When I was in year 11, I was struck.

No, not by lightning. By an idea: I wanted to start a school club- a TED-Ed Club, to be exact. Lo and behold, one year later, I would be on stage giving my speech before a crowd of people during my club’s main event after a successful year. 

Now, a lot of people have asked me how it came to be, how did I start a club? How did I come up with an idea? Where did I begin? Could they possibly start a club? When I set out to begin a club, there was no instruction manual; it was just me, myself and I. But lucky for you, my friend, I am here to disclose my secrets: here are 10 steps you need to take to start your own very successful club at NES. 

Step 1: Come up with an idea!

Not just any idea, an idea you’re passionate about! I began my TED-Ed club because I loved TED talks, sharing ideas and wanted to share ideas with others. Your first step would be coming up with something: a singing club? A baseball club? Maybe an astronomy club? A tik tok club? Perhaps a gaming club? The limit is your imagination (and school policy)! Remember to be passionate and excited about it! After all, if you don’t care about it, no one else will! 

Step 2: Get some feedback on your idea!

It’s really cool that you have an idea! But is it doable? Is it possible? Can you handle running a club alongside your studies? It’s a really fun thing to do, but is running a club easy? Nope! Which is why it’s important to share it with a teacher who knows you well for feedback. Maybe some friends too… Throw in your parents for a different POV; you’ll need their support for sure. It’s important to know what you’re getting yourself into and developing your idea. 

Step 3: Let’s think ‘specifics’. 

Your teacher/mother/father/friend/stuffed animal loved the idea! But now it’s time to think: how exactly would you run your club? On what days? Would you be alone or have a partner? How would you structure it? What will you be doing in your sessions? Is the club going to be open to all years or only certain year groups? How many people can join? All these are important questions to figure out before you reach out to the schools CCA manager, Ms. Williams. 

Step 4: The final reflection…..

You’re ready. All the details figured out, you are about to go in and talk to a teacher to begin your club. In my case, this was Ms. Williams and Mr. Smith. But now is the time for you to think: do you really want to do this? Can you handle this? These questions are very personal and you need to properly think about them. For me, running a club was awesome, but at times, it was very, very challenging. Looking back, however, I wouldn’t have had it any other way, but I also would’ve told myself that this journey wouldn’t be easy. Worth it? Absolutely! Easy? Absolutely NOT!

Step 5: Talk to a teacher in charge!

Go ahead, reach out! Talk to a teacher who is in charge of CCA’s like Ms. Williams, or ask your form teacher to direct you to someone. They will direct you, help you and be your mentor. No journey is done alone! 

Step 6: Begin advertising! 

Once you and a teacher responsible work out details, it’s time for you to advertise your club, whether it’s writing something for the CCA handbook, renting a stall at the freshers’ fair, going to classrooms, or putting up posters- the ways to advertise are endless! It’s important to let people know about your club so when the CCA signup forms go out, they’ll be able to plan and join. 

Step 7: Finalise plans and begin planning for your first meeting!

Now that people know about your club, it’s time you knew more about it! Draft rough or detailed plans about what you’ll be doing during the year and during your first meeting. This will help you greatly in planning and making sure you stay prepared and on track. Finish up any prep work and send out emails to people interested in your club!

Step 8: Have your first meeting!

The people are finally here, and the room is yours! Take a deep breath, gather your confidence and begin by introducing yourself, establishing rules, incorporating ice breakers. You’ll be spending an hour a week with these people, so get to know them! Take care of administrative tasks such as registers and collecting emails for Google Classrooms. It may seem like a lot, but you’ll get a hang of it! 

Step 9: Continue your club throughout the year

Throughout the year, make sure to stick to your schedule, be organised and most importantly, have fun! This is the time you spend getting your club to do its best! It may get difficult at times, but don’t get discouraged if things don’t go your way, this is all a learning experience. Don’t take yourself too seriously and make sure to enjoy yourself and connect with your club members through talking, sharing, laughing, Google Classrooms and emails. It’s time to do things! Also, make sure to connect with your teachers and mentors for progress reports- they really are a great help! Make sure to accomplish all things your club set out to do.

Step 10: Celebrate! And reflect….

Great job, soldier! Months later and you have finished your club! I am so proud of you, and so is everyone else! You have done it, you came out with an idea, you started your own club, and now your journey has finished. 

 

I ran the TED-Ed Club for two years, and leaving it will be a sad thing for me as a graduating senior. However, I am happy in knowing that the club will continue after I am gone, and that it has had an impact on a lot of people. You should be happy too! Your club truly enriched the lives of others, and you’ve made memories you won’t forget. You have grown so much more through this process, and we can’t wait for you to do more!