PDF download Download Article PDF download Download Article

Would you like to spice up your daily routine? School clubs are an awesome way to focus on your interests while also providing a much-needed break from homework and studying. Even if your school doesn’t offer many different clubs, you may still be in luck. As long as you’re willing to put the work, you can start a club of your very own. Don’t worry—we’ve answered all your frequently asked questions to help you along this exciting journey.

Question 1 of 9:

Should I start a club at school?

PDF download Download Article
  1. School clubs are a great way to explore your interests and meet new people. A school club can also help boost your self-esteem, and give you a nice break from classes and homework.[1]
    • According to some studies, participating in certain clubs can even improve your grades![2]
    • Starting a new club is a big responsibility, and takes a lot of time, patience, and hard work. If you already have a lot on your plate, or don’t know a lot of people who’d be interested, starting a new club may not be the best option.[3]
  2. Advertisement
Question 3 of 9:

What type of club should I start?

PDF download Download Article
  1. Your new club can be just about anything, as long as it doesn’t break your school’s rules. You might start a sports club, like badminton or ultimate frisbee, or an academic-themed club, like Model UN, mock trial, or chess. You could even focus on a really specific interest, like anime, gaming, or gardening.[5] Choose a topic that really speaks to you, and that other students might be interested in joining.
    • You might start an environmental club that helps out in the local community.[6] A kindness club is another great option.[7]
  2. Well-known organizations like the American Red Cross, UNICEF, Key Club, and Lion’s Club all host clubs at the school-level. Pick a club that really meshes with your interests, whether it’s community service, academics, or something else altogether.
  3. Advertisement
Question 4 of 9:

What do I need to start a new club?

PDF download Download Article
  1. Most schools will require your new club to have a faculty adviser, who can help guide the group. Chat with a teacher or staff member who you’re really friendly with, and who has some background in your club’s topic. Ask if they’d be willing to support and sponsor your club.[8]
    • Plan on speaking with multiple faculty members, in case your first choice says no.
    • Say something like, “Hi Mr. Williams! I was thinking about starting a newspaper club. I learned a lot from you in your English class last semester, and I was wondering if you’d like to be the club sponsor.”
  2. Choose a date and time that works well for you, your sponsor, and your potential members. Chances are, your club will meet at some point after school. Then, create a rough outline of what your meetings will look like, and what you’ll accomplish during that time.[9]
    • For instance, you might decide to meet on Thursday afternoons from 3 PM to 4 PM.
    • In a yearbook club meeting, you might discuss club announcements, suggest new ideas, and plan potential page layouts.
    • Some schools might let you meet during a free period, while others might have you meet after school. Check with your school administration to see what your options are.
  3. Pick up a club application form from your school administration. Many schools will ask you to include a list of potential club members, along with a copy of your club’s by-laws or constitution. You may also have to create a budget for your club. Fill out the form with your fellow club members and faculty adviser so the application is as detailed and accurate as it can possibly be.
  4. Advertisement
Question 5 of 9:

How do you start a club constitution?

PDF download Download Article
  1. Start by outlining the purpose and objectives of your club, and your overall mission. Then, write down how your club will elect or choose leaders, and how club members are expected to behave. You might also have to create a club budget.
    • For example, your club might hold elections once a semester, and membership might be capped at 30 students.
    • If you’re running a chemistry club, the purpose might be “to study and practice chemistry,” and the mission might be “to create a safe, productive environment where students can learn more about chemistry.”
Question 6 of 9:

How do I make a club budget?

PDF download Download Article
  1. Think about what your club is for, and what you’d like to do. Once you’ve outlined your club’s goals, brainstorm how you plan on achieving them. These suggestions and ideas will be a good starting point for your budget.[10]
    • For a wiffle ball club, a goal could be: “We will get together for wiffle ball games twice a month.”
    • For a political club, a goal could be: “We will buy a web domain and post blog entries about our opinions.”
  2. Think about the upcoming events and meetings your club will have. Write out a general list with all these general funding requests, so you have a good starting point.[11]
    • For instance, you might fill out a funding request for a museum trip. In this request, you’d ask for money for transportation, and possibly admission to the museum.
    • Don’t forget about marketing! If you plan on creating fliers or other advertisements, include those in your budget.
  3. Explain what you’ll need to buy for each meeting and event, and how much these items will cost. Then, add up all of the costs, so your school knows how much money the club needs each semester. Transfer this information to a spreadsheet, so it’s really easy to navigate.[12]
    • For instance, if your club is holding an ice cream social, you’d need money for ice cream, toppings, and silverware.
  4. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    How should a high school club be organized?
    Alicia Oglesby
    Alicia Oglesby
    Professional School Counselor
    Alicia Oglesby is an Academic Counseling Expert based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Education at the University of Pittsburgh and working as a Graduate Research Assistant. She was previously employed as the Associate Director of College Counseling at the Winchester Thurston School. Prior to that, she worked as a Director of School and College Counseling at 4 other secondary schools. With over twelve years of experience in academic counseling, Alicia specializes in academic advising, social-emotional skills, and career counseling. Alicia holds Professional School Counseling Certifications in both Washington DC and Pennsylvania. She has created a college counseling program in its entirety and developed five programs focused on application workshops, parent information workshops, essay writing collaborative, peer-reviewed application activities, and financial aid literacy events. Alicia holds a BS in Psychology from Howard University and a Master’s in Clinical Counseling and Applied Psychology from Chestnut Hill College.
    Alicia Oglesby
    Professional School Counselor
    Expert Answer
    It's sort of up to the teacher in charge and the club members. Some clubs have a democratic system where members vote on who does what, while other clubs are run and organized by the founder or head teacher.
  • Question
    Who should my club choose as president?
    Alicia Oglesby
    Alicia Oglesby
    Professional School Counselor
    Alicia Oglesby is an Academic Counseling Expert based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Education at the University of Pittsburgh and working as a Graduate Research Assistant. She was previously employed as the Associate Director of College Counseling at the Winchester Thurston School. Prior to that, she worked as a Director of School and College Counseling at 4 other secondary schools. With over twelve years of experience in academic counseling, Alicia specializes in academic advising, social-emotional skills, and career counseling. Alicia holds Professional School Counseling Certifications in both Washington DC and Pennsylvania. She has created a college counseling program in its entirety and developed five programs focused on application workshops, parent information workshops, essay writing collaborative, peer-reviewed application activities, and financial aid literacy events. Alicia holds a BS in Psychology from Howard University and a Master’s in Clinical Counseling and Applied Psychology from Chestnut Hill College.
    Alicia Oglesby
    Professional School Counselor
    Expert Answer
    You should probably choose an outgoing student who is comfortable talking with adults. Clubs often need to reach out to teachers for support and help, so it helps to choose someone who can handle all of that.
  • Question
    Do you need a teacher to start a school club?
    Alicia Oglesby
    Alicia Oglesby
    Professional School Counselor
    Alicia Oglesby is an Academic Counseling Expert based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Education at the University of Pittsburgh and working as a Graduate Research Assistant. She was previously employed as the Associate Director of College Counseling at the Winchester Thurston School. Prior to that, she worked as a Director of School and College Counseling at 4 other secondary schools. With over twelve years of experience in academic counseling, Alicia specializes in academic advising, social-emotional skills, and career counseling. Alicia holds Professional School Counseling Certifications in both Washington DC and Pennsylvania. She has created a college counseling program in its entirety and developed five programs focused on application workshops, parent information workshops, essay writing collaborative, peer-reviewed application activities, and financial aid literacy events. Alicia holds a BS in Psychology from Howard University and a Master’s in Clinical Counseling and Applied Psychology from Chestnut Hill College.
    Alicia Oglesby
    Professional School Counselor
    Expert Answer
    Every school has different procedures and rules for clubs, but yes, in most cases you'll need a teacher to sponsor the club.
See more answers
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
Advertisement

Tips

Tips from our Readers

  • Plan club activities beforehand so you're prepared when people join your club. For instance, think of topics for a debate club or come up with fun projects for an art club.
  • Spread the word about your club by making fliers, telling your friends and teachers about it, or talking about it in your school paper or on your school news.
  • Be a good and fair leader by letting your club members have a say. For instance, take votes about the activities you do as a club.
  • Keep your club active and fun by meeting weekly.
Submit a Tip
All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
Name
Please provide your name and last initial
Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

About This Article

Alicia Oglesby
Co-authored by:
Professional School Counselor
This article was co-authored by Alicia Oglesby and by wikiHow staff writer, Janice Tieperman. Alicia Oglesby is an Academic Counseling Expert based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Education at the University of Pittsburgh and working as a Graduate Research Assistant. She was previously employed as the Associate Director of College Counseling at the Winchester Thurston School. Prior to that, she worked as a Director of School and College Counseling at 4 other secondary schools. With over twelve years of experience in academic counseling, Alicia specializes in academic advising, social-emotional skills, and career counseling. Alicia holds Professional School Counseling Certifications in both Washington DC and Pennsylvania. She has created a college counseling program in its entirety and developed five programs focused on application workshops, parent information workshops, essay writing collaborative, peer-reviewed application activities, and financial aid literacy events. Alicia holds a BS in Psychology from Howard University and a Master’s in Clinical Counseling and Applied Psychology from Chestnut Hill College. This article has been viewed 253,316 times.
50 votes - 86%
Co-authors: 60
Updated: March 7, 2024
Views: 253,316
Categories: Clubs
Article SummaryX

In order to start a school club, you’ll need to come up with a plan and decide on important details like what the club is about and where it will meet. Then, type up your plan and run it by school staff members, like the principal, to find out if there are any rules for new clubs. Once your club is approved, fill it with responsible friends who are interested in your club’s mission, and assign roles to specific members, like officers. Finally, persuade others to join by putting up a sign-up sheet for new members. For tips on how to run your club, like why staying organized will help your club succeed, read on!

Did this summary help you?

Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 253,316 times.

Reader Success Stories

  • Eliza Gerneur

    Eliza Gerneur

    Mar 7, 2017

    "I am actually in a group, not yet a club, called Odyssey of the Mind. Reading this article helped to make my team..." more
Share your story

Did this article help you?

Advertisement