Apply to Start a Chapter in Your City
ISI Life® retreats are run by Chapter Leaders and their teams. Chapter leaders work closely with the National Leadership Team to ensure that each retreat runs smoothly and effectively. If you are interested in becoming a Chapter Leader, there is a formal application process to start an official chapter in your city.
The ISI Life® offers an opportunity to bring together people who are interested in being their best self through each area of life: Faith, Family, Faculty, Finance and Fitness. Each retreat provides a rare chance for participants to Reflect, Recharge, Refresh, and connect in Relationships.
If you’re serious about bringing The ISI Life® to your city, we’d love to hear from you. Please read through the following information to get a better idea of how The ISI Life® operates. If The ISI Life® seems like the right fit for you, fill out the form at the bottom to get more information.
With full support from ISI HQ we were able to focus our efforts on recruiting local leaders, connecting with potential speakers and inviting men. Our first two retreats were a HUGE success and we are excited to see what the future holds for ISI Columbus.” — Jordan Acer, Columbus Ohio, Chapter Leader
Are you ready to…
help equip others to achieve excellence within the 5 disciplines of Faith, Family, Faculty, Finance and Fitness?
organize 2 retreats (Spring & Fall) per year?
team up with our National Leadership Team and Area Leaders to leverage best practices and support?
If yes, then let’s go!
Becoming an ISI Life® Chapter Leader
Q: What does it mean to be an ISI Life® Chapter Leader?
A: Each ISI Chapter Leader is led by one person who serves as the local liaison. This volunteer represents his/her city by leading a support team and organizing the chapter with the support of ISI Life® headquarters in Cleveland, Ohio.
As the leader, you would be in charge of all the details for your local chapter such as:
Forming a local area Leadership Team (volunteers) that works in coordination with the Chapter Leader to ensure that the ISI vision, mission, and values are lived out
Securing retreat venues
Finding speakers for each retreat that relate to the annual theme for The Big 5
Finding support members (possibly, but not limited to, an event coordinator / designer / photographer / videographer / etc.)
Serving as the main point of contact for ISI Life Headquarters
Q: Do ISI Life® Chapter Leaders sign a license agreement?
A: Each Chapter Leader signs a license agreement in order to represent the The ISI Life® brand and agrees that all content created as a result of a The ISI Life® event is property of The ISI Life® LLC. The license agreement lasts for 12 months and is renewable.
Q: Can there be co-leaders?
A: Not at this time. We require one point of contact for each chapter who serves as the face of that location. Behind the scenes, you’re free to organize your team as you see fit, but only one person can be the official ISI Life® Chapter Leader.
General expectations
Q: How much time typically goes into being an ISI Life® Chapter Leader?
A: On average, a chapter leader spends about 20 hours a month building their community and preparing for events. This number may fluctuate a bit as the leader becomes more seasoned, but 20 hours is a good estimate.
Q: How often are retreats?
A: Each chapter is expected to host one 24 hour ISI Life® retreat 2 to 3 times per year. Retreats are generally held on Fridays from noon through Saturday at noon.
Q: How are ISI themes determined?
A: The ISI Life® has annual themes that drive the focus of the ministry. These themes serve as a common thread to connect all of our cities as they relate to The Big 5 and our mission. All chapters participate by selecting a set of speakers that hit on 2 to 3 of The Big 5 for each retreat. Chapter Leaders know about upcoming themes at least six months in advance through an ISI Life® Leaders summit.
About your city
Q: Can there be more than one ISI Life® chapter per city?
A: Nope. We stick with one per city.
Q: I live in a small city. Can I still apply to start a chapter?
A: Yes! Just put together a compelling and outstanding application and show us why your city is in need of an ISI Life® chapter.
Q: What if the city I want to apply for is very close to another chapter?
A: You’re still welcome to apply. But since the chapters would be so close, we ask that you consider joining with or supporting the neighboring ISI Life® chapter?
About the application process
Q: How do I apply?
A: If we haven’t scared you off yet, we ask that you reach out to us through the form below with a detailed description of why you want to learn more about starting your own chapter of The ISI Life®. After you submit the form, we will contact you to schedule a Zoom interview (or series of interviews) to learn more about you and your vision for the chapter.
Q: If I apply, how long until I hear from you?
A: We review applications once a month so you can expect an update within a few weeks. We are a tiny team at headquarters. Thank you for your patience!
Q: What are some qualities you look for in a chapter leader?
A: Here are four qualities:
You live out the mission of The ISI Life®: First and foremost, you are committed to walking with Jesus and serving people. You also demonstrate the need to be in community with others that sharpen each other to fulfill the great commission and great commandment.
You make things happen: Organizing a chapter is a big responsibility and involves many moving pieces. We’ve learned that although experience in the industry and event organization is a plus, it can’t make up for a willingness to get started, figure things out, and make it work.
You’re good at giving away credit: It takes a certain personality to successfully lead a volunteer team, keep sponsors happy, and foster local relationships. This chapter won’t be about you. It will be about the fantastic people you get to bring together.
You’re flexible: We at HQ do our best to steer the ISI ship with limited time and resources. But we are working hard to make it easier (and better) all the time.
Q: Should I reserve or “park” my city’s social media accounts?
A: Please do not register social media accounts on behalf of an ISI chapter you are applying for. Other teams may be applying, your priorities may change, and it’s difficult for us to hunt down reserved accounts. When we launch new cities we take care of registering those accounts and populating them with sample descriptions.
Q: Can I reach out to potential sponsors, venues or speakers before applying?
A: Yes. Committed sponsors, venues and speakers is a great way to strengthen your application. However, please be clear and explain that you do not officially represent ISI and are applying for a license to start a chapter.
Running a chapter
Q: Do we have to get speakers approved by headquarters?
A: Nope.
Q: Are there any costs/fees associated with running a chapter?
A: Chapters usually cover their event costs primarily through participant registration, and if needed, local sponsors. All local sponsorship money stays with the chapter.
Q: Are The ISI Life® speakers ever paid?
A: No. But we can cover retreat and travel expenses using funds from local chapter budgets.
Q: What sort of resources does The ISI Life® headquarters provide?
A: Each of our chapters receives a large batch of files (e.g. brand assets, slides templates, sample marketing materials), the online ISI Life® handbook that details guidelines and learnings from our hosts, and access to our internal message board for all ISI Life® Chapter Leaders nationwide.
Q: How long is the commitment for being an ISI Life® Chapter Leader?
A: Our licenses are one year long and in most cases we offer hosts the opportunity to renew their agreement each year.
Q: What happens if I’m an ISI Life® Chapter Leader and I’d like to pass on the role to someone else?
A: We have an exit process setup for our leaders. You will have the option to nominate someone who you heavily endorse to be the next host (they will have to complete an abridged application). Otherwise, headquarters will open public applications for the chapter.
Interested in starting your own chapter of The ISI Life®?
Please fill out this form and we will get back to you shortly.
Thank you for your interest in The ISI Life® We look forward to hearing from you.