If you are switching chapters it is ALWAYS a good idea to get a "letter of introduction" or reference letter from your current association. This goes double if you are switching associations yet not switching addresses. More than likely you will start at a little bit lower level then you are currently at so your new assignor can get a handle on where you are at in their eyes. If you don't/can't get a letter from your assignor, your new one will be a little suspicious and in the back of their will be wondering why you left. And if you leave b/c they "didn't recognize my talent" then you are sunk.
Even though I have been told we don't "eat our own"
, the back stabbing and rumors are just part of the biz. The best thing you can do is ignore them and make sure YOU don't fall into the same behavior.