Jeunes Amis du Français
The Jeunes Amis du Français (JAF) functions similarly to the SHF. Any middle or elementary school teacher can request a JAF Charter for a one-time fee. Because of the diversity of middle school and elementary school programs, a school must select the Cultural or Academic option. Each chapter must induct students at least once per year in order to remain active.
In 2015, the AATF inaugurated the Jeunes Amis du Français, an honorary society for middle and elementary school students.
The local school chapter (middle school, junior high school, elementary school) provides a vehicle to focus activities around French language and Francophone literatures and cultures and to encourage participation in the annual writing contest.
In addition, students can acquire leadership skills by participating in age-appropriate service activities and leading chapter events.
Please join us on “AATF Société Honoraire de Français” Facebook page! We cannot wait to hear from you and to share your ideas! The SHF now has a Twitter and Instagram feed at @AATFSHF. Join us there, too!
With the high order volumes we’ve been receiving this time of the year, Processing Time FOR ALL INDUCTIONS is 10-14 business days from the time the order is received, assuming that the order is correct and that the sponsor’s AATF membership is current. Please expect 2 weeks before your inductions and optional downloadable certificate template link are sent to you, as all orders must be manually processed to ensure compliance with our order guidelines.
There is a per-student induction fee. Sponsors will receive an emailed certificate template with paid student induction fees. Click here to be directed to our new website for all JAF physical certificates and merchandise. Membership in the JAF does not imply membership in the SHF nor give the student the right to SHF materials.
JAF Forms
- JAF Charter Application Form (to print for use with purchase order, check, or credit card)
- JAF Initiate Order Form (to print for use with purchase order, check, or credit card) Induction fees must be paid before any merchandise can be ordered.
- Online store charters and initiates (for use with Credit Card Payments Only)
- Optional physical certificates, merchandise, and materials can be ordered at the AATF Boutique.
- 2022-2023 JAF Chapter Report Form (Please complete your annual report if you haven’t yet done so)
- AATF Membership (membership is required of all sponsoring teachers)
- 2023 JAF Creative Writing Contest Directions and Rubric Submission deadline: December 4, 2023
Important Information for Sponsors
- JAF Constitution
- Suggested projects for middle school students
- Official policy on the use of the SHF name and logo (this policy applies to the JAF name and logo as well)
- Archives of issues of L’Élan | Click here for most recent issue.
- Sample documents for use by sponsors, including induction ceremonies and scripts and local constitution.
SHF/JAF National Council
- SHF/JAF President: Regina Symonds (MA)
- Teacher Representative: Henriette Sindjui (MD)
- Teacher Representative: Kimberley Harter (NY)
- Editor of L’Élan, Fanny Clonch (IL)
- SHF/JAF Secretary: Robin Anderson (CO)
Contact SHF/JAF Secretary with any questions at shf@frenchteachers.org
Created: January 29, 2015
Last update: August 14, 2023
