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SWA Chapters will represent and promote
the SWA within their respective schools. They will encourage student
members to engage in dialogue on various global issues within
the structured processes established by the SWA.
STEP 1- RECRUIT A FACULTY ADVISOR
Find a member of your school’s faculty who is willing to
act as a liaison and advocate for the SWA Chapter. A faculty advisor
should be able to provide you with ideas and support for your
SWA Chapter. Most schools require student-led organizations to
have at least one faculty advisor.
It is important as well to maintain a positive relationship with
your school’s administration so that they are supportive
of your efforts. In order to make sure this happens, you must
address the following items:
1. CHECK THE RULES: All schools have rules
and regulations that students must abide by if they want to
organize an official club or Chapter. Talk to the administration
in order to find out if there are any limitations or rules on
activities and events taking place on your school’s campus.
2. PLAN ACCORDINGLY: The Chapter’s activities
should not interfere with instruction time, students must participate
voluntarily, and no one may be harmed as a purpose or result
of SWA Chapter activities.
STEP 2- DOWNLOAD THE CHAPTER TOOLKIT
This toolkit will provide you with the necessary tools to reach
out to students at your school. Click
here to download the chapter toolkit [pdf]
STEP 3- BECOME FAMILIAR WITH THE SWA CHAPTER CONSTITUTION
The SWA Chapter Constitution has been established to provide continuity
and a stable foundation for new and developing chapters. It is
necessary that you and others involved in establishing a SWA Chapter
be familiar with the SWA Chapter Constitution.
Please click
here for an example of a chapter constitution [doc]
- [Pdf]
STEP 4- PROMOTE CHAPTER MEMBERSHIP
Most groups have 3-5 members coordinating the work and organizing
meetings and events. It is a good idea to involve as many students
as possible in building a solid foundation for your SWA Chapter
so that members stay active and the work is shared. Getting students
involved can happen in a variety of ways from one-on-one conversations
to posting flyers. Promotional materials that will help you advertise
your SWA Chapter will be included in the Chapter Toolkit.
STEP 5- HOLD A PRELIMINARY MEETING
You should be clear on officer duties so that you may
clearly define and communicate them to the members. This clarification
should take place during the first meeting so that during the
second meeting you can hold an election to fill these positions.
This ensures that all members have a clear understanding and expectation
of responsibilities. Keep in mind that although you may have created
the SWA Chapter on your campus and may run for office, other members
must be allowed to run for office as well. Members should strive
to align elected officers’ skills and interests with the
needs and goals of the Chapter. A list of officer duties can be
found at the following link:
Please click
here for a list of the officer duties
[doc] - [Pdf]
STEP 6- HOLD A CHAPTER MEETING TO ELECT OFFICERS
The first order of business at this meeting should be to elect
officers. Once this is complete, the president will call the meeting
to order. One of the first matters of business should be to establish
chapter goals for the first year of operation.
STEP 7- COMPLETE & SUBMIT THE OFFICIAL SWA CHAPTER
REGISTRATION FORM
In order to be an officially recognized SWA Chapter you must complete
the registration form found at the link below. Your chapter will
then be added to the SWA database and a history of activity will
be recorded as your chapter grows. Click
here to visit the chapter registration page.
STEP 8- PLAN A KICK-OFF EVENT
Once your chapter is officially recognized by SWA and your school,
a kick-off event should be held to continue recruitment. This
event can take place on either a local or regional level. The
SWA Program Development Coordinator and the Chapter Activities
Coordinator will help you plan your event and ensure that everything
runs smoothly. You can contact them by clicking here.
With the help provided in the Chapter Start-up Kit, the support
from the SWA staff, and commitment from students like you, your
SWA Chapter is sure to be a success.
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