I recently have been interested in the environment and conservation efforts after finishing APES this year. I’ve decided that I want to take initiative and finally try to break out of my introverted shell for something that I really care about. One problem my school has is that we don’t seem to recycle anything. I’d like to possibly change that if I get approved to start an environmental club. The major problem is that I’m already a rising senior. While I’m not doing this specifically for colleges, it’s obvious that they may take this in a negative view. Is this something I’d leave off my common app? But at the same time, if this passes, I think I’d be really proud of it and want to include it, but it would look pretty bad since I only did it for senior year… Either way, should I just go for it? I keep getting nervous about starting a club, and I have no idea how to get a sponsor or set a meeting with the principal (is this something I would have to do? It seems so intimidating…) I just emailed my assistant principal, but I’m not sure if I will get a reply, and my parents are positive she is too busy to even check emails atm… Any advice in general and especially from people who’ve started clubs before?
I’ve started a number of clubs and been a part of more. For context, my school has medium/low club interest, but the people that are in clubs tend to be pretty into them.
I was actually in an environmental club started by some seniors in their senior year! It was pretty relaxed, they were outdoorsy kids and, just like you, did it out of interest- not for apps. One tip for you: Try to partake in activities that personally benefit the people in the club. The environmental club that I was in gave everyone info for local trash cleanups, waterway restoration, fun runs, etc. All of those out of school activities that they provided us were a great source of volunteer hours! That kept people in the club.
We also ran a small campaign on what goes in the trash/what goes in the recycle bins. That didn’t work so well and I doubt it ever will- kids will almost always throw their trash into whatever is closest. This type of thing also tends to come off as preachy, even if it’s not your intention.
Something I’ve learned from 3 years of observing clubs: Know that it’s better to have a small, dedicated club that does its own thang than force-feed whole school involvement. Also know that underclassmen tend to have more energy and want to be involved with upperclassmen and their activities. Some of my school’s most successful clubs have been a result of high underclass engagement.
Best of luck! I’m happy to talk more about clubs and give advice, just remember to tag me.
@newkidnewtrix thank you so much! Those sound like wonderful ideas. I was especially worried about club participation, but if I can just get my underclassman brother and his connections, plus a few of my friends, and a few others drawn in with the bonus of volunteer hours, this seems like it could really work out. I’m kind of excited. Thanks!
Awesome! That sounds like a really great plan. SO excited for you!!
Do not worry about something “looking bad” because you started it Senior year…usually that is when students have the leadership skills and confidence to do such a thing.
It is good that you are finding some members ahead of time…try to do that so you can get some interest.
Look on your school website to see if talks about starting clubs and what to do.
Maybe ask a science teacher if they would be willing to be an adviser.
Over the summer come up with ideas on what your club could do. I would start small so you can have some successes right away.
If anyone is being somewhat negative about the idea, take their input but keep going.
I absolutely do not think it is too late for you to start a club. That’s something that would look great on a college application as well.
Also you said that you have completed APES. I’m scheduled to take it next year. Do you have any advice/suggestions? I’m a little worried about it.
@EmmaLee19 thanks so much! Also apes is really not a big deal. It’s comparable to an honors science class (or even easier) because it’s mostly just vocab. Most people say it’s the easiest AP class. I’ll admit that I did think the content was easy, but still don’t underestimate the workload. It depends on the teacher, but mine gave 1-2 hrs worth of hw. Since I often neglected studying for apes in favor of “harder APs”, I was always rushing to do hw and extra credit in the end to keep an A. If you want, you could buy a prep book and read the corresponding ch before the test. But as long as you manage your time with other classes (and ECs), apes shouldn’t be a problem!
@bopper confidence and finding out what I could do to contribute were Big problems for me when I was younger. (They still are but I’m trying to push myself a lot more now…) Thanks for the advice!
Thank you that is very helpful!
Starting a club is great and if you can articulate how the club impacts your community even better.
This question is actually perfect because I’ve been considering starting an environmental awareness club at my school too and I am currently a senior! Did you follow through with starting the club and how did it go? I’m really passionate about the environment and I plan on majoring in environmental science in college, I think that starting the club would be a good opportunity to learn more about the subject and for me and to demonstrate my commitment to colleges.
@relentlessmoon I did!! I spent a lot of free time this summer contacting my recycling co, vice principal, and possible club sponsor. I’ve technically created the club and gotten approval from custodians and principals, but we are in the process of raising $ for recycling bins. I also partnered with a local environmental org that is willing to come in to teach abt recycling and has monthly volunteer opportunities. I’m part of art honors too, and I suggested our main project for the year to be making recycled art. I think it’ll be a lot of fun this year!
I did have a lot of trouble getting approval, so make sure you have a solid plan for your club and a sure sponsor before talking to your principal. Hopefully your process will be easier than mine, but good luck…!!
That’s awesome !! I hope that you get the money for the recycling bins raised quickly and the recycled art project sounds like a great idea. I’m going to ask my principal about the club tomorrow, I already have a good list of resources and people that could benefit the club and I also like your idea of installing recycling bins. Thanks for the quick answer and the advice!
Make sure that part of your club activities is figuring out how to sustain the club next year.
Not only do you need a sponsor, but each school requires a certain number of interested people who want to join. If you have the room to list it in your common app, do so.