The NEHS Chapter Spotlight project shares examples of outstanding literacy work being undertaken by chapters around the world. Categories for submission are Chapter Innovation, Academic Focus, and Community Engagement. In this edition, student members of the BCHS Literati Chapter at Bear Creek High School in Lakewood, CO, share details of their Community Engagement activities through their wonderful Literary and Service projects and their Literacy-Rich Field Trips.
Chapter Spotlights
NEHS encourages chapters to participate in the Chapter Spotlight opportunity, sharing outstanding literacy work being done at the chapter level across the society. Chapters are asked to send information and documentation in any of the categories listed below. The NEHS Advisory Council will select the best of the submissions as “spotlight” chapters that will be recognized through NEHS social media outlets and the NEHS Museletter blog; selected chapters will receive a $50 award and a certificate.
All chapters submitting documentation of their excellent work automatically become eligible for the Outstanding Chapter Award presented in the spring. Chapters are limited to three submissions in a year, and each submission should be from a different category. Chapters must submit evidence of their work by attaching documents, including pictures and/or videos, to the submission form. Submissions may only be made during designated periods throughout the year (see schedule below). Only active chapters may send submissions; inactive or suspended chapters must become current with fee payments and members enrollments before submitting projects. Members of the NEHS Advisory Council will review submissions and select the “spotlight” chapters.
Categories
1. Chapter Innovation
The Chapter Innovation category is challenging because it asks that a chapter work to implement a minimum of two (2) new ideas each year. This can be
- launching a new idea the chapter attempts for the first time OR
- revising an old idea to improve participation, effectiveness, or viability of the idea.
2. Academic Focus
A chapter works to establish or maintain a long-range project like a school writing center. Year one might be focused on setting up the center, stocking it with reference books and technology. Year two would then be marked by NEHS members tutoring, interviewing teachers about their written assignments to help students more effectively, etc.
3. Community Engagement
The purpose of this category is to demonstrate the NEHS chapter is focused on promoting life-long learning and the celebration of reading, writing, film, and the arts in the community.
Application Dates
Applications for the spring 2023 Chapter Spotlight cycle will be accepted April 10 through April 24, with acceptances announced May 11.
Learn more about contributing a Chapter Spotlight!
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