What is a KIDS Chapter?
Every iCAN Chapter is a unique, dynamic organization housed within the global iCAN umbrella. iCAN allows each chapter to select activities that are of interest to its members in order to cultivate learning that is unique to them. iCAN has many suggestions for chapter activities on its website and also encourages participating in our activities such as sponsor surveys, focus groups, the iCAN curriculum, Ask the Experts, and the annual Summit. Outside of chapter meetings, iCAN also provides opportunities to speak at various conferences (FDA, CDC, iCAN Summit, etc.). Youth members are able to engage directly with and make a significant impact in the extended world of healthcare!
Tips for a Successful
KIDS Chapter
Meet at least Once a Month!
In order to keep members active and engaged, it is important to meet on a regular basis either virtually, in person, or hybrid. It is up to you and your members how you would like to meet! iCAN recommends up to two hours per meeting. Some chapters choose to take the summer months off.
Recruit Youth Members!
KIDS chapters are often affiliated with a pediatric hospital, through the Child Life Specialist or Teen Advisory Board, a club within school, or another nonprofit that serves a similar population of youth as iCAN. iCAN also has a virtual chapter, KIDS Virtual, for those who do not live near a chapter, are unable to attend meetings in person, or are unable to start their own chapter.
Secure Funding!
Starting or joining a chapter is FREE! However, some chapters like to provide food and drinks at meetings. Often the costs will be covered by the hospital, or the chapter may decide to do a fundraiser to cover these costs. Fundraisers may also be used to help cover the costs of attending the summit, as our stipends will only cover a select number of members per chapter.
Elect Youth Officers
iCAN encourages youth leadership, and by structuring your chapter with youth leaders, you are giving a kid an opportunity to shine and participate in activities that will help shape their future as leaders in advocacy, healthcare, and innovation!
Example KIDS Chapter Activities
Organize Field Trips
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Explore local universities, research facilities, and hospitals
Invite a Guest Speaker and/or Attend the Monthly Ask the Experts Webinar
Participate in Sponsor Surveys, Focus Groups, and Projects
Complete iCAN's Curriculum
Conduct community service activities (iCAN can provide volunteer letters, if needed, for members)
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Raising money to support iCAN
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Writing thank you cards for hospital staff
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Running a donation drive, eg: wacky socks, Christmas presents, etc.
iCAN's KIDS
Chapters
All iCAN activities are voluntary. iCAN never makes a child share something that they are not ready to share. iCAN activities are designed to teach youth how sharing their story can impact the health of children worldwide, so that they may one day feel comfortable to do so.
KIDS Albania
KIDS Barcelona
KIDS Bari
KIDS Madrid
KIDS CHOC
KIDS Connecticut
KIDS Canada Francais
KIDS DRC
KIDS France
KIDS Georgia
KIDS Germany
KIDS Hope for Henry
KIDS Houston
KIDS Illinois
KIDS Illinois - Walter Payton
KIDS Kansas City
KIDS Live Like Bella
KIDS Los Angeles
KIDS Cameroon
KIDS Michigan
KIDS Moorfields Eye
KIDS Netherlands
KIDS Rady
KIDS Rainbow
KIDS Siblings
KIDS Tokyo
KIDS Uganda
KIDS Central Ohio
KIDS WIT (Women in Technology)
KIDS Virtual
