help me with the application I don't think we'll be turned down. The reason it took me so long to mail in the form, I think, was because it's pretty hefty and a little scary.

About how long did it take to get organized? Are you still using NPN?
And what do you consider a good set of by-laws. What are the ingredients to that souffle?

Thanks for the response & wishing us well.
This sight has made me think positive thoughts. I love that!

The NPN guide book was a great help in getting organized. I would highly recommend it. Start with a good set of bylaws and go from there. Good luck!

I am a new HSA President.
Does anyone use the guide book from NPN?
Is this the only organizational program to use?
How do you get it all organized(committees, volunteer job descriptions,etc...)
It seems overwhelming at times.
I'll take any advice.