HEALTH EQUITY ADVOCATES

Recommended Chapter Constitution

For use by affiliated high school and college chapters

ARTICLE I — NAME

The name of this organization shall be:
Health Equity Advocates [School Name] Chapter

The chapter shall operate as an affiliated chapter of Health Equity Advocates (HEA) and the Health Equity Advocates Network (HEAN).

ARTICLE II — PURPOSE

The purpose of this chapter is to:

Educate students about health disparities, public health, healthcare access, and health equity.
Empower students to become informed advocates and leaders in healthcare and public health.
Provide opportunities for students to engage in health education, advocacy, community engagement, and service.
Encourage students to pursue careers in healthcare and related fields.
Identify and address health-related issues affecting the local school and surrounding community.
Collaborate with Health Equity Advocates and other organizations to advance health equity.

ARTICLE III — MEMBERSHIP

Membership shall be open to students of [School Name] who support the mission and values of Health Equity Advocates.

No student shall be denied membership on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, gender, disability, religion, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law or institutional policy.

Members are expected to:
Respect fellow members and community partners.
Participate responsibly in chapter activities.
Follow school policies and HEA guidelines.
Support the mission of Health Equity Advocates.
Conduct themselves professionally when representing the chapter.

ARTICLE IV — LEADERSHIP

Section 1. Chapter Leadership
The chapter shall be led by a Chapter Leader and may establish additional officer positions based on the needs of the chapter and the requirements of the institution.

Section 2. Recommended Officers
The chapter may consider the following positions:
Chapter Leader / President
Vice President
Secretary
Treasurer
Events or Programs Coordinator
Communications or Social Media Coordinator

The chapter does not need to fill every recommended position. Leadership structures may be adapted to meet the needs and requirements of the school.

Section 3. Chapter Leader / President
The Chapter Leader shall:
Provide overall leadership for the chapter.
Serve as the primary liaison between the chapter and HEAN.
Coordinate chapter meetings and activities.
Oversee the chapter leadership team.
Ensure that chapter activities remain consistent with HEA's mission.
Communicate important updates and developments to HEAN.

Section 4. Additional Officers
Additional officers shall carry out responsibilities assigned to their positions and work collaboratively with the Chapter Leader to advance the chapter's goals.

ARTICLE V — ELECTIONS AND APPOINTMENTS

Chapter officers shall be selected according to procedures established by the chapter and permitted by the institution.

The chapter may use elections, applications, appointments, or another appropriate selection process.

All leadership selections must comply with applicable school policies.

ARTICLE VI — MEETINGS

The chapter shall hold meetings as determined by its leadership and institutional requirements.

Meetings may include:
General membership meetings
Leadership meetings
Educational programs
Advocacy activities
Community engagement activities
Planning sessions

The chapter should maintain reasonable communication with its members and provide opportunities for meaningful participation.

ARTICLE VII — PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES

The chapter may organize activities that advance the mission of Health Equity Advocates, including:
Health equity education
Public health education
Advocacy initiatives
Community service
Health awareness campaigns
Educational workshops
Speaker events
Research and educational projects
Community engagement activities

All activities must receive any required approval from the institution before taking place and must comply with applicable institutional policies.

ARTICLE VIII — AFFILIATION WITH HEALTH EQUITY ADVOCATES

The chapter shall operate as part of the Health Equity Advocates Network.

The chapter agrees to:
Uphold the mission and values of Health Equity Advocates.
Follow applicable HEA chapter guidelines.
Follow the policies of its educational institution.
Maintain communication with HEAN.
Provide updates regarding significant chapter activities and developments.
Represent HEA accurately and professionally.

HEA may provide chapters with educational resources, leadership support, event guidance, program materials, and other resources.

ARTICLE IX — USE OF NAME AND BRANDING

Recognized chapters may use the Health Equity Advocates name and approved organizational branding in connection with legitimate chapter activities.

Use of HEA's name, logo, or other branding must remain consistent with HEA's guidelines and applicable school policies.

The chapter may not represent itself as an independent nonprofit organization separate from Health Equity Advocates.

ARTICLE X — FINANCES

The chapter shall comply with all financial policies and requirements established by its educational institution and applicable law.

Any funds raised or received by the chapter shall be used to support legitimate chapter activities and the mission of Health Equity Advocates.

The chapter shall maintain appropriate records of financial activity when required by the institution or HEA.

ARTICLE XI — AMENDMENTS

This constitution may be amended by the chapter in accordance with its institution's requirements.

Any amendment must remain consistent with the mission and organizational guidelines of Health Equity Advocates.

If an institution requires a specific constitution format or provisions, the chapter may modify this template as necessary to satisfy institutional requirements.

ARTICLE XII — DISSOLUTION OR INACTIVITY

If the chapter becomes inactive, dissolves, or is no longer recognized by its educational institution, the chapter shall notify Health Equity Advocates.

The chapter may be considered inactive by HEAN if it no longer maintains meaningful activity or communication with the organization.

ARTICLE XIII — ADOPTION

This constitution was adopted by the Health Equity Advocates [School Name] Chapter on:

Date: __________________________
Chapter Leader: ______________________________
Signature: ___________________________________