Clubber’s Guide

The Academy of Saint Elizabeth offers dozens of clubs– a list can be accessed via the school’s website. Students are encouraged to expand and investigate their interests by joining extracurriculars, so participate in clubs to be active in the AOSE community. Others form clubs, thereby improving their leadership skills. The “club scene” can be overwhelming, especially for newer students. Consider this article a resource to make the most out of your clubbing experience!
Club season starts with the academic semester, so the leaders– typically elected in the spring prior– begin pushing emails for interest meetings and Google Classroom codes. All you have to do is interact and show interest, and you have a spot on the club roster. The process is really that simple. A few clubs, however, require auditions (consider Mock Trial) or applications (like Student Ambassadors), and some are not quite clubs at all (for instance, DEIJ). In any case, there is an organization for everyone and the opportunity to create one if desired.
Students need two members (themselves included) accompanied by a teacher moderator to form a club officially. They will then contact the overseer, Mrs. Ameres, with a mission statement, title, and any auxiliary information she might request. A club might be denied if its projected goals can be consolidated with an existing organization. Consider the Pollinators Committee, once a subset of the now-moot Ecology Club. Remember: Mrs. Ameres is the authority and should be treated as such for all of the work she does. All clubs are expected to meet (preferably once a month at the minimum) and keep attendance/meeting minutes updated and shared with Mrs. Ameres. Most clubs assign a secretary for this purpose.
Now that the “clubbing” world is elucidated, you can decide which to join. Clubs chiefly meet during lunch and often overlap, so it is advised to join only as many clubs as you can consistently attend. No one wants to be a flake, after all. After showing dedication and commitment, you might even be elected or appointed to a leadership position! What do you do then?
As a club leader, you are held more directly responsible for its success than being an untitled member. Moderators usually give leaders “Teacher” access to Google Classroom to post assignments, information, and meeting reminders. Club leaders are tasked with scheduling meeting places, dates, and times with Mrs. Ameres. Ideally, they also create agendas to keep the said meeting on task. In tandem with their moderator, leaders incorporate member input to develop interactive and fulfilling club experiences. This might involve the occasional fundraiser– bake sales are popular– and special events. Clubs are ultimately a group effort; group satisfaction trumps almost all else.
Particularly once you hit Junior year, it may be time to consider the future: what will the club look like after you graduate? How will its mission be continued, and by whom? These questions dovetail into the debatably most rewarding part of clubbing: mentorship. Start brainstorming potential successors, and impart to them some leadership lessons. Maybe they help review an agenda or run a meeting when you are sick. They might be delegated to run an event or give an announcement. Just keep an open mind and heart to new and upcoming clubbers.
With these points in mind, you are prepared to tackle the wonderful world of clubs!