Why Start a Chapter?
Campus chapters are an integral part of the statewide CaHPSA organization. Chapters are created and maintained by students on undergraduate and/or health professional graduate school campuses who demonstrate a strong commitment to CaHPSA’s mission, vision, and goals.
Each chapter provides opportunities for aspiring health and medical professionals to learn more about challenges facing our health care system and ways to address them. Members gain valuable communication and health advocacy skills, join legislative efforts to improve the quality and accessibility of health care, and make lasting friendships with fellow health care advocates.
If you want to create a CaHPSA chapter on your campus, you’ll find a network of support from fellow CaHPSA leaders, our CaHPSA Coordinator, and health & medical professionals who are members of California Physicians Alliance (CaPA).
Tips for Starting Your Chapter
- Contact Anali Gutierrez and schedule introductory meeting
- Create and submit your chapter’s constitution following your campus’ guidelines and including CaHPSA’s mission & vision
- Submit Chapter Yearly Plan
- Sign and return Chapter Agreement Form to Anali
- Join leadership and planning meetings with statewide team
Grow Your Chapter
- Create, review, and follow your chapter’s yearly plan
- Publicize weekly - get on e-newsletters, classroom bulletins, campus annoucements
- Stay active on social media and regularly update your website
- Cross-promote with other student organizations (i.e. AMSA, pre-health society, pre-law group)
- Schedule open social events and informal gatherings to create open, welcoming environment
- Maintain updated contact list/list serv and send out email blasts according to a schedule - keep new and returning members engaged!
- Sign up for campus tabling events & fairs, and community health & ACA related events