How do I start a Chapter?
In order to start a Chapter you must first fill out the application and send it into the Regional Coordinator for your area. Download the application here, GLI Chapter Application, save the file to your computer, type your answers into the document, save again and email it back to your Regional Coordinator! Or, if you prefer you can print the application, write you answers and mail it into the East or West Coast office.
Who is the Regional Coordinator for my area?
Good question! Here are the GLI Regional Coordinators:
Greater NY Regional Area (NYC, parts of New York, New Jersey & Connecticut)
Amanda Coolidge, amanda@girlslearn.org, phone: 703-522-2214
Greater Washington DC Area (DC, parts of Virginia & Maryland)
Amanda Coolidge, amanda@girlslearn.org, phone: 703-522-2214
San Francisco Bay Area (Northern California including Palo Alto & Oakland)
Ellen Flamen, eflamen@yahoo.com, phone: 650-714-6009
Greater Los Angeles Area (Southern CA including Orange County & San Diego)
Ashley Steimer-King, ashley@girlslearn.org, phone: 310-556-2500
National (Anywhere else you want to start a Chapter!)
Amanda Coolidge, amanda@girlslearn.org, phone: 703-522-2214
Who can start a Chapter?
Any student or faculty member can apply to start a Chapter at her or his middle or high school in the U.S. This application is not for college students or international partners. Please contact ashley@girlslearn.org if you are a college student or a teacher at a school abroad and you want to get involved.
Also, if you are a senior or 8th grader (or in the last grade that your school goes to) you must identify a student in a lower grade who wants to start the Chapter with you and who can continue the Chapter after you graduate. This person’s full contact information, as well as her/his own references, must be included in your application.
Is there a due date for my application?
Yes! In fact there are two due dates for the two different starts dates in the school year. If you want to start your Chapter this fall (starting September of 2013) you must turn in your application by July 1, 2013. If you want to start your Chapter next spring (January of 2014) you must turn in your application by December 3, 2013. We can be somewhat flexible on deadlines, but please try your best to meet them!
What happens after I’ve submitted my application?
After you submit your application, expect to hear back from us with a confirmation email within a few days, and then give us a few weeks to go over your application. Once you’ve been accepted, you will receive an acceptance email along with a Chapter Charter Agreement to sign.
What is a Chapter Charter Agreement?
A Chapter Charter Agreement is an agreement between you, your school and GLI. In order to make your Chapter official, at least one student and one faculty advisor must sign the agreement and send it back to the Regional Coordinator for your area.
What materials should I receive?
Chapters will receive two Guidebooks, and are expected to pass them on to new leadership each year. Chapters starting in the fall receive the Guidebook in early September, which you will use the whole school year to run your Chapter. Chapters starting in the spring will receive materials in early January.
Will there be a training to help me run my Chapter?
Yes, GLI hosts trainings for Chapters in the fall, so they can learn about the GLI program and gain useful tips for running their Chapters. Trainings are held on location in NY, DC, Northern and Southern California. Also, webinars are conducted for those Chapters who are a part of our ‘National’ region. Additional webinars will be conducted in the spring for those starting Chapters at that time.
At least 1 representative from your Chapter must participate in a training (although everyone involved in the Chapter is welcome!). Your Regional Coordinator will tell you more about the trainings and how to attend.
What do Chapters do during the year?
Chapters hold regular meetings (on average Chapters meet once a week). In the fall, Chapters will focus on learning about Human Rights. In the spring, Chapters will focus on advocacy and fundraising by planning and hosting a Student Advocacy Event. Chapters who start in the spring will do a little bit of both.
What is the Junior Board?
The Junior Board is a planning and networking group made up of Chapter members who meet on a monthly basis to discuss Chapter-related issues, plan events, discuss advocacy and fundraising strategies, and network with each other.
There are 5 regional Junior Boards corresponding to the 5 Regional Areas: New York/New Jersey, Washington DC/Northern Virginia, Northern California, Southern California, and National (a virtual board for other locations).
At least one member from GLI Chapters should attend Junior Board meetings. Each Junior Board meets several times throughout the school year on the weekend in person and other times as a webinar or conference call. The “National” Junior Board meets by webinar or conference call only. Your Regional Coordinator will give you more information about when, where, and how your area’s Junior Board will meet.
What is expected of a Chapter?
- Have fun and gain new skills – attend the GLI training (in-person or webinar)!
- Educate yourself and your peers – hold regular meetings to learn about Human Rights and the issues girls face around the globe.
- Raise awareness and funds for girls’ education – hold a Student Advocacy Event at your school.
- Meet other leaders and share your views – send at least one representative to the Junior Board meetings/webinars.
- Keep your parents in the loop – distribute letter to parents (which is included in the materials) and return it to the GLI office.
- Keep GLI in the loop – send GLI any updated on student leaders’ and faculty advisor’s contact information and regularly communicate with GLI Staff.