How to Become a National Chapter

If you are interested in establishing an ISSUP National Chapter, we welcome expressions of interest from credible organisations that may be suitable to serve as a host.

As an ISSUP National Chapter, you will become part of a global community of professionals working in substance use prevention, treatment, suuply control and recovery. You will support the substance use workforce at the national level while engaging and collaborating with other National Chapters around the world.

Important criteria

To be considered as a potential National Chapter host, an applicant should be one of the following:

• An independent non-governmental organisation (NGO);
• A consortium comprising two or more organisations; or
• An established entity, such as an academic institution.

Where none of the above options applies, it may also be possible to partner with a government entity that is well placed to engage and support the substance use workforce within the country.

Process of establishing a National Chapter: 

• Submit an Expression of Interest: Complete the Expression of Interest form to formally register your interest.
• Call for applications: ISSUP will issue a call or tender inviting eligible organisations within the country to apply to host the National Chapter.
• Review and consultation: Applications will be assessed against the relevant criteria and, where appropriate, in consultation with regional partners. ISSUP will acknowledge and review all applications after the deadline and communicate its decision as soon as reasonably possible. Additional meetings may be requested to clarify aspects of an application or address any questions.
• Establishment and launch: The selected host organisation will work with ISSUP to establish and formally launch the National Chapter.

To learn more about becoming an ISSUP National Chapter, please consult the National Chapters Guidelines below. You may also explore our established National Chapters to learn about their host organisations, activities and latest news.

What are the benefits of operating as a ISSUP National Chapter?

• Coordinating and supporting national networks of organisations and professionals working in the substance use field;
• Establishing strong relationships with key stakeholders, including government institutions and national and international agencies;
• Collaborating with other National Chapters on research, training, webinars, events and professional practice;
• Sharing national news, research, resources and events with the international community through the ISSUP website and other communication channels;
• Accessing relevant learning opportunities, research, news and information from other countries;
• Supporting the training and professional development of the national substance use workforce; and
• Becoming part of ISSUP’s international community.