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1. Review COMDTINST 1800.5E (view)

2. Contact CCGNRC Co-Chair(s) and other regional council leadership to discuss startup process and intentions. (view leadership listing)

3. Determine demographics. Contact PSC Topeka to obtain a listing of retirees and addresses in the geographic area which will help determine the regional council area of responsibility.
To determine ZIP Codes in any given area, use this ZIP Code Tool. Sample letter to PSC Topeka.

4. Make an appointment to visit/contact the local command in the area to get their buy-in to sponsor the regional council. Establish a principal point of contact.

5. Send out invitations/announcements to alert members in the region of the establishment of a regional council. Announcements should be made through personal mailings, Evening Colors, the sponsoring command website, and Fred’s Place. Sample contact letter

6. Identify the principal active membership within the proposed council (minimum recommended ten per COMDTINST 1800.5E). Report back to the command with the list of members.

7. Draft letter from command to Coast Guard Headquarters (CG-1) to establish regional council and charter. Work with command to get signed and sent to HQs. Liaison with Jarvis Kolen, CGHQ (CG-1222), Ph: (202) 475-5400, FAX: (202) 475-5927; Email: Jarvis.Kolen@uscg.mil. Sample letter

8. Along the way, keep CCGNRC Co-Chairs informed of progress.