What do Jack Chapters do?
Chapter work is as diverse as the young people that lead them. Chapters are encouraged to reflect on the needs and barriers of their specific community, and to embed their work within the strengths of their community. This helps Chapters focus their efforts on activities that are specific to their communities.
For example, some Chapters focus on ending the silence around mental health, while others focus on increasing help-seeking behaviours or advocating for more accessible services.
What does a Chapter need to do?
All Chapters must:
- Complete a simple Chapter Agreement
- Have all members fill out the registration form
- Complete Chapter training (which includes foundational mental health knowledge, safety, how to be a chapter)
- Talk to us on a call at least 3 times per year and check in over email every month
- Fill out forms if you are running activities
What does a Chapter team look like?
Typically, Chapters are led by 1-2 Chapter Leads, 4-5 executive members, and a Staff / Adult Lead for younger teams (e.g. a teacher, youth worker, or elder), but this can vary depending on the community and setting of the Chapter.
What makes the program unique?
Chapters are youth-led and tailored to the diverse experiences, cultures, and barriers of their communities. Through the Jack Chapter program, we support young leaders to shape work that allows them to address the concerns most impacting their mental health and ability to seek help when they need it.
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 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 participate in Jack Summits to learn from and collaborate with other youth leaders.