Who can start chapters
Can I start an Active Minds chapter at an Elementary School, Middle School, or Community Organization (ie. Church, camp, youth group)?
Only high schools, colleges and universities, and graduate schools can start chapters currently. We encourage you to check out our Take Action page for other ways to get involved with Active Minds.
Do I have to have a mental illness to get involved with Active Minds?
No. Inclusivity is a core value of Active Minds chapters, which are open to all students on a campus. You do not have to have a mental illness to get involved with Active Minds. You just have to care about this issue and want to make a difference on your campus.
My school has a religious affiliation. Does that affect starting a chapter?
No. In fact, some of our chapters at religiously affiliated schools have successfully incorporated their faith into the mental health programming they do on campus. Active Minds at Yeshiva University held a panel on religious scrupulosity and Active Minds at Messiah College sponsors alternate chapels to those students are required to attend.
Can I start a chapter at a community college?
Yes! In fact, we have some specialized materials designed to support chapters at community colleges.
Can I start a chapter at a school outside of the United States?
Currently, Active Minds only supports Chapters within the United States (including U.S. territories) and Canada to ensure the highest quality of technical assistance and relevant resources. Questions about this can be directed to the Chapters Team at chapters@activeminds.org
I’m graduating soon or have already graduated. Can I still be involved?
If you’re about to graduate, tell your friends who are still in school about Active Minds and starting a chapter. You can help interested students with the initial steps of finding an advisor, recruiting students, and figuring out how to register as a new student organization. Even though you won’t be around to see it…
I’m a faculty or staff member. What is my role in starting a chapter?
Faculty or staff members can play an integral role in the development of an Active Minds chapter. You might consider, for example, serving as the faculty or staff advisor to the chapter. Whether or not you become the advisor, you can start by reaching out to students you know who may be interested and encourage…
Can I start a chapter if I’m not affiliated with a school?
No, chapters cannot be formed outside of the context of a school. If you are not affiliated with a school, we encourage you to check out our Take Action page for other ways to get involved with Active Minds.
Can I start an Active Minds chapter at a high school?
Yes! High schools can register chapters through the same process as a college and are expected to meet the same requirements as a college-based chapter. High school-based chapters are most successful when they have strong administrative and staff support.
Active Minds is the nation’s leading nonprofit organization promoting mental health awareness and education for young adults.