Chapter Guide

The SVA Chapter Guide is our definitive guide to planning, launching, operating, and sustaining a chapter.

Introduction

Student Veterans of America® (SVA) is the premier organization leading service, research, programs, and advocacy for veterans in higher education. Learn more about who we are, what we do, and why it matters.

Chapter Onboarding

Chapters are the lifeblood of SVA. Chapter Leaders provide effective management for their Chapter, and advisors are a vital asset to a Chapter for university support.

Chapter Officers

At minimum, an SVA Chapter must have a President, but there are five Vice President roles and three Policy Liaison roles that we also suggest implementing. Learn about each of these roles in greater depth.

Chapter Operations

Chapter operations must be strategic, organized, and integrative for the effective and successful management of a Chapter. Learn how to set strategic goals an objectives, budget, and execute based on your plans.

Chapter Relationships

A Chapter will maintain relationships with its members and potential members, university administrators, faculty and staff, community members, political leaders, and more. These relationships are incredibly important to the success of the Chapter, and should be cultivated strategically, understanding that growth and development occur because of relationships.

Chapter Programming

Programming is the bread and butter of a Chapter. Programming is not simply hosting events, nor is it simply offering opportunities on campus. Programming is the “so what” of the Chapter. It is why members join and why Alumni contribute.

Chapter Communications

Communication is a vital management component to any organization. Whether the purpose is to update Chapter Members on newly available resources, to prepare for an upcoming event, or to survey the interests of Chapter Members, effective communication is an integral issue in effective management.

Chapter Marketing & Branding

Chapter participation and integration is enhanced through effective marketing. Marketing includes the activity, set of institutions, and processes for creating, communicating, delivering, and exchanging offerings that have value for customers, clients, partners, and society at large. In layman’s terms, marketing is how Chapters should communicate “who you are, what you do, and why it matters” to encourage people to participate as members, partners, or allies. There are many actions a Chapter can take to implement an effective marketing strategy.

Chapter Development

Chapter development, more commonly known as “fundraising,” is essential to a Chapter’s sustainability. Active fundraising can supplement funding which may be insufficient and limit Chapter programming through either direct funds (i.e., money) or in-kind donations (i.e., equipment or services at no cost).

Download the Chapter Guide

Download the SVA Chapter Guide in a printable PDF format.

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