How to Start a Chapter

Chapter Application

Interested in starting a chapter? Simply follow the link below.

Tips & Tricks for Starting a BioClub

1. The first step is to contact NABT for an application, complete it, and send it to the appropriate person for approval. Remember, if you already have a club set up, you can keep the name of your club intact. Your club would become a chapter of NABT BioClubs.

2. Check with the school system and/or school to see if there are basic requirements for starting a club.

3. Determine if there will be financial support for starting a chapter of NABT BioClubs. If so, find out what steps need to be taken to obtain these funds.

4. Talk to local businesses and/or parent-teacher support groups to solicit possible financial support for the club. Clubs such as the Kiwanis Club might be willing to become involved in a sponsorship role.

5. Talk with a variety of people to determine if there is support and interest in having such a club. These people might include district leaders, district science coordinators, principals, the science department chair and other science department members and some key students, etc.

6. Enlist NABT to help set up the club.

7. Advertise the NABT BioClub opportunity to students to gauge their interest and identify students who may have an interest or aptitude.

8. Determine if parent permission is needed. A photo release form should be secured for all members of the club; check with the principal of your school to see what is required.

9. Have students review NABT BioClub By-Laws and begin organizing the club.

10. Recruit members. Suggestions for publicity and recruitment strategies include, but are not limited to: posters, announcements, word of mouth, school newspaper, morning announcements at the school, local newspaper, promotion in science classrooms, postings on teacher and school websites, e-mailed messages to parents and students

11. Elect Officers according to the by-laws. Flexibility is certainly allowed in the election of officers and the types of offices. Some clubs might have several committees, etc.

12. The chapter that you are organizing may have a theme related to the interests of the students. For example, the students might have an interest in herpetology, ecology, marine biology, medicine, or environmental science to name a few.