Start a Nunchi Health chapter

Change begins with you.

Nunchi Chapters are student-led spaces that center cultural identity, emotional intelligence, and community healing. We focus especially on students with immigrant and minority backgrounds, recognizing that mental health looks different across stories, homes, and histories.

What is it?

The Nunchi Campus Chapter Program is a grassroots movement to build mental health resources on school campuses. We provide resources for high school and university students to build inclusive mental health resources for their communities. As a Nunchi Chapter Officer, you will play a crucial role in empowering healthier minds through community building.

Where to Get Started?

1. Complete the Nunchi Fellowship
Join a seven-week virtual program guided by mental health Facilitators. Through weekly sessions, you will build skills in peer support, culturally responsive care, and group facilitation, alongside a cohort of other student changemakers.

2. Launch Your Chapter
After the Fellowship, we will support you in starting your chapter. From forming your team to designing your first event, the Community team at Nunchi Health will help you shape a chapter that feels true to your campus and community.

If your school already has a chapter, you can get involved without completing the Nunchi Fellowship. However, we encourage all Chapter members to complete the Nunchi Fellowship as only graduates of the Nunchi Fellowship can lead Nunchi Workshops.

Why Nunchi?

Through sharing personal stories, we build connections from our shared experiences to break stigma and advance the mental health of our communities. Nunchi Health is dedicated to promoting the well-being of immigrant and minority communities through inclusive mental health support. The Nunchi Campus Chapter Program is a vital initiative aimed at fostering a network of individuals committed to the cause of mental health and community building.

Who's Eligible to Start a Chapter?

To launch a Nunchi Chapter, you must:

  • Be currently enrolled as a high school or college student

  • Assemble a team of two or more students

  • Have a faculty or staff advisor affiliated with your school

  • Be able to commit at least 2 hours/week to lead chapter activities

  • Submit monthly updates using our reporting template

  • Complete the club registration process on your campus

  • Complete both the Nunchi Fellowship and the Nunchi Chapter application

  • Ensure that at least one Chapter President is not a senior to guarantee continuity

Become a leader.

Use your voice to advocate for change and bring awareness to mental health

Be a part of something more.

FAQs

  • Nunchi Chapters bring students together to create brave, culturally-informed spaces for conversations around mental wellness, identity, and resilience. Each chapter runs its own events, ranging from reflective journaling circles and destigmatization campaigns to collaborative panels with faculty, wellness walks, art exhibits, and skill-building workshops on topics like mindfulness and emotional regulation. Chapters must host at least three events per semester in order to retain active status within the Nunchi Health chapters registry. We encourage creativity grounded in our core mission of relational care and community healing.

  • Nunchi Chapters cannot offer formal counseling, therapy, or mental health services. While our programs encourage open conversation and emotional growth, they are not substitutes for professional help. The Nunchi Workshop curriculum is meant to normalize help-seeking, foster self-awareness, and connect peers with each other for support.

  • Nunchi Chapters registered with Nunchi Health get access to exclusive programs, branded materials, leadership opportunities, funding guides, and our national community network.

  • To launch a chapter, you will need at least two student leaders and a faculty or staff advisor affiliated with your school. You’ll also need to register your group as an official student organization. Once you complete our Chapter Interest Form, we’ll guide you step-by-step through the process and send you a Chapter Starter Kit.

  • The Nunchi Chapter applications open twice a year—typically in August and January. Join the interest list to be notified.

  • Nunchi Chapters aim to:

    • Foster open dialogue around mental well-being, cultural identity, and healing.

    • Promote inclusive, stigma-free spaces that support holistic wellness.

    • Build community through collaborative, peer-led initiatives.

    • Empower students to lead as mental health advocates and changemakers.

  • The Chapter Agreement outlines expectations around inclusivity, representation, ethical conduct, and alignment with our mission. You’ll get to review it before signing.

  • That’s great! Nunchi Health can complement existing initiatives by bringing a unique focus on relational and culturally grounded care. Many of our chapters collaborate with other student orgs to expand impact.

Questions?

Ask, and we’ll answer.

  • That’s what we’re here for! You’ll get toolkits, sample calendars, planning templates, and check-ins with your Director of Community Engagement.

  • Not for leadership—but if your school already has a chapter, you’re welcome to join as a general member and participate in events.

  • You’ll receive:

    • Chapter Starter Kit

    • Event templates and sample budgets

    • Monthly check-ins and optional office hours

    • Access to our national youth leader community

    • Guidance from Nunchi’s staff and mentors

  • The Nunchi Chapter is currently focused on high school and undergraduate students, but we’d love to hear from you—contact us and we’ll explore opportunities together.

  • Start with people already involved in student wellness, residence life, or faculty who care about student mental health. If you're not sure where to start, we’ll help you brainstorm!

Who can start a chapter?

  • Yes! Our model is inclusive and flexible. Chapters have launched in many school contexts, including faith-based institutions.

  • Yes—we welcome international chapters. Email us and we’ll explore what that would look like together.

  • Currently, chapters must be tied to an accredited high school or organization, but we’d love to explore homeschool or community-based models with you.

  • Chapters are student-led but require an adult advisor. Teachers and counselors play a key role in supporting student leadership and keeping the space safe and sustainable.

  • Absolutely. Some chapters operate under departments like Student Wellness, Multicultural Affairs, or Campus Ministry. Others function as stand-alone student orgs. Both models are valid—we recommend choosing the one that works best at your school, while still applying for recognized status so you can access funding and resources.

  • Yes! Re-starting a chapter works just like starting a new one. It’s worth checking if there are any faculty or alumni who were previously involved—they may be able to help you hit the ground running.

  • Chapters must be tied to an academic institution. However, we are always open to collaborations with community organizations. Reach out at <nunchihealth@gmail.com> if you’d like to explore another kind of partnership.

Funding operations

  • No—there’s no fee to participate or lead a chapter. Our goal is to make this as accessible as possible.

  • Most high school chapters run on $100–$300 per semester, depending on event size. We’ll provide sample budget templates.

    • School clubs budget

    • Counseling office or student services

    • PTA or community grants

    • Small fundraisers—we’ll help you with ideas

Things to know before starting

  • Most high school chapters take 2–6 weeks from Fellowship completion to official launch. We’ll help you every step of the way.

    • Leaders: 2–4 hours/week

    • General members: 1–2 meetings or events per semester

    Advisors: Around 1 hour/month, mostly for support and coordination

  • Start with 2–3 core leaders. We’ll help you grow your chapter once you’re up and running.

  • Great! Nunchi can complement existing programs. Many chapters collaborate with other clubs to maximize reach and impact.

  • We’re glad you’re here! Faculty and staff can serve as chapter advisors—providing guidance, stability, and institutional knowledge to support student leaders. You’re an important part of a Nunchi Chapter’s long-term success.

Becoming involved as a member

  • Not at all. Everyone has mental health—and everyone has a place here. Whether you’re passionate about advocacy, eager to support your peers, or just curious to learn more, there’s room for you in this movement.

    • No! Nunchi Chapters are open to students of all majors. What matters most is your commitment to community care and growth.

  • Yes! If there’s already a chapter at your school, you’re welcome to get involved without doing the Fellowship. Nevertheless, However, we encourage all Chapter members to complete the Nunchi Fellowship as only gradautes of the Nunchi Fellowship can lead Nunchi Workshops.

National support

  • We’re your partners. We offer:

    • Training and mentorship

    • Branding and templates

    • Strategic guidance

    • A national network of peers and advisors

  • You’ll gain access to:

    • Exclusive programs and toolkits

    • Leadership development opportunities

    • Our national youth network

    • Public recognition as a Nunchi Health Chapter

    • Nope. Every chapter is different. We provide a flexible framework—you shape the rest.

  • We’re happy to help. Just reach out and we’ll provide what’s needed.

Ready to begin? Fill out the application and let’s chat.

 Got a question we didn’t cover? [Email us at nunchihealthcommunityteam@gmail.com]