Every school is unique, so the needs and priorities of each club will look different. When considering what your club should do, first consider the needs of its members. Are they looking to support one another through difficult, emotional times? Do they want to plan social activities, such as dances, the Night of Noise, and LGBTQ-friendly proms? Are they passionate about activism and want to participate in marches or rallies? Here is a great resource on different club models. Consider talking as a group about each model and which model each member needs at the current time. No club will be 100% social, support, or activist based 100% of the time, but it’s important to be attentive to one another’s needs as you plan what your club will do.

What does it mean to set norms? It means you have the power to create a space where you and your members feel comfortable coming into every meeting.

Need ideas? Here are some options.

Achieving and sustaining membership in a club is tricky. When thinking about the question of membership, consider asking the following questions:

• Is the current membership representative of the student body? In other words, are there as many black, Latinx, and students of Asian and Pacific Islander descent as there are in a typical classroom?

• When does your club meet? Do other clubs meet at that time? If so, consider having a conversation with your sponsor and other members about meeting at a time that works for more people. Keep in mind that meeting after school might produce difficulties for students who don’t wish to disclose to their parents why they wish to remain at school after hours.

• Do your current club members all know each other? That may be because of the bonds you’ve developed through school activities or because your club has inadvertently become a clique. To ensure your club is welcoming to all students, consider inviting people who have never attended before, or asking friends who never attend what their perception of the club is. Don’t guilt-trip them into going or get defensive if they are critical. Remember that learning other people’s perspectives can provide helpful feedback to improve your club.

• Did something happen in the personal lives of one or more of your club members? There may have been a break-up or a falling out. These can be difficult to navigate, but just remember that your club is meant to serve the entire student body and is resilient enough to survive such lapses in membership.