A Sociedad Hispánica de Amistad (SHA) chapter can motivate younger students to pursue their study of language while engaging in ambassadorship and service to their school and community. Through this activity-based Spanish honor society, students can participate in projects and competitions and develop a lifelong love of language studies. 

What are some benefits of having a SHA Chapter? 

• Highlight your classes, department, and school by sponsoring a chapter of a national society for elementary and middle school students.
• Motivate students and increase enthusiasm for the language by engaging them in interesting, fun projects.
• Extend your classroom to the school and community through your SHA activities.
• Link your chapter to others across the USA to share activities.
• Increase the number of students who continue to study Spanish in high school.
• Advocate for early language instruction through successful chapter activities. 
• Be recognized through the SHA awards.

What can you do with a SHA Chapter?

• Participate in creative competitions like the Concurso Colorido and the Poster Contest.
• Take the National Spanish Challenge or the National Spanish Assessment. 
• Organize service projects: write short notes in Spanish and English to be delivered to a local nursing home, decorate bookmarkers to be donated to a local library, have older students help younger students with homework, etc. 
• Host cultural events: play lotería, create posters to highlight the achievements of famous Hispanics, host a Latin dance party, prepare food, etc.
• Apply for awards!

How to start a SHA Chapter

• For a school to have a SHA chapter, all sponsors (teachers) must be active members of the American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese (AATSP).
• Any student in elementary, middle school, or the 9^th grade who is enrolled in Spanish and Portuguese classes is eligible for membership.
• Select a chapter name.
• Pay a one-time $30 charter fee, sent to AATSP along with your Charter Application form.
• Pay a one-time $5 induction fee per student. 

SHA Awards

Every year, SHA recognizes outstanding chapters with the following awards:

• Chapter of the Year: Awarded to a chapter that has completed the most exceptional projects.
• First place: $150 & plaque
• Second Place: $125 & certificate
• Third Place: $100 & certificate.

• Activity of the Year: Awarded to a chapter for an exceptional service project.
  • First place: $100 & plaque
  • Second Place: $75 & certificate
  • Third Place: $50 & certificate

• Sponsor of the Year: Awarded to a SHA sponsor who has provided exemplary service during the year.
  • Prize: $100 & plaque

• SHA/Klett World Languages de Liderazgo Global en Acción: Awarded to a chapter that aims to foster student leadership as ambassadors of the language and culture studied in their community. This award also recognizes the chapter that works to advance the principle of cooperation in society.
  • Prizes: Three chapters will receive $400 each

For more information, visit: https://www.aatsp.org/general/custom.asp?page=SHA

If you have any questions or would like to get started, email: SHA@aatsp.org