Outreach

Overview

The national SNAP organization is directed from Yale, but chapters at other college campuses are a vital source of input, fundraising, and interns. In just two years, SNAP has expanded to include budding chapters from California to New Hampshire.

If you are interested in founding a SNAP chapter at your college, please contact us. We will guide you throughout the startup process and assign you an organizer to help you fulfill both standard milestones and the unique long-term goals of your chapter.

Chapter Activities

Chapters can independently undertake any approved projects that promote progressive politics, but regular activities include:

  • Fundraising
  • Intern recruitment
  • Encouraging campus activism
  • Researching candidates for endorsement
  • Contributing input to national SNAP decisions
  • Blogging

Important Chapter Milestones

Recruiting five people.

After a campus chapter gains five active, committed members, they will be assigned an organizer from the national headquarters to guide their development, receive their input on central decisions, and keep them updated on national issues. SNAP members should understand and support our Statement of Principles.

Holding a fellowship information session.

As part of efforts to publicize our summer program, chapters will hold at least one recruitment meeting to provide prospective interns with information and a chance to ask questions firsthand about applying.

Hosting a formal fundraiser.

At a local venue, a fundraiser brings together a host committee of progressive activists with community guests and students to socialize and learn about the activities and mission of SNAP. These will often feature both a pitch for SNAP and a speech by a prominent progressive political figure. A door fee raises money for the organization.

Information for Chapter Leaders

SNAP members gain an advantage in intern applications, and chapter founders may be awarded stipends on an individual basis.

Please take a look at our online organizing manual, which gives very specific instructions and advice on structuring a chapter, mobilizing students, fundraising, and networking.