Get Involved
8 Steps to Start an LLN Chapter on Your Campus
- Contact your LLN Region Representative or your LLN Board Vice President for advice on starting a chapter on your campus.
- Network with Latinas on your campus about the possibility of starting your own chapter. Networking is your strength and can help you acquire funding and support in the future. Meet with your administrators to inform them of your plans. Meet with Human Resources to see if there is staff development or diversity money to assist in the start up. Meet with your college president and division vice presidents to see if they would consider contributing to the chapter or to fund attending an LLN conference. When you meet with administrators feel free to use other LLN chapters as “examples” of what other colleges are doing to help garner support for your chapter.
- Develop a Statement of Purpose for your Chapter, as well as By-Laws. Use the Statewide By-Laws to guide you.
- Check with your college to see how you can “legitimize” your chapter. Is there a committee you have to see to obtain the official seal on your chapter?
- Find out from the Student Activities or Student Government Office about incorporating students into your chapter. Students provide energy and enthusiasm in a chapter and they can help with fundraising. Students have access to Student Government funding, as well as facilities. One of our student chapters applied and received funds from the Student Government every year to help with events and conference attendance. Remember this organization is open to College Administrators, Trustees, Faculty, Staff, and Students.
- Plan meetings, once you have interested administrators, faculty, and staff in your chapter. Also e-mail minutes to those who cannot attend the meetings so they are kept up-to-date and feel part of the chapter.
- Invite speakers twice a month to your meetings. This will promote networking and keep your members engaged. We invited Latina speakers from our local university, and area businesses. Invite non-Latinas to join your chapter…men can join too!
- Have Fun! Some activities to think about….Latina Tea at the end of the semester to thank your supporters, Tamale Sale, Fashion Show and Dinner Fundraiser, Museum of Tolerance Tour, Baseball Games, Potlucks, Posadas, Dances, Mariachi Concert Fundraisers, Flower Bouquet Sale at Commencement, attend College Theatre Productions, etc.
