Everyone has a passion. Whether it’s the arts, sciences, physical activities, reading, writing, or anything in between, every student has something they love to do. However, not everyone has a place to express and share their talents and interests. Being a common method of getting the student body involved in different activities, students should be aware of the steps necessary in starting an after school club.
When starting something in life, whether it is a club or anything else, the first step is to have an idea. You need to have an organized plan and an initial set up of the activities that will be performed in the club before you actually start it. Mr. John D. Stearns, assistant principal at Bel Air High School, explains that, “The most important thing to remember is the club should promote healthy and positive experiences for all of its members. It is also very important that the club aims to be all-inclusive, and be open to any student that is interested in joining.” One needs to not only believe in their idea, but to also be willing to stand by it and work to see it become a reality.
The second step is to get feedback on your idea. Talk with the principal, vice principal or any other student advisor. Get their opinion on your potential club and see what they have to add. Keep an open mind. Their thoughts may be more valuable than you initially think.
Once your idea is approved by one or all of the individuals listed above, find a teacher willing to sponsor your club. When you find a sponsor, keep in mind that they will need to attend each club meeting, so make sure you schedule a time that fits both of your after school plans. When considering the best way for a student to approach a desired sponsor, Ms. Neal, teacher at Bel Air High School, stated, “You can always look to a teacher for guidance, but having an idea in your head of what you want to do and taking the initiative to figure things out shows a teacher that you are serious about your club and makes it easier for them to make that commitment.”
The next step is to advertise. Make the club known to the school. There are bound to be people who share your interests, you just need to find them. If you are going to hang or post any advertisements in the school you will need to get them approved by an administrator.
Once your advertisements have been approved and you have a starting date for the club, there is one final step: have fun. Enjoy your club and the company that you surround yourself with. Remind yourself of the reason that you started the club in the first place to keep you and your fellow club members on task. Embrace the challenges that you are faced with as you continue to expand your passion and enjoy the experiences that you helped create.