Starting a club or an organization in college is a difficult thing to do. It takes a lot of dedication and patience. However, with that dedication and patience, it can shape up to be a really great thing.
I started an organization at my college and it was one of the best decisions I ever made. It’s a great way to create leadership opportunities for yourself, be a part of something greater, and connect with new people. It may be difficult, but it reeks with rewards. The benefits you gain from this will last a lifetime.
Here is everything you need to know and do to start an organization at your college:
Have an idea: The first thing you have to know is what you want your club to be. Is there a specific theme you have in mind? Do you know any specific things you want your club to accomplish? Have a basic idea to run with so you aren’t just going into things blindly with no real goals. Think of something you enjoy and are passionate about and try to come up with ideas based on that.
Publicize: Once you have your idea and basic plan, start spreading the word. Get as many people interested and invested as you can. Talk to your friends and people in your classes who you know are interested in similar things. Make fliers and post about it on social media. Get the word out in as many ways as possible to reach as many people as you can.
Build relationships with professors: Professors can help and often times can give advice. Talking to them can help you get the word out. Having a professor sponsor or advise your club can only benefit you. It’s also great if you need a letter of recommendation in the future for something and you already have a great relationship.
Start now: Don’t put it off. Starting a club takes time, especially with everything else you have going on. There is a lot involved and putting it off only prolongs the process. School’s have different processes, you have to go through to be an official club, so you need to find out what your school’s policy is before getting to far ahead. Sometimes it takes a while and you need to be prepared for that.
Plan the structure of your club: Know how you want your meetings to go and how you want to organize your time. How often will you meet? Where and when will you meet? What do you want to accomplish at meetings?
Know that you can do it: It takes a lot of time. You have to really be committed to what you are doing. But if you are, there is no reason why you can’t accomplish it. Have an idea, spread the word, build relationships, and plan, plan, plan. Don’t be afraid of failing and just have fun with it.
Starting a club is stressful and time-consuming. However, it is worth doing if you are in it for the right reasons. Give it your all and it will be successful.
Learn to take the advice of other people, especially if they have done this before. Let others help. What you are doing matters. Always remember that.
Featured image via Pixabay
