Start an ACN Chapter
To start an ACN Chapter, individuals in a school, church 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.
An ACN Chapter requires an adult to advise and coordinate each high school, church, or organization chapter. 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.
What is the Relationship between ACN and its Chapters?
ACN Chapters are driven by their own independent educational and fundraising initiatives. Chapters are encouraged to seek the advice and guidance of ACN personnel, especially when embarking on fundraising initiatives.
Chapters receive news updates on ACN activities, and are also invited to take part in an ACN Immersion Visit (currently limited to Romania). Up to 11 members of a Chapter (plus the Chapter Advisor) are allowed to accompany an ACN representative to not only see for themselves how the money they have raised is being applied, but also have the opportunity to interact with and reach out in friendship to the children of Romania. A limit on the number of students participating is set so that each participant can receive individual attention throughout the Immersion Visit. The costs of the trip are covered by the Chapter's fundraising initiatives.
The Program Cycle of Chapter Start-Up:
- Once a university, school, church group, or organization becomes a Chapter of ACN, the designated adult or university Chapter Advisor receivesinformation on projects supported by ACN.
- The Chapter develops a fundraising strategy for supporting an ACN project (or projects).
- The Chapter embarks on an educational campaign to educate others about the abandoned children it supports. For example, fundraising and education could be combined in an AIDS Day activity in which posters tell the story, red AIDS ribbons are distributed, and donations are solicited.
- Once fundraising efforts have raised $6,000 and an educational campaign has begun, the chapter is eligible for participation in an ACN Immersion Visit to meet the people who have benefited from the chapter’s fundraising efforts. Up to 11 young people and their adviser/organizer are selected (based on criteria set up by the chapter, e.g., those who have worked hardest) to travel to Romania where, accompanied by an ACN representative, you will see and interact with the people receiving your Chapter’s assistance.
Next Section: The ACN Immersion Visit.
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