Common chapter practices
The international organization of Quill and Scroll makes no requirements as to the activities of local chapters. Each chapter is encouraged to engage in activities and service that best serve the school’s journalism/media program.
Here are some common practices among member schools:
- Forming a school chapter that includes members who staff any of the school’s media. Officers are elected, meetings held and activities planned during regularly scheduled meetings.
- Conducting formal ceremonies to induct new members, recognize member achievements as well as to present graduating members with honor cords, or non-members who meet eligibility requirements with our new recognition cords. Ceremonies are often organized and conducted by chapter members. We have a formal induction pledge with or without a candle-lighting that may be used.
- Combining the induction ceremony with awards programs in which students are recognized for Quill and Scroll and other achievements and awards. Consider inviting all media students, parents, administrators and other supporters.
- Providing services to the school and community. Chapter members engage in services from producing websites, announcement broadcasts and newsletters to developing Constitution Day programs at their schools, or offer journalism education activities for young students at feeder middle and primary schools. The latter activity helps cultivate future journalism students!
- Raising funds to pay registration and travel fees associated with media staff participation in journalism conferences and workshops, or to buy new computers and supplies.
More about Quill and Scroll
To become a school chapter, the school must be chartered as a member of Quill and Scroll International Honorary Society for High School Journalists. This is a one-time membership. Once a school is chartered by Quill and Scroll, that membership remains in effect for the life of the school. After inactivity at the school, it’s easy to reactivate – simply identify eligible students and recommend them for membership! And participate in Quill and Scroll activities, such as contests.
Quill and Scroll chapter manuals offer information about the organization and chapter activities. It’s available at this link.
Still not sure? Here are some Frequently Asked Questions.
Want to find out if your school is a chartered member of Quill and Scroll? Check the lists below or contact our office at [email protected] or (612) 200-9295.
Want to use the new Quill and Scroll logo in your chapter’s materials? Simply click on the image below, then either right-click (PC) or CTRL-click (Mac) to save the image for your use.
Chapter activity ideas
After speaking with several members, we heard similar questions: What do we do in meetings? What can chapters do? To help advisers and students, Quill and Scroll started to develop these ideas and tools for advisers to utilize. This information is also featured in our Weekly Scrolls during the school year.
Learning-based activities
- AI and photography: With students often using their phone to take photos for student media, this might be a great time to discuss this feature and the use of AI photos from an ethical standpoint — especially since many phones can remove and rework images so easily. This chapter activity involves members examining AI and then their photo guidelines on manipulation and AI.
- AI, content and writing: CNN has highlighted how people are being duped by AI generated content in their social media feeds — including a video about the spread of misinformation by news anchors who were created by AI. Previously, Time even warned about the possibility of fake mug shots prior to President Donald Trump surrendering to the Manhattan District Attorney’s officeAs a chapter, a discussion could center on the importance of discussing AI with readers.
- Making a difference: Previously, CNN highlighted 10 photos that heightened concern about climate change. This activity asks students to examine how what they cover or include could also make an impact and show the importance of the issue.
- Constitution Day: This beginning-of-the-year activity can help you and your students learn about the First Amendment.
- Bring in a pro: It’s always a great time to bring in a speaker. Why not task your Quill and Scroll chapter with finding a speaker and organizing a visit? Have them brainstorm on an area for improvement and then search for local journalists (or nonlocal if they are able) to come and talk about the topic.
- Examining international press freedom: As a Chapter, you can investigate the state of free speech around the world. For those who are interested in international reporting, in any capacity, do they fully understand the risks associated with reporting in war-torn areas or under repressive regimes? Examining the factors that go into a free press, such as a supportive government and populous, are good starting points. Pew Research has broken down some of the aspects that go into maintaining press freedom.
- Mission of journalism: This podcast by Audie Cornish examines not only objectivity, but also public trust and the “shutting out” of news. The podcast includes a journalist talking about covering former President Donald Trump.
- Student press protections: What is the status of the free press in your school and state? Are you one of the 18 states with laws that protect student journalists? What are the policies and guidelines at your school? What is the role of the student press? This could be a great activity in preparation for or following Student Press Freedom Day.
- Why Journalism Matters: Why does journalism matter? Why is it more important than any time in recent history to make sure we cover our local communities? (Hint: many cuts to local journalism have occurred nationwide.)
Morale boosting activities
- Coloring contest: We all like to color, so why not make it a contest?
- Dance party, hot chocolate or board game time: Since student media can be intense, it’s important to plan some downtime. Ask the students what they want to do and enjoy each other. Do they want to bring in board games? A Just Dance party? Sit around and enjoy a hot chocolate together and make a marshmallow structure or create art with found items? Take some time for all of you — including yourself.
- It’s worth a kick: The last few months of school can be filled with heavy decisions such as editorial staff and goal setting for the following year. Before that gets into full swing, why not take some time, grab a kickball and have an old fashioned kickball game for a change of pace?
Chapter development activities
- Setting next year’s goals for Quill and Scroll chapters : This chapter activity is dependent on what the adviser and students would like. Now is the time to reflect on what your goals and aspirations are for next year’s group.
- Quill and Scroll Induction: Make plans for inducting your members into Quill and Scroll.
- It’s time to recruit: Recruitment shouldn’t be an afterthought. Quill and Scroll chapter members can work together to help plan and brainstorm recruitment ideas.
