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Chapter Organization and Planning
Start an ESG Chapter & Initiation
For information on how to start a chapter, including and overview of eligibility and processes, visit the Start an ESG Chapter webpage, and visit the Initiation Resources webpage.
Election of Chapter Officers
According to the National By-Laws, officers of the local or collegiate chapters shall be elected (or appointed) yearly by majority vote of the members. The elected officers of a collegiate chapter shall be: president, vice president, secretary, and treasurer. Looking at the organization of the chapter, chapters may choose to have more than one vice-president who each focus on one or two of the pillars of ESG (eg.: VP of Teaching and Research; VP of Service and Advocacy). Additional elected and/or appointed positions may be added, such as a Historian, Professional Development Chair, Social Chair, etc. in order to best meet the chapter’s needs.
Officers may be elected at any time during the fiscal year as specifically provided by the local chapter constitution and bylaws. It is recommended that officers are elected prior to the start of a new school year. Suggested duties of officers are included below. In addition to officers' duties, there should be a job description for each officer and committee chairperson. A sample of these is also included below.
Duties of Officers President: The President serves as the chief officer of the chapter and presides over all meetings. They are responsible for ensuring that chapter operations run smoothly and in alignment with the Constitution and Bylaws.
Vice President: The Vice President supports the President in all chapter functions and assumes their responsibilities in the President’s absence or inability to serve. The Vice President also coordinates and oversees all chapter projects and initiatives, and performs any duties delegated by the President. Secretary: The Secretary is responsible for maintaining accurate records and managing chapter communications.
Treasurer: The Treasurer manages the chapter’s financial operations and reporting.
| Sample Job Description Language Elected Office: Vice President of Research Chairperson Title: Chairperson for Research Duties and Responsibilities
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Chapter Committees and Divisions
In order for chapter goals to be accomplished it is necessary to delegate responsibility to specific individuals or groups. Most chapters appoint several committees to carry out the activities of the chapter. The structure of these committees may vary based on the chapter’s needs, capacity, and membership. One example of a structure would be dividing based on the focus area/pillar:
Alternatives to this format would be a variety of committees appointed to undertake specific activities or projects, such as marketing, fundraising, evaluation, etc. Committee chairs are accountable to the president or a designated officer of the chapter. here are a number of committees that might be appointed outside of ESG pillars. These might be: social committee, finance and fund-raising committee, nominations committee, publications committee, or others.
Whatever the structure of a chapter, it is important that it is designed to work in accordance with the uniqueness of each institution/university. The successful governance of a chapter depends on the chapter's ability to organize itself in a way which facilitates the involvement of as many members as possible while at the same time provides for leadership and accountability.
The Importance of Planning and Setting Goals
Health education specialists recognize the necessity of planning in order to impact populations and health issues. Without proper planning, health education programs are at risk for failure. The same is true for ESG chapters.
Chapter planning is usually done by the officers and with guidance from the chapter advisor. This usually is conducted at the beginning of the school year or at its closure as a means of planning for the following year. Typically, planning starts by someone saying, "What should we do?” This is followed by comments of what was done in the past as well as some new ideas. After a list is compiled, a plan can be developed along with a time table. Although this may be effective, the chances of greater success can be achieved by using a more structured chapter activities planning model. See: ESG Activity Planning Guide
ESG Chapter Planning Model
Planning successful projects starts with a clear process. Here are the four key steps your ESG chapter can follow:
- Needs Assessment
- Goal Setting
- Implementation
- Evaluation
For more details, download the ESG Chapter Planning Model-A Student Guide
Chapter Revitalization & Reactivation
Chapters occasionally experience periods of inactivity and may seek to revitalize. At the request of the chapter, the ESG National Office offers consultation services, including calls with the Director of Chapter Development. Together with the advisor and student leaders, a revitalization action plan will be developed.
Successful reactivation starts with a small group of committed, motivated students who may or may not be current members but are eager to rebuild the chapter. These students play a key role in engaging their peers and reigniting chapter activity.
Once revitalized, chapters often initiate a large group of new members. Advisors and officers should be ready with programs and activities to immediately engage them, as early involvement helps build confidence and promotes sustained success.
For more, visit the Chapter Reactivation webpage.
What Makes a Chapter Successful?
Great chapters don’t just happen, they’re built by students and faculty who care, plan, and work together. Here’s what it takes to run a strong, successful chapter:
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Faculty Who Have Your Back
Supportive faculty can make a huge difference. When professors promote your chapter, help with events, and give guidance, things run smoother. It's especially helpful when your department chair and faculty advisor are involved. They can open doors and help others take the chapter seriously. -
Strong Student Leaders
Chapters need leaders who are passionate, reliable, and ready to do the work. If you're leading, it helps to be organized, motivated, and excited about the mission. Chapters are stronger when officers are elected by the group. Students should choose leaders who represent their interests. -
Members Who Show Up and Get Involved
The more members who care and participate, the better the chapter becomes. It’s not just about attending meetings. Taking part in service projects, research, or peer education makes it more meaningful. Giving members real responsibilities (like serving on a committee) helps everyone stay connected. -
Funding to Make Things Happen
Even small events need some funding, whether it’s for snacks at meetings, printing flyers, or supplies for service projects. Dues, donations, or department support can all help. If a chapter isn’t considered worth funding, it’s hard to keep things running. -
Support from Your Department
Faculty support is great, but chapters also need practical help. That might mean access to a shared office space, printing, a phone line, or help with paperwork. When your department provides these resources, it shows they believe in what you’re doing. -
Always Aim for Excellence
Whatever you do, host an event, publish a newsletter, lead a project, do it well. Don’t settle for “just getting it done.” Strong chapters set a high standard and encourage members to go beyond what’s expected. Quality work builds pride and professionalism.