Jack Chapters: Starting a Chapter

• What’s the cost involved?

  It’s free to start your Chapter! Whabam! Chapters who have existed for more than one year are asked to set fundraising goals. We work with you to set reasonable, attainable goals. New Chapters do not set fundraising goals in their first year. We provide a set amount of starter funds to support your initiatives. 

• How many people do we need to start a Chapter?

  Minimum of four. Every Jack Chapter needs one lead. Many chapters designate more than one lead (or co-leads). High school chapters will need a staff co-lead.

• What activities are involved?
  • Designing, planning, and executing ideas and initiatives to revolutionize mental health in your community.
  • Participating in regular update calls with Jack.org staff at a minimum of once a month.
  • Staying knowledgeable and consistent with Jack.org’s mission and values in all campus activities.
  • Managing an active social media presence.
  • Ensuring club ratification within your school (more on that below).
  • Ensuring consistency with Jack.org brand guidelines.
  • Ensuring team succession each year.
  • Managing a Jack.org bank account and reporting year-end financials.
  • Regularly report on your initiatives with the team at Jack.org. 

• How long does the training process take?

  Anywhere between three weeks and three months, depending on the group’s availability.

• Is there any sort of certification after completing training?

  No, not at this time. But the skills last a lifetime.

• Does the program run in elementary or middle schools?

  For elementary schools, not at this time. For middle schools, terminology varies. But Jack.org programs are designed for young people 15-24 years of age. 

• How much freedom do we get with the Chapter work?

  A ton! You are the experts, the leaders, the advocates. Jack.org staff are there to guide and support as you work to breakdown barriers to positive mental health in your community. 

• What is the wait time between application and starting a Chapter?

  Maximum two weeks.

• How often do you accept applications?

  Throughout the year with three deadlines:

  • Deadline for post-secondary is end of April for September start.
  • Deadline for high schools is end of May for September start.
  • Deadline is December 15 for January start.
• What’s the scoop with swag?
  Swag is a free perk that we provide to our chapters. You submit a swag request and receive your full order once you complete the training. Swag includes things like t-shirts, sunglasses, stickers, pens, conversation cards, brochures, buttons, a banner, and more. Their purpose is to start a conversation, and allow you to announce to the world that you’re a mental health advocate.
•  How do Staff Leads work?

  Staff Leads serve as administrative support primarily for high school Chapters. The Staff Leads can be teachers, guidance counsellors, or any adult in the school. All high school Chapters are asked to appoint a Staff Lead.

• What are the expectations for Staff Leads?

  Providing administrative support, helping to run meetings, recruiting members, general guidance, and facilitation. Either the Staff Lead or Student Lead can be the main point of contact.

• How often should we meet?

  Most teams meet on a weekly or bi-weekly basis over lunch of after school, but it depends on your availability.

• What is “ratification” and why do we need to get ratified as a club?

  Ratification means you gain official status as a club at your school. Basically, it’s approval from the school administration to run your chapter as a registered club. It means you can accept your funding from Jack.org, book spaces, receive additional funding from your school, and more. This process looks different for every school, and Jack.org staff will work with you to make it happen.

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