Start A New Chapter

Follow these steps and guidelines for establishing a new NAHS/NJAHS chapter at your school.

Here are brief steps and guidelines for establishing a new NAHS/NJAHS chapter at your school:

1.) Check with your school administrator to ensure starting a chapter aligns with policies. If needed, use the downloadable letter of encouragement.

2.) Establish chapter bylaws by using the provided sample bylaws.

3.) Invite qualifying students to join your chapter.

4.) Register the chapter with NAEA using one of these methods:

  • Online: Ensure your NAEA sponsor membership is current through June 30th, then select Start a New Chapter in your profile. The video below walks through the entire online registration process:
  • Fax: If you need an invoice, complete, and fax the registration form and payment to (703) 860-2960.

  • Mail: Complete and mail the registration form and payment to NAEA Member Services, 901 Prince Street, Alexandria, VA 22314-3008.

  • Email: If you need an invoice, complete, and email the registration form and payment to NAHS@arteducators.org.

5.) Once processing is complete, you will receive a confirmation email. The chapter will also receive a letter of acknowledgement and student membership cards for each member by email and/or mail (cards mailed only upon request) along with access to all other NAHS/NJAHS benefits.

6.) Download the Guide to Establishing a Successful Chapter to help get your chapter going!

Note: If your sponsor fees are not up to date (paid through June 30), you will need to pay your sponsor fee along with the student dues. To see the sponsor fee for your state, please refer to the membership fee chart.


Do you have questions? See our detailed FAQ page.