Taking Leadership Positions within School Clubs

Sam Stevenson, AP Student, NHS Member

Hi everyone! My name is Sam Stevenson, and I am currently a Junior at Desert Mountain High School. This year I'm involved in a variety of clubs/ school programs and even have two leadership positions in a club I co-founded. Here’s my opinion and advice for taking leadership positions within School Clubs.

First and Foremost

Participating in school clubs and programs is crucial to exploring different interests and meeting new people, not to mention it looks great on your college apps and can help you form lifelong skills (that are actually useful).

Some examples of these skills include:

• Public speaking skills

• Teamwork skills

• Collaboration skills

• Time management skills

• Communication skills

Getting Started

Before you can become a leader you may have to be in a club as a regular member one year prior. However, this will allow you to become comfortable with a new environment and see how other leaders run the club. If you have never been in a club before, it is especially important to get a good footing and observe how leaders run the club before becoming a leader yourself. Below are a few of my key points to setting yourself up for success in a new club:

• Don’t be afraid to meet new people and reach out

• Talk to leaders and ask for their advice on running for a position

• Have fun!!

• Form connections to give yourself a better chance at securing a role

Becoming a Leader

There are several ways you can become a leader in school clubs and extracurricular programs. The most popular options that students choose are

1. Applying for a role in a preexisting club that you have a good footing in

2. Starting your own club to become a founder and leader

When applying for a position in a preexisting club you may just have to create a campaign or write a short paragraph/essay pertaining to the position. There may also be an election where other members of the club vote on who would be the best fit.

Overall Benefits

There are virtually no disadvantages to taking leadership positions in school clubs. You will learn skills that you will carry with you throughout high school, college, and adulthood to help you become an overall more rounded and influential person. Unique clubs and multiple leadership positions will even help you stand out in a sea of other college applicants and set you up for success in college. Skills learnt in clubs like communication and teamwork are super important as they will help you prepare to enter the workforce and collaborate with future employers and colleagues.

My most important tip is to just have fun!! Enjoy the club you’re in and engage with your peers in a meaningful way whether you chose to become a leader or night.

-Comment what clubs you are a part of and what leadership positions you have taken if you have!-

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