SRGBook

NATIONALBETA
SPONSOR RESOURCE GUIDE

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BETA BASICS:
A TRADITION OF EXCELLENCE
NATIONAL BETA is the largest independent, non-profit, educational youth organization in America.
Committed to recognizing high academic achievement, rewarding and nurturing worthy character, National Beta
fosters leadership skills and encourages service to others. Founded in 1934 by John W. Harris, Ed., National Beta
has worked with nearly seven million students in grades 4-8 (Junior Beta Chapter) and grades 9-12 (Senior Beta
Chapter). There are now more than 500,000 active members and more than 8,750 chapters nationally
and internationally.
As a student-centered organization, National Beta seeks ways to develop and nurture elementary and secondary
school students by providing opportunities and experiences that demonstrate the ideals of achievement, character,
leadership and service.
National Beta is founded on the the following four pillars:
ACHIEVEMENT - Recognizing and honoring high academic achievement
CHARACTER - Preparing students for life and empowering them to be successful
LEADERSHIP - Developing the leaders of tomorrow
SERVICE - Demonstrating our motto: Let Us Lead by Serving Others

BETA BASICS:
A TRADITION OF EXCELLENCE
MISSION
STATEMENT
National Beta affords schools many benefits. Foremost, National
Beta is an internationally recognized honor society that celebrates
students’ academic achievements. Additionally, National Beta
offers:
• Character education and service learning opportunities
which inspire students to become servant leaders.
• An extraordinary experience for leadership development,
goal-setting, self-esteem building and more at annual
Beta Leadership Programs conducted each summer, as
well as Student Leadership Summits held throughout the
year.
• Outstanding showcases of students’ talents and academic
abilities, as well as social interaction at State and National
Conventions.
• Abundant scholarship opportunities for graduating 12th
grade Senior Beta members.
• A positive contribution to a school’s climate and culture.
TO PROMOTE THE IDEALS OF ACADEMIC
ACHIEVEMENT, CHARACTER, SERVICE
AND LEADERSHIP AMONG ELEMENTARY
AND SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS. TO
REWARD MERITORIOUS ACHIEVEMENT
AND TO ENCOURAGE AND ASSIST
STUDENTS IN CONTINUING THEIR
EDUCATION AFTER HIGH SCHOOL.
VISION
STATEMENT
NATIONAL BETA, A STUDENT-CENTERED
ORGANIZATION, CONTINUALLY DEVELOPS
AND NURTURES INDIVIDUALS BY
PROVIDING OPPORTUNITIES AND
EXPERIENCES ENABLING THEM
TO DEMONSTRATE THE IDEALS OF
CHARACTER, ACHIEVEMENT, SERVICE AND
LEADERSHIP IN A GLOBAL COMMUNITY.

BETACREED
As a member of National Beta and as a citizen of my community, state, and nation I believe in and shall strive to
promote the principles of:
HONESTY
Knowing that honesty is necessary to the formation of
good character, and that the principles of honesty dictate
that I not only refrain from acts of dishonesty; but that
I perform my duties fully and take advantage of the
opportunities afforded me by my circumstances.
JUSTICE
Believing that it is only right and proper that I should
be just and fair in my dealings with my fellowman; that
I should condemn no one without giving him a chance
to defend himself; and that I should consider all factors
before forming an opinion of another’s motives, or before
passing judgment upon his actions.
SERVICE
Being convinced that the rendering of helpful service to
my fellowman is a duty and privilege conferred upon me
by my forebears and by my environment and that I can
attain lasting satisfaction only by rendering such service
to the best of my ability.
COOPERATION
Knowing that I must work closely and in a friendly manner
with others in this day of highly organized social and
economic endeavor; and that I must respect authority
and strive at all times to be dependable– if I am to be of
greatest helpfulness to society.
RESPONSIBILITY
Believing that full happiness is possible only through
full acceptance of responsibility for my actions and for
preserving and passing my rich inheritance on to coming
generations.
INDUSTRIOUSNESS
Being aware of the fact that– if I am to be a factor
for progress in my community and a real help to my
associates – my mind must be alert to understand and my
hands ready to perform promptly and fully the tasks that
come my way.
HUMILITY
Being convinced that humbleness of spirit is the only
proper attitude for me to maintain in my relation with
my associates, and that such spirit and attitude will make
for my own peace of mind and for the well-being of
those with whom I come in contact.
CHARITY
Knowing that if I am– tolerant in my appraisal of the
ideas of others; generous in the use of my worldly assets;
considerate of the rights of others; courteous in my
actions toward all alike; gentle in my efforts to correct
errors in others; kind in the exercise of my duties – I shall
then be better able to contribute to the happiness of
myself and others.

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CHAPTER
MANAGEMENT
BETASPONSOR
A National Beta Sponsor is an educator that advises and guides member involvement. Being a Beta Sponsor will likely be one of
the most rewarding experiences of your professional career.
To remain an active chapter, members must be submitted to the National Office and inducted every year. A sponsor’s main
responsibility involves working with administration to establish the criteria students must meet to become a member, inviting
potential members to join, collecting membership fees from interested individuals, completing a new member application
(found by logging onto the sponsor site) for those members and submitting membership fees to the National Office. All
students added by the sponsor will receive a certificate, member pin and membership card. Sponsors are encouraged to hold a
dignified induction ceremony for members to celebrate and recognize their achievement.
Additionally, a sponsor’s role involves overseeing chapter activities, educating members on the four pillars, facilitating meetings
and providing opportunities for your members leadership development through service projects and National Beta sponsored
activities. To assist you in running your chapter, co-sponsors may be selected and the responsibilities delegated. All sponsors
both main and co, registered with the National Office, will receive login information giving access to the sponsor site and a
sponsor pin.
SPONSORBENEFITS
Being a Beta Sponsor offers vast benefits including networking across your state, leadership growth, valuable resources,
professional development opportunities and much more. As you grow as a Beta Sponsor, the benefits grow too.
1. National Beta provides invaluable resources to each Beta sponsor. From leadership curriculums and convention
preparation guides to classroom connections and community service projects, National Beta assists sponsors in applying
academic standards and instructional strategies to a beneficial extracurricular activity.
2. Sponsors can participate in various professional development opportunities provided through the Infuse Educators
Conference, as well as New Sponsor Meetings at state conventions. In addition, webinars are held to engage and educate
sponsors from around the country.
3. Beta Sponsors are some of the brightest, most dedicated and inspiring individuals in the education field. Being a
sponsor allows you to form an amazing professional learning network of like-minded educators that will personally
support and encourage you in your work as a Beta Chapter.

BEST
PRACTICES
National Beta Sponsors each take a different approach to
managing their chapters. However, there are a few steps that
will take you and your chapter from better to best in Beta.
Follow policy and procedures set by your district.
Ensuring that your chapter operates within the set policy
and procedure of your district will set an example for other
extracurricular activities to follow. It will garner the respect of
the administration and school board.
Seek support and ask questions. Some of the most successful
Beta Chapters are within your backyard. Those sponsors can
provide you with much information, ideas and support. When
you are challenged and unsure of which way to go, seek
support from those experienced Beta Sponsors or call
800-845-8281 to reach the National Beta Staff.
Keep members informed. Post your plan of action and
schedule in a central location where all members can access
it. Consider a chapter website, social media platform or highly
visible school bulletin board. If all members are informed, it
will be easier to hold each member accountable for his/her
responsibility to the plan of action.
Balance is necessary for chapter success. It is important that all
Beta events and activities are varied and conducted throughout
the school year to maintain student interest and engagement.
Students should play an active role in the planning process to
emphasize the importance of leadership development.
Bylaws are rarely needed for your chapter
to function, but occasionally they are a
vital reference point. It is suggested that
relevant bylaws are in place should an issue
arise or a resolution is required. However,
you do not need to draft bylaws from
scratch. Sample Beta bylaws can be found
on the resources page. Consider a student
committee to review the sample bylaws to
be applicable to your chapter.
Fundraising and Finances
The money your chapter has and how it is
managed is important to your chapter’s
success. Consider forming a student
committee (chaired by your Treasurer)
that will set a budget for your chapter’s
projects. Ensure that the committee knows
the amount of funds coming in and going
out of your chapter’s account. Being
accountable with your chapter’s finances
will allow for long-term planning and
consistent success.
To aid in the function of your chapter’s
projects, consider holding fundraisers
throughout the year. You may also consider
adding yearly local fees for members to
help balance out your budget.
Students first! Being a Beta Sponsor means being studentcentered.
You have to be able to encourage students to strive
for achievement, aim for the positive and realize their full
potential.

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01
RECRUIT
02
RETAIN
03
REWARD
MEMBERSHIP
RECRUIT: Induct new members and welcome their ideas and talents
RETAIN: Involve current members and encourage their growth as valued members
REWARD: Recognize the contributions and accomplishments of the members and the chapter.
National Beta offers valuable resources for conducting membership drives for your chapter. Each resource will help
you recruit, retain and reward members. For more information on these resources visit the resource page or email
membership@betaclub.org.

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MEMBERSHIPREWARDS
SCHOOL OF DISTINCTION
National Beta School of Distinction Award is an
honor for Beta Chapters striving towards academic
achievement, exemplary character, demonstrated
leadership and service to others.
With an ongoing quest to instill these qualities
in more students, the National Beta School of
Distinction Award is designed to award those schools
that show an increase in membership for the current
school year.
SERVICE HOUR AWARD
At the end of each year, service hours are tallied
via the Manage Service Hour Tool available on the
sponsor site, and the top chapters in both Senior
and Junior Beta with the greatest amount of service
hours are awarded and recognized at National Beta
Convention in June.
DISTRICT OF DISTINCTION
National Beta District of Distinction is awarded to
school districts who demonstrate a commitment to
academic excellence, leadership development and
service involvement by offering National Beta in all
schools in their district, and by inducting qualifying
students in all eligible grades (4th-12th).
SCHOOL OF MERIT
The National Beta School of Merit award is given to
honor Beta Chapters dedication and commitment
to academic excellence. To achieve this prestigious
honor, a school must include members from all
eligible grade levels in their Beta Chapter.

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Service is the foremost focus of national beta and should be a primary focus of your chapter as well. In regards
to chapter management, service is identifying and addressing the needs of your school and community. Members
should understand what beta represents and that service to others is the backbone of your chapter. Whether by
working collaboratively with other organizations or initiating a new service project, this work will impact your
members and others. Effective chapter management of projects will result in recognition for your chapter and
projects that will affect students, families and communities for years to come. Learn more about logging service
hours.
Officers impact your chapter’s success. These student-leaders are often the first to get involved in your chapter’s
activities and projects. Therefore they are the best to pass along information to chapter members, as well as school
administration. These individuals will be the most invested in your chapter’s success. There are a few things to keep
in mind for your officers:
A) What responsibilities will each officer have? Refer to the officer manuals found on the resources page and
determine how each officer will work for your chapter. Each needs to have the opportunity to develop as a
leader and influence future student-leaders.
B) What are the requirements to become an officer? There should be clear expectations and/or requirements
for your beta chapter officers. At the very least, they should be students of good character, as well as exemplify
the beta pillars of achievement, leadership and service. It is good to insure that the requirements to be an
officer and serving as an officer are to the benefit of the chapter as a whole, not just the individual.
C) How are officers selected? The process should be conducive to you, as the sponsor and your members. It
could be an application and interview or it could be by a student committee it couldbe an election by poplar
vote. However your officers are selected, review the process often and revise as needed.

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MY SCHOOL Chapter
Chapter Officers
These student-leaders are often the first to get
involved in your chapter’s activities and projects.
Therefore they are the best to pass along information
to chapter members, as well as school administration.
These individuals will be the most invested in your
SCHOOL
PRINCIPAL
SCHOOL
SPONSOR
MEMBERS
SCHOOL
OFFICERS
chapter’s success.
STATE LEVEL
State Officers
State Officers are elected at state conventions.
Usually these student-leaders take the skills learned
as a chapter officer and build upon their leadership
experience. State Officers work collaboratively with
STATE
COUNCIL
STATE
SPONSOR
SCHOOL
CHAPTERS
STATE
OFFICERS
the State Sponsor to plan the state convention. In
addition, the State Officers qualify to attend the
National Beta Leadership Conference, with tuition
paid by National Beta.
NATIONAL LEVEL
National Officers
Elected at the National Convention, these studentleaders
first serve as officers of their respective states.
They continue to expand their leadership potential
NATIONAL
BOARD
NATIONAL
SPONSORS
STATE
CHAPTERS
NATIONAL
OFFICERS
and serve as positive role models across the country,
as they advocate and represent National Beta.

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OPPORTUNITIES
FOR GROWTH
DEVELOPING LEADERS OF TOMORROW
National Beta has been encouraging and developing leadership skills in America’s youth since 1934. The ability to
lead creates conditions that enable others to be as poroductive and successfull as they can be. One who is able to
lead is able to accomplish extraordinary things by employing and maximizing their own strengths. The commitment
to lead is vital in the establishment of defining goals.
NATIONAL BETA SCHOLARSHIP
National Beta awards over 280 scholarships to members nationwide each year. This equates to over $300,000 of
funding to help dedicated Beta members further their education. To apply, a Beta member must be duly registered
and in the 12th grade. Selection criteria is based on numerous factors such as academic excellence, commendable
character, leadership abilities, school involvement and community service. To learn more about these amazing
scholarship opportunities and to apply visit betaclub.org/scholarship.
JOHN W. HARRIS LEADERSHIP AWARD
Named after Beta’s founder, the Harris Leadership Award recognizes outstanding members whose actions and
character best exemplify the ideals of leadership. Each year main sponsors may nominate one person who best
exemplifies the ideals of leadership from their chapter’s qualifying members. Five Junior Beta members and five
Senior Beta members are chosen as recipients. For more information on how to submit a nomination, please visit
the resources page.
MENTORING: LINK
Link mentoring program allows you to connect with a purpose by sharing the benefits of National Beta with other
schools and earn funds for your club. Link offers chapter and convention connections for every type of Beta chapter
out there. For more information on how to earn funds for your chapter while strengthening your connections, please
visit the resources page.

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BETAEVENTS
STATE CONVENTION
Each state conducts a state-wide event for members,
sponsors and guests to attend. At this annual event,
chapters participate in competitions & elect State
Officers, in order to qualify for Nationals. In addition,
they attend General Sessions and meet fellow Betas
from around the state to form valuable connections.
NATIONAL CONVENTION
A nation-wide event where chapters participate in
qualified competitions & elect National Officers.
Location varies each year, which allows students,
sponsors and guests a wonderful opportunity to
travel. In addition, they attend General Sessions and
meet fellow Betas from around the country to form
valuable connections.
LEADERSHIP SUMMITS
Nationally sponsored, two day events held in various
states that engage members in a comprehensive
leadership curriculum and provides resources to
take program back to each chapter. Through various
exhibitions and challenges, participants learn more
about collaboration, communication and critical
thinking.
NATIONAL BETA LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE
This Senior Beta program is held during the summer
in Washington DC. The Leadership Conference is
designed to develop student-leaders, foster teambuilding,
collaboration, communication and more.
Participants will meet with legislators on Capitol Hill
to advocate for service learning and National Beta.
INFUSE EDUCATORS CONFERENCE
Annual conference designed exclusively for sponsors.
Topics include chapter management, convention
preparation and more. In addition, breakout sessions
on professional development topics regarding
21st Century skills and engagement, integration of
technology and more are offered.
NATIONAL BETA LEADERSHIP CAMP
This Junior Beta program is held during the summer
in Greeneville, TN and is designed to develop
student-leaders, foster team-building, goal-setting,
communication skills and more. In addition,
participants experience hands on learning with
activities such as canoeing, archery, obstacle courses
and more.

etaclub.org