(a) The Keep Arkansas Beautiful affiliate criteria focuses on organizational components of a successful volunteer-led program involving:

1. (1) Development;
2. (2) Implementation; and
3. (3) Accountability.

(b)

1. (1) To become an affiliate, a completed application must be submitted with payment of an annual membership service fee.
2. (2) This written application serves as a pledge of commitment to demonstrate community interest in establishing and maintaining a continuing program.
3. (3) The membership service fee, fifty dollars ($50.00) per year, is to help offset the expense of providing materials and services to the program.
4. (4) This fee must be paid each year to maintain affiliate good-standing status.

(c) A staff member or volunteer must receive annual training from Keep Arkansas Beautiful, either:

1. (1) Locally;
2. (2) Regionally; or
3. (3) At the annual statewide affiliate conference.

(d)

1. (1) An affiliate must complete an annual report provided by Keep Arkansas Beautiful stating annual program activities and accomplishments.

2. (2) This report must:

   1. (A) Be submitted by August 15 each year; and
   2. (B) Detail program activity and results for the affiliate year July through June.
3. (3) Keep America Beautiful certified communities may submit the Keep America Beautiful annual report and litter index report in lieu of this requirement.

(e)

1. (1) An affiliate must conduct local programs or participate in Keep Arkansas Beautiful or Keep America Beautiful statewide programs toward:

   1. (A) Preventing or removing litter;
   2. (B) Encouraging improved waste handling and recycling; or
   3. (C) Promoting scenic beauty and community improvement.
2. (2) This requirement varies for standard affiliate recognition and the qualification to be designated a certified affiliate as follows.

(f) Keep Arkansas Beautiful affiliate responsibilities.

1. (1) Organizational phase.

   1. (A) Within the first six (6) months of membership:

(i) The organization should enact bylaws to establish operational authority; and

1. (ii) At least one (1) member of the affiliate group should attend a Keep Arkansas Beautiful affiliate training session.

   1. (B) Additionally, one (1) local goal project in any of the three (3) mission areas should be completed.

2. (2) Beginning phase.

   1. (A) Within the first twelve (12) months, or nearest affiliate reporting year, the affiliate should additionally:

      1. (i) Complete a second project in a different mission area; and
      2. (ii) Participate in one (1) Keep Arkansas Beautiful statewide program.
   2. (B) Participation in a statewide litter cleanup, the spring Great American Cleanup or the fall Great Arkansas Cleanup, or in events and/or activities produced in conjunction with Keep Arkansas Beautiful Month each April may be credited toward a local goal or statewide project.

3. (3) Sustaining phase.

   1. (A) An affiliate should demonstrate the Keep Arkansas Beautiful mission and vision through:

      1. (i) Compliance with the membership requirements; and
      2. (ii) Participation in Keep Arkansas Beautiful programs.
   2. (B) An affiliate should take part in two (2) Keep Arkansas Beautiful statewide program events, with at least two (2) representatives attending annual training during the Keep Arkansas Beautiful statewide affiliate conference.
   3. (C) The annual report of affiliate activities must be submitted in a timely manner with evidence of membership service fee payment.