VFW POSTS - FORMATION, INSTITION AND CHARTERING.

MANUAL OF PROCEDURE (page 62 PODIUM EDITION 2026)
 
ARTICLE II - POSTS
 
Sec. 201 - Formation, Institution and Chartering
 
Formation.
      1.    Obtain New Post Charter Kit from Department Headquarters.
      2.    Complete Chapter Application. (FOR CONTINUATION, SEE MANUAL OF PROCEDURE,
             PAGE 62, PODIUM EDITION 2026 and "Summary of Section 201 Requirements for Formation and Institution of a New VFW Post" below)
 

MEMORANDUM

To: All District 2 Post Commanders and Officers;

From: Jerry Mollohan — District 2 Program Chairman (2026-2027);

Subject: Summary of Section 201 Requirements for Formation and Institution of a New VFW Post.


1. Purpose

The purpose of this memorandum is to provide a concise, formal summary of the procedural requirements outlined in Section 201, VFW Manual of Procedure, governing the formation, institution, and chartering of a new Veterans of Foreign Wars Post. This summary is intended for instructional use during District 2 training and for reference by any group undertaking the formation of a new Post within the District. 


2. Overview of Section 201 Requirements

Section 201 establishes the mandatory sequence of actions that must be completed before a forming Post may be recognized, instituted, and chartered by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. These requirements ensure proper verification of eligibility, compliance with organizational standards, and adherence to the governing documents of the VFW.

To support training clarity, the sequential steps are presented below in a formal timeline.

01 Assemble minimum eligible membership
A forming Post must begin with at least 25 veterans who meet VFW eligibility requirements and can provide proof of service.
02 Prepare the charter application packet
The forming group compiles the roster, eligibility documentation, proposed Post name and location, and temporary officers for submission.
03 Submit packet for District review
The District Commander verifies eligibility, completeness, and compliance before forwarding the packet with a recommendation.
04 Obtain Department Commander endorsement
The Department Commander conducts a second-level review and, if approved, submits the application to National Headquarters.
05 Receive National Headquarters approval
National Headquarters confirms compliance and issues the official charter authorizing the new Post.
06 Conduct formal institution ceremony
The Post is officially instituted according to the VFW Ritual, and officers are installed to begin operations.
 

3. Post‑Institution Obligations

Upon completion of the institution ceremony and receipt of the charter, the newly formed Post must:

  • Hold regular meetings in accordance with VFW bylaws

  • Adopt Post bylaws consistent with National standards

  • Maintain required administrative records and reports

  • Ensure compliance with all provisions of the National Bylaws and Manual of Procedure

  • Establish functional leadership capable of sustaining Post operations

These obligations are essential to maintaining the Post’s good standing within the Department and National organization.


4. District Training Application

District 2 officers should ensure that forming groups within their jurisdiction understand each step of Section 201 and are guided through the process with accuracy and adherence to VFW standards. This memorandum may be used as a training reference during Schools of Instruction or as a briefing document for prospective Post organizers.


LINK TO VETERAN POPULATION PROJECTION MODEL (VetPop)