Michigan Campus Chapters

In November 1987, Baylor University in Waco, Texas became the first university to form its own student-led, student-initiated Habitat for Humanity organization.  In December 1987, the Habitat for Humanity International board of directors approved the Campus Chapters department, and from that point the Campus Chapters program has continued to expand across the globe.  High school students became a part of the Campus Chapters program in 1988 when Marist School in Atlanta, Ga., formed the first secondary school campus chapter.

Today, there are 15 campus chapters throughout Michigan.  Most are established at colleges, however high schools are also starting to get involved.  To find a campus chapter near you, click here.

A campus chapter is a student-run, student-led organization that forms a partnership with a local affiliate.  Each campus chapter has four main functions:

     
Building Participating in Habitat for Humanity building projects offers chapter members hands-on opportunities totake part in Habitat's mission and to see the tangible results of their labor.  All campus chapter build projects must be done in parternship with a Habitat affiliate unless otherwise arranged with that affiliate.

Fundraising The ability to generate funds consistently plays a key role in Habitat for Humanity's mission to eliminate poverty housing.  All campus chapters are asked to raise funds to support HFH's local work, and its work around the world.

Education Defined as informing your chapter, school and local community about the mission and work of Habitat for Humanity.  Education is a crucial element for gaining community support and encouraging participation.

Advocacy Refers specifically to activities that raise awareness about poverty housing or attempt to influence laws. There are two types of advocacy: educational and political.
 

To learn more about campus chapters, visit the Habitat for Humanity International Web site at www.habitat.org.

Does your campus chapter have exciting news to share?  Let us know what your HFH organization is doing.  E-mail updates and information about your Michigan campus chapter to Debra Lashbrook at dlashbrook@habitatmichigan.org.