Start a Chapter
We know how important it is to have secular space on campus for students to gather. We commend you for taking the first step to start an SSA chapter on your campus! We are here to help you every step of the process. Your chapter can advocate for separation of church and state, build community for secular students, and advocate for scientific inquiry.
How to Start a Chapter
Step 1:
Contact Us
We are here to help you and can provide you with free resources and supplies to make starting a chapter much easier!
Fill out the Start A Chapter form.
We will contact you to see how we can help you. We will also give you an SSA email address, so that you don't have to give out your personal info when looking for new members on campus.
Step 2:
Find Members
Start recruiting on campus, you'll need at least five members to start your club.
Make an announcement in class or online about your new club.
Reach out to STEM classes, the Philosophy, Science, or LGBTQ club on campus for support finding interested students.
Step 3:
Find an Advisor
Advisors contribute to the longevity and success of your club.
They are great at helping you navigate campus policies and resources for student clubs.
Reach out to current professors for suggestions of faculty on campus that might be interested.
Step 4:
Set-Up Social Media
Set up a social media account.
You can create an Instagram account, Facebook page or group, Discord, Slack, or other social media account to stay connected.
We will provide you with an SSA email that you can use to set up your social media account, so you don't have to use your personal info.
Step 5:
Register your club on campus
Visit your student affairs office to find out the requirements to start a club. You'll likely need five members, an advisor, and a constitution.
Access our sample constitution and CASE Guide for Secularism for more information that can help!
Step 6:
Register Your Club with SSA
You'll need to complete a registration form and agree to our standards of affiliation each semester.
Include your Chapter Roster, your members get free memberships!
Let us know who your advisor is so we can keep them up to date!
Once you have five members, an advisor, and a social media presence, you are ready to register your Chapter with the SSA!
Review our Minimum Standards of Affiliation. All Chapters of SSA are required to agree to and abide by our Minimum Standards.
Chapter Resources
Chapter How-To Guides
Get Connected
Ready to take action on campus?
Once you've got your club set up, it's time to start planning your meetings and events. Visit our Leader Hub to access all of our resources for student leaders.