Start A Chapter

Black Gun Owners Association

Start a BGOA Chapter

Bring responsible firearm education, professional training, advocacy, and community engagement to your local area. Build a recognized chapter backed by the support and national reach of BGOA.

Apply to Start a Chapter Visit BGOA Home

Local Leadership. National Mission.

Why Start a Chapter?

A local BGOA chapter creates a trusted space for education, training, fellowship, and organized community involvement.

Build Community

Create a strong local network of law-abiding firearm owners who value safety, responsibility, and the Second Amendment.

Educate & Train

Provide training opportunities and resources that promote safe handling, accountability, confidence, and proficiency.

Create Opportunities

Host events, classes, range gatherings, and outreach programs that empower and support your local community.

National Support

Receive promotional and organizational support from a national network committed to helping your chapter grow.

Support for Your Chapter

What You’ll Receive From National Headquarters

BGOA National will help your chapter establish a professional presence, reach new members, and remain aligned with the organization’s mission.

Marketing Support

Professional materials and guidance to help promote your chapter.

Online Visibility

Your chapter can be promoted through BGOA’s website and national network.

Event Promotion

Support sharing chapter events, training opportunities, and community initiatives.

Recruitment Assistance

National support in attracting paid members and growing your local team.

Organizational Guidance

Ongoing guidance and resources to help your chapter stay organized and succeed.

Minimum Standards

Chapter Requirements

Each chapter must meet the following basic requirements to receive and maintain official BGOA recognition.

Required Leadership

Each chapter must have, at minimum, a Chapter Commander and a Training/Safety Officer to provide structure, accountability, and oversight.

Five Paid Members

A chapter must maintain a minimum of five paid BGOA members. Chapter officers may be included in this total.

Documented Chapter Activity

The chapter must host or attend an event involving at least three members and document the activity through photographs or video.

Quarterly Community Training

Each chapter is expected to organize a gathering or training event every quarter that provides value to local members and the surrounding community.

From Application to Launch

What Happens Next?

The chapter approval process is designed to confirm leadership readiness, local interest, and alignment with BGOA’s standards.

Step 1

Submit Your Interest

Contact BGOA and provide basic information about your proposed chapter and local leadership team.

Step 2

National Review

BGOA National reviews the request and confirms that the initial requirements can be met.

Step 3

Leadership Discussion

Prospective chapter leaders discuss expectations, responsibilities, and the chapter’s local goals.

Step 4

Official Approval

Qualified applicants receive recognition and guidance for establishing the new chapter.

Step 5

Launch & Grow

Begin recruiting members, organizing events, and serving your local community.

Leadership Expectations

What Makes a Strong Chapter?

Successful chapters are built by dependable leaders who communicate consistently, protect the BGOA name, and provide meaningful opportunities for members.

Commitment to responsible firearm ownership and safety
Respectful and professional representation of BGOA
Consistent communication with members and National Headquarters
Regular training, community engagement, and documented activity
Willingness to recruit, organize, and develop local leadership

National Headquarters Is Here to Help

BGOA National will provide promotional assistance, organizational direction, and support connecting qualified local residents with the chapter. Local leaders remain responsible for day-to-day chapter operations, events, communication, and member engagement.

Ready to Lead in Your Community?

Take the first step toward building a recognized BGOA chapter dedicated to education, training, responsibility, and community.

Begin the Chapter Application Process