What is a Chapter?
A chapter is a branch of Inspired 2 Uplift that is formed at a specific school or educational institution. The goal of each chapter is to promote awareness for youth affected by disabilities, and if a special needs facility exists at your institution, buddy sessions. Each chapter will be provided with some funds, a website, personalized emails (e.g school@inspired2uplift.com, name@inspired2uplift.com), and various other resources to help you lead the club. You will also have to recruit your own team of Executives and/or Buddies.
Starting a chapter of Inspired 2 Uplift at your school can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience. It allows you to make a positive impact in your community and provides an opportunity to gain leadership and organizational skills. As a chapter leader, you will have the responsibility of recruiting and training volunteers, planning events and activities, and overseeing the operations of the chapter.
All About an I2U Chapter
Benefits Starting a Chapter
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You can make a positive impact on the lives of students with disabilities in your school or greater community.
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You can gain valuable leadership and organizational skills by taking on a leadership role in the club.
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You can develop a deeper understanding and appreciation for diversity and inclusion.
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You can earn community service hours and gain experience for your resume or college applications.
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You can create lasting friendships and connections with other students in the club and with the youth or adults you support.
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You can help spread awareness and promote a culture of acceptance and understanding within your school or greater community.
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I2U can provide you with a website (see our example website) personalized to your school, personal emails (e.g yourname@inspired2uplift.com and yourschool@inspired2uplift.com), funding, and a close knit network of civically involved youth.
Setting up Your Chapter
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Register your Inspired 2 Uplift Chapter.
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Interview with the Senior Executives.
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For high school chapters, if during the school year, register your chapter with your school/introduce the idea to them before you submit an application with I2U.
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For high school chapters, if during school breaks, register the chapter with I2U first.
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For other chapters, register the chapter with I2U first.
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When approved, sign our Chapter Establishment Agreement, outlining our expectations and commitments to each other.
During the school year:
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Appoint your chapter's Executive Team. For high school chapters, you must have a teacher or school staff who is your designated sponsor for the chapter.
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Organize all forms needed to maintain this chapter (this may include buddy schedules, hierarchies, etc.).
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With your team, plan out goals and objectives your chapter will aim to achieve during the year.
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Draft event/fundraiser ideas.
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Keep on recruiting members and promoting positivity and inclusivity.
Promoting Your Chapter
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Create an social media accounts. Use the Handle: @I2U.[proposed name].
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Create flyers to pass out.
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Ask friends to spread the word through socials.
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Advertise in your school newsletter, news show, magazine, or other available forms of communication.
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If your school has a club fair in the beginning of the year introducing all the clubs to the students at your school, have your chapter participate there!
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Create incentives that encourage people to join (ex: volunteer hours).
Kelsie Wayt
Inspired 2 Uplift chapter president of Fruita Monument High School in Colorado, USA
"I want to create a world where all kids are able to find a friend—regardless if they fit the social norm or not. The I2U Buddy Program is perfect for this! Friendships is something that everybody deserves to experience."
