Tips for Starting a WE THE FUTURE Club
Whether your club has five or fifty members, make no mistake that your efforts will make a difference in creating a healthier world! Here are some tips for building your club. (Make sure you register your club using the online form!)
In the Community
1. Ask around – The best way to start is by talking! Ask your youth friends, neighbors and classmates to join you in spreading the word about prevention and early detection. Clubs range in numbers and sizes, but it’s best to have at least 5 members to keep the ball rolling. Remember, passion and dedication are two key factors in the success of a club.
2. Have a Kick-off Meeting – Host an initial WE THE FUTURE meeting in a favorable location to discuss the club and your efforts. This will help you get a better idea of who is interested and gather their contact information.
3. Schedule Meetings – Once you have your committed club, you will have to determine how often you plan to host meetings, events and fundraisers. Remember, having a meeting does not mean you have to sit in a stuffy office. Think outside the box – your favorite coffee shop, the local park, even online iChat from the comfort of your own home! Make arrangements so meetings are fun and convenient for your members’ busy schedules.
At School
1. Visit your Counselor/Student Activities Office – When you start a club at school, you will have to follow your school's process for instituting a new student organization. Usually the rules aren’t difficult to follow and generally require:
- A minimum number of student members, between 5-10
- A description of your organization’s purpose and representative’s contact information
- A constitution, for which your school can provide some guidelines
- An advisor
Every school is different, so it’s important to speak to your Counselor/Student Activities Office to see what you need to do to get your club off the ground and running. The office is there to spread ideas and accomplish goals within the school community, so don’t be afraid to ask for help.
2. Choose a strong advisor – After current students graduate, the advisor will be the bedrock who keeps the WE THE FUTURE club going strong, so it is important to choose someone who is dedicated to seeing the WE THE FUTURE club flourish over the years. Search your school’s directory for administration in Women’s Studies, Nutrition, Medicine, or any other related fields. Also, don’t forget to speak to your school’s Health Services who can guide you in the right direction.
3. Publicize – Gaining strong membership depends on how you tell students and faculty there’s a new club in town! From fliers and Facebook, to your newspaper and next-door neighbors, utilize every way possible to get the word out. Don’t forget to approach your favorite teachers and ask them to mention the new WE THE FUTURE club during their classes.
