Clubs can be a haven for like-minded people. Not only do you have a lot of fun starting and participating in one, but clubs can help you get truly involved with the Webb Community. Besides the task of starting it, making the club successful may appear daunting. But do not fret just yet, there are many useful tips that you can keep in mind as you launch and sustain your new club.
For example, having a Justin Bieber Appreciation Club may seem like a dream for someone out there, but keep in mind what would make that club great.
The popularity of a club’s topic is not the key to having a successful club.
Mr. Ken Rosenfeld, Dean of Campus Life, said, “[It] comes down to leadership. If you take any club covering any topic, leaders that inspire participation and follow through on the plans, the subject of the club is secondary.”
Kevin Wang (‘21), the president of the math club with one of the biggest and most successful clubs of Webb-has it all figured out.
He said, “I think one thing is the scale; math club is one of the biggest and most active clubs at Webb because of the big member base and programs that people want to participate in. And also the help tutors provide to people who are not in the club creates the great presence that makes it stand out.”
Kevin’s club exemplifies how it is possible to have a successful, impactful, and eventful club at Webb.
Your club is the accumulation of the effort that you put into it. The leader must serve as a beacon, guiding their members to challenge themselves while having fun. In order for a club to truly work, commitments and plans must be followed through and executed to the best of the leader’s abilities.
Keeping up with the hustle and bustle of Webb and managing, essentially, your own flock of people requires a delicate balance. Mr. Rosenfeld also has an answer to this dilemma: clubs that have a strong purpose and foundation will compel their participants to come back each time. When executed and managed properly, this allows for people to truly enjoy something that not only is a well-thought-out idea, but is also functional.
It all boils down to honorable leadership skills, but also establishing a reliable support system. The roles of Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, and Faculty Advisor ensure that this task is not a one-man or woman show. The voices and opinions of others are heard, in order to enrich the club. Also, the burden of management is lifted, allowing those in leadership positions to balance their club and being a Webb student.
Once your club has good leadership skills, a solid foundation, support system, and the club knows how to make and execute plans, it is smooth sailing from thereon.
Eleanor Corbin (‘20), the president of Feminist Club, has also developed a very successful club over the past few years. She has hosted conversations about feminism, worked with other clubs like the LGBTQ+ Club and the Black Student Union, and organized events with the Women’s March and Scripps College.
When asked about how she organizes all of the events, Eleanor said, “We’ve been taking notes in the text chain between me and Jenna [Hawkes (‘21), the vice president of Feminist Club] and sending links to each other about things that would be cool. Also communicating with the presidents of other clubs ahead of time.”
Ariel Benjamin (‘20) is the co-president of LGBTQ+ Club, one of Webb’s longest-lasting clubs. They have hosted events for Pride Month and Human Rights Day, which has created a safe space for LGBTQ+ Webbies and allies.
Ariel said, “Choose responsible officers who are passionate about the topic, stay on top of the work, and contribute to the club.”
Leading a club can seem intimidating, but it helps foster community spirit and leadership at Webb. Make sure to keep an eye out for this year’s student-run clubs by attending Club Fair and staying up to date with STAS announcements!
