Start & Maintain an Active Minds Chapter
A guide for student leaders on the process and requirements to successfully launch and maintain an Active Minds Chapter.
The Active Minds Chapter Network
Our network of 500+ peer-led mental health advocacy groups are started and led by youth/young adults for youth/young adults, focused on creating lasting change in how mental health is valued and prioritized in their schools and communities.
Chapters are a consistent form of connection to peers, mental health as a movement, and to Active Minds itself. In order to support this nationwide network, Active Minds Chapters has specific requirements in order to launch a new chapter or for an existing chapter to maintain its active status.
Not familiar with our Chapter Network?
This guide is intended for those interested in or already leading an Active Minds Chapter. First, learn more about the ways our Chapter Network impacts schools and communities, and search for an existing Chapter near you.
How to Start a new Active Minds Chapter
Here are the registration requirements for new Active Minds Chapters:
- Confirmation that there is not already a similar organization operating at your school
- Contact information for at least 3 Chapter Leaders and 1 Advisor
- At least one of these leaders should NOT be graduating in the same academic year as registration.
- Acknowledgement that your Leaders and Advisor(s) have read and agreed to the Chapter Expectations
- Documentation that your chapter is an officially recognized organization at your school
- A copy of your Chapter Operations Manual
- A copy of your Chapter Budget
Additionally, one Chapter Leader must attend a Chapter Orientation Session.
These requirements are the same for newly registering chapters, as well as renewing chapters. All chapters are required to renew their registration with Active Minds annually to stay active and in good standing.
How the process works:
You’ll receive more information and instructions for next steps.
In order to progress in the registration process, at least one Chapter Leader needs to attend a Chapter Orientation Session (offered 2x monthly). These 1-hour sessions are held on Zoom. You’ll receive the link to sign up when you complete the Chapter Interest Form.
Active Minds Chapters are required to be officially recognized by your school as a student club / organization. You must follow your school’s process for doing so and be able to provide documentation in your Chapter Registration Form (see below).
To be a registered Active Minds Chapter, you need to complete our Chapter Registration Form. Below is what’s required for this part of the process:
- Confirmation that there is not already a similar organization operating at your school
- Contact information for at least 3 Chapter Leaders and 1 Advisor
- At least one of these leaders should NOT be graduating in the same academic year as registration.
- Acknowledgement that your Leaders and Advisor(s) have read and agreed to the Chapter Expectations
- Documentation that your chapter is an officially recognized organization at your school
- A copy of your Chapter Operations Manual
- A copy of your Chapter Budget
Chapter Resources
Help your chapter thrive with tools and resources to support every stage of your chapter’s journey: from building your organizational foundation to taking collective action in your school and community.
How to Maintain your Chapters' Status
Our chapters are located at more than 500 schools throughout the United States. The network represents schools that are public, private, high schools, racial & equity focused, community colleges, technical institutions, and more.
Use our Contact Update Form to keep the national office aware of who your current contacts are. Your chapter needs to have at least three Chapter Leaders (including Chapter Presidents) and at least one Advisor on file at all times.
Chapter Reports are quarterly check-in surveys to let us know what your chapter has been up to. These reports are sent out via email to Chapter Leaders and Advisors, so it’s crucial we have updated contact information on file.
Each year, much like many schools do, Active Minds requires all chapters to renew. This ensures that our team can continue to contact your chapter and nothing will fall through the cracks with leadership transition. Chapters with smooth and organized leadership transitions tend to have more success over time. This is a new requirement and will take effect in 2027.
Use the resources, technical assistance, and community available through Active Minds to progress through your chapter’s program goals: from building your organizational capacity to taking collective action with school partners.
Stay connected with the Chapters Team! We’re here to support you.
Questions about Active Minds Chapters? See our FAQs.