Connecting with the ENGAGE team will help get you started in the right direction! We’re here to help you from startup to success!

As you likely know, for a Chapter to be successful, you must work with school administrators from the very beginning. It is essential to receive permission and support from your administration to start an ENGAGE Chapter.

We suggest that you request a meeting with your administrator to secure their support for this school year.

Once you have secured Administration approval to start an ENGAGE Chapter at your school and have submitted your Application for Charter, we will connect you with your State ENGAGE Director.

If you do not hear from us within one week (five business days) of submitting your Charter Application, please call us at 1-844-248-4271.

ENGAGE – Youth in Government provides an excellent opportunity to enrich Career Technical Education (CTE) classes by connecting theoretical knowledge with practical experience in governance and policy-making. By integrating this program, students can enhance their leadership skills, explore careers, understand governmental processes, and apply their technical expertise to real-world scenarios, which is crucial for a comprehensive education in CTE pathways. This hands-on involvement not only boosts civic awareness and responsibility but also empowers students to become proactive, informed citizens who are equipped to contribute to their communities and industries and understand career opportunities in the public service sector.

Using the Advisor Portal, you will register your Chapter so that you can manage Members, register for events, etc.

You will collect dues from each student member and submit to the membership system. 

NOTE: You will have national and state dues.  Most Chapters add a small amount onto the dues to build their Chapter treasury to support programs and operation costs.

Electing Chapter officers allows your Chapter to move from Advisor-led to Advisor-supported. Students take the lead with ENGAGE. Serving as a Chapter officer is one of the best ways for students to hone their workplace and leadership skills.

The Advisor Guide has a section on Chapter officers, including information about IGNITE, our summer leadership development conference.

Regular meetings are essential to a strong Chapter as it keeps students both involved and informed.  Your Chapter will need to determine the best day, time, and place to meet so that it meets the needs of your membership.  Because we are a CTSO and are integrated into the classroom curriculum, it is possible that your Chapter will meet during the school day.  However, each Chapter has the freedom to do what works best for them.

Goals for chapter meetings may include:

• FUN.  Every meeting needs to have some element of engaging/fun/interesting as a part of it. 
• Provide an opportunity for Chapter members to participate in decision-making processes for Program of Work activities, officer elections, and recognition programs.
• Set up committees to plan, implement, and report on the Program of Work activities.
• Prepare for Competitions and Conferences.

Additional Chapter Meeting Resources/Ideas

• Customize a meeting flyer with specific information. Display the flyers in your classroom, school or campus so members and potential members are aware of the upcoming meeting.
• For ENGAGE logos, brand guidelines and other resources available to your Chapter, go to the ENGAGE Brand Center.
• Creating and using a Chapter social media account is a great way to share information. Instagram and Facebook are popular platforms for students to access information.
• If possible, arrange for refreshments at your meeting. A few soft drinks and chips (or orange juice and doughnuts for a morning meeting) go a long way in making students feel welcomed.
• Create an agenda for each meeting that includes upcoming dates of ENGAGE state-related activities or conferences.

Being involved in your local Chapter is great, but is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to what ENGAGE has to offer you and your students.  Make sure to put key dates on your calendar and make plans to participate in all ENGAGE Competitions and Conferences. This helps fulfill the program of work, but also allows students to build a network of peers across the state and country.

Everyone loves good news…so share it! Be sure to share with your administration, social media, and even local newspaper every time your students participate in a competition (especially if you have winners) or complete a service project. Give people a reason to celebrate with you!