Starting a club can seem like an overwhelming process. Here is what you need to successfully start a new club at MECHS.

Step 1: Choose a purpose for your club

Whether it’s baking, robots, or an appreciation for Crumbl Cookie, be sure that you have a purpose in mind for your club.

Step 2: Find a Sponsor

This can be any teacher or administrator on campus. Just someone to hold onto club paperwork and help you stay organized.

Step 3: Find 10 members

Your sponsor will have to submit the paperwork to start your club. Part of that paperwork is 10 people that promise to be active club members.

Step 4: Develop By-Laws

For this, the club sponsors have a template to help you. Work with them to develop what you want the club to be about, and what the rules for active members should be. Your sponsor has to submit a copy of these with the new club form before you can get approval to start meeting. 

Step 5: Permission Slips

This is the most important step because it helps MECHS stay in compliance with state law. All active club members have to have a signed parent permission slip on file with the club sponsor in order to participate in club events. It’s the law. 

Step 6: Get Approval & Be a Club

Now that you have turned in all of the paperwork, found a sponsor, recruited 10 members and collected their permission slips it’s time for your club to get approved. You can choose a regular place, date and time to meet and plan activities. 

Step 7: Regular Updates and Reminders

Remember, any new club members still need a permission slip no matter when they join the club. As well, it can be helpful to have someone take minutes during an official meeting. This is because if your club wants to fundraise or plan volunteer work, you will need to show that the majority of club members voted in favor of it. This might seem like a lot, but there are lots of templates and tutorials available if you need them. Your club sponsor can help with this, too. 

And that’s it! You’ve started a club.