Start a New Chapter

If you are interested in finding out more information on starting a new AGTS chapter in your school district, contact Janice C. Miller, our New Chapter Development Coordinator by email at janicemiller@artgoestoschool.org or use the web form below.

The first step in setting up a new chapter is to contact your school superintendent to determine if there is any interest in establishing the program. You can also speak to your school principal and the art teacher. Depending on the district, the principal sometimes approaches the superintendent directly when he/she wants the program in that particular school. Once the district has expressed interest, AGTS will create a recruiting flyer to see if any of the community is available for volunteering. Based on the response, AGTS will set up a date to speak to the group and show a recruiting and training DVD and answer any questions. Meetings can be arranged for daytime or evenings, depending on your preference.

After obtaining a group of volunteers, AGTS will present several reproductions of artwork from our portfolio to classes in the school. The volunteers are invited to observe the program in action and the student reactions and interest. Even if a small number of volunteers want to move forward, regular meeting dates for the group will be scheduled.

A leader and preferably, a co-leader, will then be asked to volunteer to assist in running the program in their school. The leaders will be given an AGTS Chapter Chairman Manual and several AGTS Handbooks for the volunteers. The leaders will also receive the Recruiting and Training DVD to help encourage more new members.

Although late May is the best time to start a new chapter so members can attend the larger organization meeting in June, chapters can start any time of the year. AGTS will continue to guide and help new leaders with their organization skills and meetings, and will continue to be available for support and help for the first several years.

Interested? Fill out the form below!