What is the Chapters Program?
Speak Now Chapters are global youth-led hubs established across middle schools, high schools, undergraduate institutions, and local communities. These hubs allow for the intricate creation of a network of youth innovation that spearheads the youth voice in mental health education and grassroots advocacy— allowing for complete transformation of community-based organizing and subsequent peer-driven policy reform.
✓ Why Join?
Current chapters of other mental health organizations are solely equipped to promote awareness— while awareness of mental health conditions is valuable, we do something entirely different. As a youth-led, youth-powered organization, we actively provide interested chapters ways to scale impact in their own communities and mentor chapters into creating original, inventive, innovative strategies that are rooted in our nationally recognized community-building and policy advocacy work.
Successful chapters are given the opportunity to…
- gain influential connections in the medical and policy-making field
- gain outstanding letters of recommendation from recognized individuals
- gain experience navigating and leading a youth-led initiative
- gain verifiable volunteer hours that can be nationally recognized by PVSA and other service activities
- have their advocacy and impact work be recognized and featured on our website
✓ How It Works
If you are considering a School-Based Speak Now Chapter, ensure that your middle school, high school, or undergraduate institution is aware of and consents to the creation of a chapter. After ensuring that your area is eligible to be considered for a chapter, chapter leads may complete the Chapter Registration Form and expect to hear back in about 2 weeks. If selected to represent Speak Now as a Speak Now Chapter, our Executive Team will contact you to schedule an interview to further understand your goals and mission alignment.
Questions about the application process may be directed to chapters@togetherwespeaknow.org or by using our Contact Us Page.
