START AN ACN CHAPTER

To start an ACN Chapter, individuals in a school, youth group, or student organization must not only learn as much as possible about one of the target populations ACN is supporting, but also commit to fundraising for an ACN project.  ACN will work closely with this ACN Chapter, giving it background information, fundraising ideas, photos, and follow-up reports on how money raised is being applied to the sponsored project.

An elementary, junior high, or high school ACN Chapter requires an adult to advise and coordinate it. University chapters do not require an adult to serve in this capacity, but are required to provide ACN with the name or names of those responsible for the leadership of the group, and their contact information.

WHAT IS THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ACN AND ITS CHAPTERS?

ACN Chapters are driven by their own independent educational and fundraising initiatives. Chapters are encouraged, however, to seek the advice and guidance of ACN personnel, especially when embarking on fundraising initiatives.

Chapters receive news updates on ACN activities. Chapters in good standing have, in the past, even visited the projects they have funded.

THE PROGRAM CYCLE OF CHAPTER START-UP:

1. Once a university, school, church group, or organization becomes a Chapter of ACN, the designated adult or university Chapter Advisor receives information on projects supported by ACN.

2. The Chapter identifies a project (or projects) it wishes to sponsor and develops a fundraising strategy for support.

3. The Chapter embarks on an educational campaign to educate others about the children it supports. For example, fundraising and education could be combined on World Orphans Day (observed every 2nd Monday of November). Posters or an assembly could tell the children’s story, ribbons could be distributed at lunch (with contributions requested), a service auction or bake sale could be scheduled, etc.

4. Once fundraising efforts have raised a targeted amount and an educational campaign has begun, the chapter might want to explore visiting the project it has sponsored.