How to Start a Chapter (5 Simple Steps)

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Step 1: Understand the Mission

Before starting, make sure you can explain the Nightingale Project in one sentence:

The Nightingale Project is a youth-led initiative that empowers students to recognize and support nurses as essential pillars of patient care and community health.

Step 2: Find an Adult Advisor

Most chapters are based in a school or community organization and require an advisor.

Your advisor can be:

• A teacher

• A school counselor

• A club sponsor

• A community leader

They support logistics and supervision — students lead the work.

Step 3: Build Your Leadership Team

You don’t need a huge group to start.
A strong chapter can begin with 3–5 dedicated students.

Suggested roles:

• Chapter President – Leads meetings and communication

• Vice President – Supports planning and organization

• Outreach Chair – Connects with nurses, hospitals, or partners

• Communications Chair – Manages announcements and social media

• Service Chair – Plans appreciation projects and events

Roles can be combined if your team is small.

Step 4: Register Your Chapter

Once you have:

• An advisor

• A leadership team

• A plan to meet

Register your chapter with the Nightingale Project to become officially recognized and receive access to:

• Chapter guides and worksheets

• Project ideas and best practices

• Ongoing support and resources

Step 5: Launch Your First Project

Start simple. Impact grows over time.

Great first projects include:

• Writing thank-you letters or cards to nurses

• Hosting a Nurse Appreciation Week activity

• Creating nurse spotlight stories

• Organizing a small fundraiser or awareness event

• Assembling wellness or gratitude kits

Choose one project, do it well, then build from there.