Begun in 1988, Chain Reactions provide young people with meaningful learning experiences while building the volunteer force that will help the March of Dimes accomplish its goals today and lead the foundation into the future. The name "Chain Reaction" was chosen to symbolize excitement, momentum and unity.

Through the program, young people learn how to help every baby get a healthy start in life. Chain Reaction involves student leaders from high schools in communities across the country. Faculty members and administrators nominate young people from different schools within each community for the Chain Reaction Leadership Council.

Under the guidance of an adult volunteer advisor, students govern their own Chain Reactions. On the national level, the March of Dimes National Youth Council manages the program. Council members act as liaisons between the March of Dimes national office and Chain Reactions in their regions. Although their three basic objectives remain the same, each Chain Reaction reflects the diversity of its community. The priorities of the local March of Dimes chapter also influence each Chain Reaction’s activities.

Chain Reaction volunteers educate the public about the March of Dimes mission to prevent birth defects and infant mortality through activities, such as Student Health Conferences. These students also participate in fund raising for the March of Dimes through events like WalkAmerica.

Many Chain Reaction members have gotten involved in March of Dimes advocacy efforts. Some have personally lobbied their congressional representatives and/or sent letters supporting March of Dimes public affairs initiatives.

All of these activities offer students the opportunity to develop leadership skills such as public speaking, goal setting and effective meeting planning. Each year, outstanding Chain Reactions, their programs, members and advisors are recognized through March of Dimes Team Youth Recognition Program.

Chain Reaction has three objectives:

• To provide a leadership development opportunity for the students involved.
• To educate young people about healthy behaviors and lifestyle choices.
• To increase awareness and raise funds for the March of Dimes mission to prevent birth defects and infant mortality.

Chain Reaction accomplishes these objectives by:

• Educating high school students in Chain Reactions about the March of Dimes mission to prevent birth defects and infant mortality.
• Preparing Chain Reaction members to speak to their peers about the connection between healthy habits during adolescence and healthy childbearing in the adult years, and about the risks of teenage pregnancy.
• Presenting Chain Reaction members with opportunities to organize events and conferences involving all programmatic aspects of the March of Dimes mission –health education, advocacy, community services, and research.

To find out how to start or join a Chain Reaction at your school contact your local chapter.