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Build a Chapter
What is a BBSU Chapter?
A Black and Brown Student Union (BBSU) Chapter is a student-led after school program that provides a space for high school students to engage in advocacy, develop leadership skills, and be civically engaged in issues that directly impact their education and community. Chapters serve as a hub for students to learn civic engagement, mobilize for change, and build collective power to create a safe and supportive school environment.
Why Partner With Us?
By partnering with CT BBSU, your school provides students with a transformational leadership experience while contributing to a statewide movement for equitable education policies.
Civic Engagement
Students learn how to advocate for themselves, engage with stakeholders, policymakers, and participate in decision-making spaces.
Leadership Development
Our curriculum builds confidence, organizing skills, and a pathway to future leadership roles.
Community & Networking
Students connect with peers across Connecticut, strengthening their voices and organizing power.
School Improvement
A BBSU chapter enhances your school’s diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, fostering a more inclusive and student-centered environment.
Our Roles & Responsibilities
As your partner, CT BBSU will:
Assign a Regional Organizer to support recruitment, logistics, and ongoing student leadership development.
Provide structured curriculum on advocacy, organizing, and civic engagement.
Facilitate weekly meetings and trainings focused on student empowerment and legislative campaigns.
Offer mentorship and technical assistance for chapter sustainability.
Connect students to statewide events, training sessions, and networking opportunities with other youth leaders.
Provide food for every afterschool meeting and transportation to get members home and to field trips.
What we Expect From Schools
For a successful partnership, schools will:
Designate a club advisor (teacher/staff) to assist with meeting logistics, such as securing a classroom and promoting student participation.
Support student recruitment efforts, including classroom presentations, school announcements, and social media outreach.
Facilitate transportation (when possible) for students to attend leadership events and advocacy actions.
Encourage collaboration with existing student organizations to build a strong, unified student voice.
How a Chapter is Created
1
Initial Meeting
CT BBSU staff meets with a teacher, administrator, or principal to introduce BBSU chapters and align on goals.
2
Securing An Advisor
A designated school advisor is identified to register after school programs and help facilitate chapter logistics.
3
Planning & Logistics
A meeting day, time, and classroom are established.
4
Outreach & Recruitment
Regional Organizer alongside chapter advisor promotes after school program through classroom presentations, flyers, and announcements.
5
Launch Day
The first chapter meeting is held, with an engaging introduction, curriculum overview, and student involvement plan.
6
Ongoing Support
The Regional Organizer works with the advisor and students to ensure success.
Join us in empowering the next generation of leaders
A BBSU Chapter is more than an afterschool club—it’s a movement to equip students with the tools they need to advocate for themselves and create meaningful change. Let’s work together to make a lasting impact!
Interested? Let's talk.
Contact our Organizing and Policy Director at anghy@ctbbsu.org