November 15, 2009
Starting an HPA Chapter – How and Why
It has been an intense month of campaigns around the Harry Potter Alliance! In the last six weeks, we worked on Magical Acts of Kindness, Wrock for Equality, America’s Giving Challenge, and the larger 9 and 3/4 campaign. As usual, the amount of excitement and passion and determination this community gave to each of those projects was amazing to witness and be a part of.
With such a busy month, our chapters program also saw a huge increase in interest. We’ve been getting a lot of questions about how to start an HPA chapter, and so I thought I’d go ahead and put some of the basics here.
Why Be involved in a Chapter?
If you love HPA campaigns, you’re going to love being part of an HPA chapter! Our chapters are, in essence, local groups of the Harry Potter Alliance – they are taking the work that we do online and making it happen in their schools and communities. Some examples of that include:
- a “Chapter Cup” during Wrock for Equality to see which chapter could phonebank for the longest time
- 9 and 3/4 fundraisers like penny drives, bake sales, and quidditch tournaments
- Accio Books! Book drives for local schools and libraries
- Magical Acts of Kindness week projects
- Particpating in a variety of local events
And so starting a chapter is a great way to take your work with the HPA a little further and spread it to your local school or community.
Check out the Chapters Gallery for pictures from local chapter events
How Can I Join a Chapter?
You can search for HPA chapters on our Find a Chapter page.All of the chapters have links to their chapter websites, where you can find out more about how to get involved.
If there isn’t a chapter near you, you can start your own!
How to Start an HPA Chapter
It doesn’t matterhow much you’ve thought about starting a chapter or how many people you think will be involved – if you want to start an HPA chapter, we can help you make it happen!
Our chapters staff (Jenni, Amanda, and myself) work individually with Chapter Organizers to help them plan interest meetings, find a faculty advisor, and advertise their chapter. We also have a strong network of Chapter Organizers (more than 50!) in the HPA Common Room that can help you as you get started.
If you’re interested in starting a chapter, fill out the “Start a Chapter” form and we’ll help you get started.
And, as we Chapter Organizers like to say…Welcome to the Room of Requirement!
Stephanie
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As a current CO of a chapter, I have to say:
I agree wholeheartedly with everything here. Being a part of the HPA is one thing, but being a part of the HPA as a part of a chapter is another. When you’re in a chapter, especially if you’re an organizer, it’s like… you feel like you’re a part of something huge. Even moreso than when you just participate as a member. It’s ridiculously awesome.
I strongly recommend that everyone find a chapter where they are, and if there isn’t one nearby, start one. It’s one of the best things I ever did for myself. And don’t be afraid if you have only one member besides yourself– welcome to my world, and you’ll find other active people who want to be a part of this soon enough. Everything falls into place when it’s supposed to.
Plus, you can get a LOT done with just two people. :]
<33
Megan
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If you’re considering becoming a chapter you should know that starting a chapter is sooo easy in terms of getting acquainted here. Karen and everyone do a great job of making sure Chapter Organizers are kept informed and up-to-date, so you don’t have to do much except keep track of your chapter’s participation plans
Caitlin
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I totally agree with everything that’s been said. Starting a chapter has been the best thing I’ve ever done, as sappy as that sounds. I’ve always wanted to do something to make a difference, and the HPA gave me the tools to do that. It’s the most amazing feeling, uniting with friends under the shared love of Harry Potter and the shared desire to make a change in the world.
alfiesaden
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hi – is it just me !! can any one explain why when i type in the bing browser “thehpalliance.org” i get a different site yet whe i type it in google its ok? could this be a bug in my system or is any one else having same probs ?
alfie saden