Chapter basics
I noticed my school has an inactive chapter. How do I go about getting it started again?
Re-activating an inactive chapter looks exactly the same as starting a new chapter. It’s worth finding out if there is a faculty or staff member who was involved with the chapter in the past who would be willing to help you out and give you a head start!
Can our chapter function under the umbrella of a counseling center or other office rather than as an independent student organization?
Yes, the chapter can function under the counseling center umbrella, if that is ideal on your campus. Many chapters find it helpful to “bring mental health out of the counseling center” by being an independent student organization and maintaining a strong, collaborative, relationship with the counseling center. Either way, we strongly encourage chapters to request…
What is involved in starting a chapter?
To launch an Active Minds chapter you must have at least three student leaders and an advisor who is an employee of the school. At least one student leader must be an underclassman to ensure the sustainability of the chapter beyond the first year. Your team must register as an official student group on campus….
Can Active Minds chapters be peer support groups?
No. Active Minds chapters may not be support groups and do not provide mental health services of any kind. While we recognize the immense value of peer support, the mission of Active Minds chapters is to raise awareness, educate, and de-stigmatize help-seeking.
What can chapters do on campus?
Like most student organizations, Active Minds chapters hold regular meetings to plan events, programs, and initiatives on their campus. These events range from programs available from the national office to any number of innovative initiatives a chapter comes up with. Some activities include tabling, speaker presentations, discussion panels, movie screenings, stress relief activities, art and…
What are the goals of Active Minds chapters?
Student-led chapters work to increase mental health awareness on campus, raise funds for critical mental health education and resources through the Active Minds national office, promote positive mental health, educate their peers about the signs and symptoms of mental health disorders, and encourage students to reach out for help when needed. Chapters play an important…
Active Minds is the nation’s leading nonprofit organization promoting mental health awareness and education for young adults.