Chapters
A Youth Civic Project chapter is a school or city group that uses YCP modules and materials with an adult sponsor. Chapters bring the same lessons the website teaches into a classroom, club, library, or community space, so students can learn together and talk through the material in person.
A chapter is part of YCP. It is not a separate organization, and it follows the same codes and policies as the rest of the project.
No chapters are listed yet.
What a chapter does
A typical chapter meets on a regular schedule set by its members and sponsor. At a meeting, a chapter might:
- Work through one Learn module together and discuss the four check questions.
- Run a Case of the Day hypothetical as a group discussion.
- Use a printable sheet or classroom pack from the Printables page.
- Run a member lesson, such as How a Bill Becomes Law with its mock committee vote.
- Practice civic skills from the Train page, like preparing a two-minute public comment.
- Plan a service activity, such as a short rights workshop for another class, and log the hours for officer review.
What every chapter needs
An adult sponsor. Every chapter has an adult sponsor, such as a teacher, librarian, or club advisor, who is present for in-person meetings. In-person activities with members under 18 follow the parent-consent rules on the Events page.
The same codes. Chapter members follow the Youth Code of Conduct and community rules. Chapters teach from YCP materials and do not give legal advice, in meetings, in chat, or anywhere else.
A monthly note. Each chapter sends a short monthly update to YCP leadership: what the group covered, roughly how many sessions it held, and any questions or problems. Please do not include students' personal details in the update.
Honest records. Service hours from chapter activities are logged individually on the Service page and count only after an officer approves them.
What chapters do not do
- Chapters do not become separate organizations under the YCP name.
- Chapters do not speak for YCP in the press or take political positions in YCP's name.
- Chapters do not endorse or oppose candidates or parties.
- Chapters do not give advice about anyone's specific legal situation.
YCP can remove a chapter listing if a chapter breaks these rules.
Starting a chapter
Chapters come after people are actually using the modules. A good first step is to use the site yourself, finish a few Learn modules, and find an adult who is willing to sponsor.
When you are ready, use the Contact page and tell us about your school or city group, your adult sponsor's role (for example, "civics teacher"), and how you plan to use the modules. An officer will reply with next steps. A request is not an approved chapter until an officer confirms it.
Frequently asked questions
Can a chapter be outside the United States?
YCP members and readers can be in any country. Chapters outside the U.S. should use the "check your local law" steps in each module, since many pages use U.S. law as the example.
Does a chapter cost anything?
YCP membership and materials are free.
Can students run the chapter?
Yes. Chapters are youth-led, with an adult sponsor present for in-person meetings.