The NHS National Council establishes the national standards for all NHS chapters. Local chapters create their own by-laws which are to be consistent with and comply with the NHS National Constitution.

 

Any student in grades 10 through 12 in a school with both an official charter of the National Honor Society and an affiliation with the NASSP Department of Student Activities is eligible for consideration for membership in the National Honor Society.

 

Once selected by the local selection committee, known as the Faculty Council, a student is awarded membership in the local chapter at a special induction ceremony. With induction, a member assumes certain obligations. The chapter must conduct a service project for the school or community, and see to the development of an individual service project for each member.

 

Chapters may choose to sponsor fundraising projects or involve themselves with the school to reach the chapter's goals established to encourage scholarship, promote leadership and service, and build character. In addition, regular meetings of the chapter are to be held to conduct chapter business and communicate with members. All active NHS chapter members are expected to support these and other chapter activities.

 

For additional information on selection criteria, membership obligations, and procedures of the chapter, please refer to the NHS Handbook. Copies of the handbook are available from the NASSP sales office to chapter advisers or school principals of duly-chartered schools, or visit the NHS website at www.nhs.us