WHAT IS A CHAPTER?

A chapter is the basic unit of UAEM’s organization. It is a group of self-organized students and in some cases, young professionals, primarily based at an academic institution, often with faculty support. Chapters range in size, from more intimate groups of 2 or 3 to larger gatherings of around 30 or more students. 

HOW DO CHAPTERS OPERATE WITHIN THE NETWORK?

The answer to this question varies depending on where in the world you are, all chapters are encouraged to reach out to other chapters near them. This often works on a national or regional basis, according to geographical, cultural, and logistical constraints as well as the needs and goals of the individual chapters involved.

In North America, chapters organize on a national and international level, having virtual and physical meetings to collaborate on activities, and are coordinated via the North American Coordinating Committee - a panel of UAEM student leaders who are responsible for shaping UAEM’s work in North America as well as leading key projects throughout the course of the year. 

In Europe, some chapters have organized into national branches, such as the UK and Germany. There are also activities based on language meetings in French and German. All collaborate on a European level via the European Coordinating Committee.

In Latin America, all chapters collaborate on the Latin America level via projects and periodic meetings.  

WHAT DO CHAPTERS DO? 

We try hard to base all of our work at the chapter level, or the ‘grassroots’, which means that there are numerous activities for chapters, although the decision about which campaigns and projects to work on always rests with the chapters themselves. We do have an overarching international strategic plan and activities should contribute towards our general UAEM goals and objectives.

Traditionally, chapters have focused primarily on organizing themselves, and then pursuing a campaign for implementation of the Global Access Licensing Framework at their university. However, as more and more universities have adopted licensing strategies, we have moved to new advocacy tools and strategies, such as the University Report Card.

Basic activities that chapters conduct include:

• Educational events: holding panel debates, workshops, documentary screenings, and webinar courses.
• Direct action: putting pressure on inert faculty through flash mobs, protests, and public demonstrations.
• Awareness-raising: publishing articles, creating materials such as posters, videos and/or songs, using social media, and appearing on radio and television.
• Advocacy: conducting independent research, holding meetings with key-decision makers, publishing policy briefs, and submitting to consultation processes.

For assistance in organizing chapter events and actions, please fill out this form to set up a remote meeting or in-person visit with our chapter contact. You can also always find us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

CHAPTERS LIST

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Don't have one at your university?

Don't have one at your university?

Don't have one at your university?