Jack Chapters

Every environment is unique, so how each Chapter makes change in their community varies.

Chapters are encouraged to ground their work in community realities by reflecting on the needs and barriers to positive mental health in the community, then build upon the strengths and assets of community members and the local context to effect change.

Though Chapter work is as diverse as the young people that lead them, all Chapter work is underpinned by the message that everyone has mental health, and needs to care for it.

Some examples of Chapter Work:

• Hosting a social justice book club to unlearn and dismantle the discrimination that negatively impacts the mental health of marginalized groups, and develop a sense of community and connectedness (a protective factor for mental health).
• Organizing an online panel event with students as guest speakers, sharing their mental health stories and experiences, to reduce mental health stigma and build awareness.
• Organizing wellness events such as yoga classes, mindfulness meditation sessions, walking groups, or paint nights to look after our minds and bodies.
• Getting staff or community members trained in Mental Health First Aid, suicide prevention, and/or overdose prevention to increase the mental health education of community leaders.
• Assembling and distributing care packages and/or community resource lists around exam season or during other tough times to help folks get through rough patches.

Chapters are made up of youth ages 13-24 and the adult allies who work with them. Some Chapters are affiliated with various academic institutions, or community organizations, but Chapters do not need to be tied to one specific location or organization.

Each Chapter is led by 1-2 Chapter Leads - youth / students who take on the role equivalent to that of a President.

For Chapters with members under 18, a Staff / Adult Lead is mandatory (e.g. a teacher, youth worker, or elder).

The size of a Chapter varies, depending on the community and setting of the Chapter. Some Chapters are 5-strong, while others have 50+ members.

Once you’ve filled out an application, you’ll meet with a Program Coordinator to discuss your application. From there, you’ll need to complete a couple of administrative tasks, including signing an agreement and registering your Chapter members.

With support from your Program Coordinator, you’ll build and structure your team. Some other tasks might include ratifying your club, setting up your social media, and/or opening a bank account.

You’ll then plan and run activities as a Chapter to address mental health in your community, checking in with your Program Coordinator as you go.

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Chapters are youth-led and tailored to the diverse lived experiences, cultures, and barriers of their communities. All the while, they are supported by Jack.org staff and various resources that will help make this work easier and more accessible.

By joining the Jack Chapter program, Chapter members gain access to the following:

• Jack.org funding and swag to support the work you plan to do in your community.
• Structured optional training and ongoing access to Jack.org's mental health and action planning resources. 
• Personalized administrative and logistical support in building and running your Jack Chapter from one of our Program Coordinators throughout the year.
• Opportunity to collaborate with other youth leaders.

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