High school is a great time to find something you are passionate about by joining clubs at your school. Most schools offer a wide variety of clubs, so you are likely to find a club you enjoy. Whether you’re interested in sports, volunteering, fine arts, or anything academic, joining a club can help you meet people who share your interest while doing what you love most. If, by chance, your school does not have a club that intrigues you, you can create your own!
Before you start a club of your own, you must understand the importance of clubs. Not only do clubs help you connect with your classmates, but they also create a sense of community within your school. Students tend to join clubs with their friends who share similar interests, and they tend to make new friends through the club. Usually, in clubs, there are officer roles to support regular student members. These roles typically include the President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and others decided on by club leadership. Students often run campaigns for these positions, and the club members vote in elections. Not only does club involvement give students an opportunity to explore activities they enjoy, but it is also beneficial for college applications. Many colleges want students to show extracurricular activities on their college applications. The longer you have been involved, the better. Colleges like to see students who are passionate about their interests.
First, when starting your own club, you should brainstorm through guiding questions, such as: What is a topic that you are passionate about? Is it likely that other students at your school could also be passionate about it? In order to start a club, you must find a teacher or school administrator to sponsor it and supervise club meetings and events. Founding a club could present you with a multitude of new responsibilities, so before starting a club, make sure you have the time, skills, and passion to take on the leadership role.
Next, after you find an idea that is attainable, set your goals for the club. For example, your club may be involved in fundraising, volunteer work, raising awareness for an issue, etc. There should be a variety of activities that members of the club can participate in. It is also important to know what roles will be needed in the club and who will fulfill them.
Once the planning is done, it is time to initiate the opening of your club. After you have brainstormed and found a sponsor, find out how to register a new club at your school. Typically, there will be a form to fill out for the school before they can review and approve of it. For the application process, it is likely that you will be asked about your intentions with the club and the purpose of it, so it is important to be able to clearly state your goals.
Finally, after getting approved, it is time to spread the news. Tell your friends and ask them to tell theirs through word of mouth. You can also promote your club on social media platforms and put up posters around your school to encourage people to come to an interest meeting. Those who are intrigued will attend the meeting and seek more information about your club. At this meeting, students should have the opportunity to ask questions and gather information, and they will decide if they want to commit.
Once all students have joined, your club has officially commenced! From there, remember to assign roles, enforce club rules and values, and develop a schedule. Your job will then be to make sure the club is successful. Don’t forget to be focused, passionate, keep your club members entertained, and most importantly, have fun!
Written by Ashlesha Dhakal of Northwest High School
Graphic courtesy of manfredsteger