Chapter Handbook: FAQ

How to Start a Chapter

Finding an OWASP Chapter

Before applying go an OWASP Chapter, please check the OWASP Chapter page.

How do you choose where to start another Chapter?

OWASP Chapters are started by volunteers passionate about helping to develop a security inclusive culture within their geographic area. When a potential Leader asks to start a new chapter, we first evaluate the location to make sure that it is not too close to an existing Chapter.

The evaluation takes the size of the local tech scene and travel time to existing Chapters into account. While what is considered reasonable travel times changes with each local area, a handy basic understanding is that anything under 2 hours travel time between areas will result in us looking closer and contacting the existing local Chapter Leaders to ensure that we will not strangle existing Chapters by spreading their membership too thin.

Okay, There are no Chapters near me, how do I get started?

Once you are ready to get started, you should read the Chapter Leader's Handbook and create a case using the OWASP Chapter Request Form.

The next step is that you will be invited to an orientation to help you plan your Chapter's beginning.

I was told my proposed Chapter was too close to an existing Chapter?

If your proposed Chapter is too close to an existing chapter, we will not be able to create it. However, you will be introduced to all of the nearest Chapter Leaders so that you can work to volunteer in the most applicable chapter.

I want a nation/regional/state/province wide Chapter

OWASP had a history of giving the first chapter in a nation the same of that country, however, as we are growing rapidly we have discontinued this and now name Chapters after the local city.

OWASP also maintains a policy of allowing Chapters to start small and grow or combine to cover larger areas. This means that Chapters cannot start by covering larger areas unless they show stable growth for their existing Chapter and show a plan to cover the different areas in their expanded geographic territory.