Steps for starting a club at school

Awell-rounded school experience is comprised of a host of variables. Academics are an important part of being a student, but extracurricular activities are valuable as well. In addition to sports, clubs comprise extracurricular activities that students can enjoy.

Many schools have dozens of clubs that students can join. However, if students can't find one that correlates with a particular passion or interest, they are often welcome to start one that does. Each school has its own protocols, but this rundown can help students start a club at school.

· Think about ideas. Figure out where there may be deficits in club offerings and brainstorm ideas with like-minded friends. Talk about activities you enjoy, such as fishing, skiing or reading, and build a club around it.

· Identify a mission. Before moving forward with a club, define its purpose or mission. Will the club be built around entertainment, learning new skills, landing a job, or doing community service? Defining your mission will help guide the planning process.

· Be sure to get permission. Follow the school's rules when forming a new club. Check with the school principal or another school official who oversees extracurricular activities to find out the right way to establish a club.

· Find a sponsor for the club. Oftentimes clubs require a moderator or sponsor that is an administrator in the school. If you have a particularly good rapport with a teacher at your school, ask this teacher if he or she would be willing to dedicate time to overseeing your new club. Sometimes it is better to find a teacher whose area of interest matches that of the club. For example, a French language teacher may be able to sponsor the French Club.

· Decide where the club meets. In addition to figuring out why you want to start this club, map out the logistics. This includes where the club will meet. Some schools may have rooms set up for club meetings; otherwise, you may need to take your club to a library or a recreation center in your community. In addition, determine when meetings will occur and the frequency of those gatherings.

· Advertise the club and recruit title holders. A club will need an organizational body of other students to be successful. As the club initiator you may serve as president. However, a treasurer, secretary, marketing person/ recruiter, and others may be needed. People in these roles can help keep the club running smoothly.

These guidelines can serve as a solid foundation when developing a new school club.