A chapter is governed by a local volunteer board of directors. An essential component and a requirement of every chapter is a monthly support group meeting. Many ALSA chapters have several different support groups in order to meet the needs of all of their constituents. The support group provides social and emotional support as well as information about managing the disease to patients and their families. Other patient services provided by a local chapter may include referrals to community resources and medical professionals, equipment loan programs, educational conferences, distribution of educational materials, respite care programs, augmentative communication programs, home visits and a variety of specific topic support groups.
Chapters also have programs in advocacy, public education and awareness.
Fundraising is conducted year-round by the chapters to support its programs and services. Chapters require many community resources to build the infrastructure necessary to sustain the work of the chapter. If those resources are not readily available, it may be more appropriate to form a free standing support group. Free standing support groups may help in ALSA's advocacy efforts through letter writing campaigns to their local and state politicians. The first step is determining if your geographic area is currently being served by an existing ALSA affiliate.