For Club Leaders:
This page contains information relevant to leading a club at SMCM. You will find links to relevant forms, tips for leading a club and tips for fund appeals, and expectations of club leaders.
Club Forms
Remember that ALL clubs, regardless of whether or not you have already spoken to someone from SGA or OSA, need to fill out relevant forms when planning an event or making a purchase.
If you have any questions about filling out the following forms, contact arclay@smcm.edu
Club leaders are expected to…
Actively recruit new members to their club
Engage members in the activities promised by the club (e.g., performance based groups should hold performances, service based groups should be doing service, etc.)
Table at Involvement Fair at the beginning of the fall and spring semesters
Table during SMCM open houses when requested
Send at least one representative to club council every month (any executive board member can attend, but preferably the president, VP, or treasurer)
Complete the “monthly club report” sent out by the Club Coordinator during the week of each club council
Follow the fund appeals process and manage the finances of their organization
Properly prepare to leave the club in good hands by transitioning power responsibly at the end of their term
Tips for Leading a CLub
Recruitment
In order to recruit members effectively, you need to appeal to that which motivates people to join your organization. Most people join for one or several of the following reasons:
To serve people
To practice a skill
To have fun
To gain experience with your organization
To associate with others whose interests and values match those of your organization
Keeping Your Members Happy and Active
People will remain flexible in your organization if their needs are being met and they are experiencing fulfillment and usefulness. Remember to:
Delegate tasks to specific members
Assign members to jobs that match their skills, interests, and experience
Encourage a high-level approach in their specific assigned jobs
Give members the training they need to be effective
Maintain open lines of communication
Include all members in decision-making and planning within their area of responsibility (when possible)
Reward your members after a particularly successful program or event
Remember to always treat them as full officers or members and not outsiders!
Training
It is your responsibility as a club leader to train the members of your club. Training includes workshops, program-planning, record-keeping, and anything else that is necessary for your club to function. If your club does a lot of purchasing, competitions, or extensive regular communication, it is recommended that you contact the Coordinator of Student Activities about possibly getting a club email address set up so that future information can be easily accessed by future Executive Boards of your club.
Newly elected officers should meet with former officers for individualized training. The SGA Executive Board is also available to assist you with any recommendations, insights, or training.
Financial Information
Tips for Fund Appeals
Be prepared. Come with as much information as possible. The more information you have, the more likely it is that the Finance board will allocate money for your club.
Come with a summary of items and amounts that you are requesting. Make the presentation pleasing to the eye. Itemize your list so that it is clear and easy to follow.
Be detailed. The more information you have the easier it will be for the Finance board to make a decision.
Check your email! All meeting times will be emailed to you at least two days in advance. Don’t miss your meeting time because you didn’t check your email.
Preparedness is key!
