Military Club

[seb.g.b]

(Just a preface I will be posting this to all SA forums as I want answers from as many as possible, and I know some only really look on the forum of one SA)

Starting a club at my school is a hectic process. In order to start one, you need to send an application late school year, get approval from your school and have them send it to the district, and have the district approve your club, which is a long process which could take months. I start the application for a military club back in late April of last school year, and I am happy to say that I received full approval and became an official club as of today.

I wanted to post this here as I wanted to ask you two questions.
1. What are some things I can do with my club that SA's will favor highly?
2. What are some general recommendations you have that I can achieve with my club?

Although the questions may sound similar, the first one is asking, in the eyes of an admissions counselor, or district nominee board, what type of things that you do with the club would they value more than others and take into heavy account? (Ex. running a donation for a veteran org would probably weigh heavier than just a general meeting) For the second one, I'm merely just asking for any ideas you guys may personally have that I can do with it. The main goal is to educate others about the military, and military opportunities. However, what are some topics we can teach about, fun military related style activities we can hold, organization of the club, etc.?

Thank you for all inputs!

 

[Dr. Strange Love]

.
Community service is one way to go. Try partnering with Fisher House in your area, and see how they might need help — FisherHouse.org

They may partner with Habitat for Humanity on some military family projects.

You can organize, recruit, and lead activities all at the same time.

 

[A6E Dad]

what is the purpose or mission of the club?

If it's a military club, and the purpose is to support HS students who plan a career in the military (SA's, enlisted, rotc, etc), then you should focus activities on that preparation - ie. gaining/sharing information, bringing in guests or speakers who can help educate on military paths etc, and a heavy dose of physical training, etc.

If it's a veteran support mission, then lots of things to do to help vets, and lots of orgs to partner with. You could obviously combine those things.

If the purpose of the club is simply something to look good on a SA application, then I think they will see right through that.

The key is that you need to make the mission of the club clear, and then plan and do things that support the mission

good luck

 

[usna1985]

I think you're looking at things (and life) backwards. You will be more successful in life if you engage in activities about which you're passionate. That helps you with direction and then, when you talk about those activities, that passion shows through. If you engage in an activity to "look good," you'll typically struggle to find your way and, when you talk about it, you'll struggle as well.

One other point before I answer you question directly . . . SAs and nom committees don't look more favorably on military-related ECAs than they do any other ECA. My major ECA was my school newspaper. For some, it's singing, acting or playing an instrument. Some do scouting or religious-based activities. Some are into scuba or chess or building rockets. There is no "right" ECA for succeeding in a USNA application -- rather, it's about finding things you love and stick with and drive to new heights.

Back to your question . . . You decided to found the club. Why? If the only reason was to look good for the SAs, you're probably already doomed. But I'm going to assume you wanted to promote something. That could be providing education about the military to your fellow students and maybe even teachers. In that case, you'll want to focus on things like awareness of Veterans' Day and Memorial Day (and the difference between them). You might bring in veterans to talk about their experiences. You might promote activities that highlight the many missions of the different branches, etc.

If the goal of the club is to help the military . . . then you might do things such as help local veterans' organizations, sponsoring activities for deployed military members (care packages, etc.).

Your club could do both. But you first need to give some more thought to YOUR motivation -- what will give you joy and satisfaction. Because if it's not there, all the advice in the world won't help.

 

[seb.g.b]

what is the purpose or mission of the club?

If it's a military club, and the purpose is to support HS students who plan a career in the military (SA's, enlisted, rotc, etc), then you should focus activities on that preparation - ie. gaining/sharing information, bringing in guests or speakers who can help educate on military paths etc, and a heavy dose of physical training, etc.

If it's a veteran support mission, then lots of things to do to help vets, and lots of orgs to partner with. You could obviously combine those things.

If the purpose of the club is simply something to look good on a SA application, then I think they will see right through that.

The key is that you need to make the mission of the club clear, and then plan and do things that support the mission

good luck

The "main" purpose is merely to educate others more about the military and opportunities offered. My school rarely every focuses on the military, leading many to not know opportunities such as ROTC. We just want to expose them to it. However, although since it is our main goal, we don't want it to be our only goal. Doing that would basically just be us doing presentations at lunch every week or two. With the club I wanna be able to do more such as host volunteer activities, military related activities, visit veterans, etc.

 

[seb.g.b]

I think you're looking at things (and life) backwards. You will be more successful in life if you engage in activities about which you're passionate. That helps you with direction and then, when you talk about those activities, that passion shows through. If you engage in an activity to "look good," you'll typically struggle to find your way and, when you talk about it, you'll struggle as well.

One other point before I answer you question directly . . . SAs and nom committees don't look more favorably on military-related ECAs than they do any other ECA. My major ECA was my school newspaper. For some, it's singing, acting or playing an instrument. Some do scouting or religious-based activities. Some are into scuba or chess or building rockets. There is no "right" ECA for succeeding in a USNA application -- rather, it's about finding things you love and stick with and drive to new heights.

Back to your question . . . You decided to found the club. Why? If the only reason was to look good for the SAs, you're probably already doomed. But I'm going to assume you wanted to promote something. That could be providing education about the military to your fellow students and maybe even teachers. In that case, you'll want to focus on things like awareness of Veterans' Day and Memorial Day (and the difference between them). You might bring in veterans to talk about their experiences. You might promote activities that highlight the many missions of the different branches, etc.

If the goal of the club is to help the military . . . then you might do things such as help local veterans' organizations, sponsoring activities for deployed military members (care packages, etc.).

Your club could do both. But you first need to give some more thought to YOUR motivation -- what will give you joy and satisfaction. Because if it's not there, all the advice in the world won't help.

I understand what you're trying to say, however, I can assure you that this is not purely motivated to look good on apps. I was always interested in the military as well as military history from a young age, starting this club merely only helps me be able to spread my passion to others. I started this club as a way to educate others more about the military, as well as opportunities they may not know. Our school isn't big on military, you rarely ever hear anyone go into the service especially right after high school. Everyone's all about college. However a lot of people don't know there's things like ROTC that help you get through college. My aim is to help teach people that and open the up to the possibility of a military career in the future. As for your second part, were trying to do as much we can, hence why I'm posting this. We don't only wanna do presentations at school, but also host activities and such and do more within the community.

 

[usna1985]

Given the above responses, let's go back to your questions:

1. What are some things I can do with my club that SA's will favor highly?
2. What are some general recommendations you have that I can achieve with my club?

For #1, focus on what things you can do with your club that will help the military and help educate others about the military, not about what SAs will favor.
For #2, I think you've already answered your own question.

Here are some suggestions for activities:
Talk to local senior centers, retirement communities, etc. about doing something special for the veterans on major military days; create posters or similar highlighting the missions of the USA, USN, USCG, etc. Look into bringing veterans from different services and of different ages/backgrounds to speak about their experiences; help organizations that provide service animals for disabled veterans; consider sponsoring a disabled vet who is competing in a Para-Olympic or similar event; attend such an event to show your support; prepare care packages or letters for military members deployed over the holidays; sponsor a holiday party for children of deployed military members; visit a local VA hospital and talk to veterans.

As you can see, the possibilities are endless. They all take some time and effort. But so do most things that are worth doing.

 

[Capt MJ]

Look for a Team Red, White and Blue chapter in your area. Perhaps they have a service project you can help with, and interact with veterans while you work on it. Same with The Mission Continues.

Team Red, White & Blue

www.teamrwb.org

Home

We empower veterans to continue their service, and empower communities with veteran talent, skills, and preparedness to generate visible impact. Join us in serving again—in your community.

missioncontinues.org

If there is a Veterans’ cemetery in your town, either Federal or state, they may have volunteer opportunities where you place flags in holidays, or clean gravestones.

 

[bopper]

I would think it should have two purposes:
1) Educate others about military careers/history
2) Service. You could work with Veterans of Foreign Wars or the like on their service projects

 

[HCopter]

Before going down the rabbit hole of picking specific activities, I would spend considerable time up front on developing the framework of your club. We aren't privy to how your clubs work or the culture at your school. Here are some questions you should answer first:

Does my club overlap existing clubs? (JROTC, volunteer clubs already doing the things I might propose?)
Do I need a club sponsor (ie, a faculty teacher? If, so, I suggest your future 11th grade English, Math, or Chemistry/Physics teacher - for obvious reasons! What better way to get a rec from a teacher who knows you for more than one year, in the capacity of a student AND a leader!)
Am I allowed to handle money? (some schools this is not allowed. I know! What a bummer but it's a rule, so double check!)
Can I create events that collaborate or are complementary with other clubs? (for example, if you volunteer somewhere, can you offer to allow NHS kids to volunteer and you will give them service hours?)
How do I structure my club? (I would have formal leadership roles; perhaps appoint the first year, Pres, VP, secretary, maybe treasurer if you can handle money)
Get a calendar. Think of general meeting dates, events at school, perhaps 1 or 2 major actions outside, such as the ones suggested above.
IMO - keep it simple the first year. Whatever you do, make sure you are successful at what you take on.

Keep in mind the greatest thing you are asking of anyone who wants to join your club is TIME. It is a very precious commodity so you can't ask people to waste it with less than enriching meetings/commitment/activities.

You can have a 2 prong approach - the outside of school event/service/community engagement, but also something with enriching speakers. Have you thought about reaching out to the ROTC/BGO/ALO, FFR etc in your area? Maybe they'd like to come guest speak at your school, especially since you state your school does not have a strong SA presence. Don't forget details along with big picture - talk to your GC -do they need to be Voly registered or whatever it takes to step foot on campus? Show initiative, big picture, but also attention to details! Have you thought about contacting the SA parent organizations in your area? They have mids/cadets that may want to pay it forward.. "..it was not so long ago you were in our shoes in high school....would you come talk to my school about your experiences at your SA?" Perhaps over their winter leave or such. Have you considered partnering with your PTA? Yes, PTA! They often have newsletters and are the communication arm of the school (sometimes financial) so make sure to incorporate news/announcements of club meetings, and good deeds etc.

You should have a binder. Look at it like when you are gone, everything is in there for the next person to continue the club.
What is your succession plan?

Obviously by the length of my post, this is a big pet peeve of mine - starting clubs/nonprofits. (I used to interview candidates at an investment bank) If you don't have a binder, give me a 2-page statement of what this club is, and articulate a succession plan, I mentally don't give you credit for starting a club/nonprofit. And nonprofits are even worse. I will ask about your board, who takes your meeting minutes and are they current, and what's your fiscal year plus what form 990 you file (or an adult, but you'd better know what I am talking about) and how this nonprofit will continue on when you go to college.

 

[seb.g.b]

Before going down the rabbit hole of picking specific activities, I would spend considerable time up front on developing the framework of your club. We aren't privy to how your clubs work or the culture at your school. Here are some questions you should answer first:

Does my club overlap existing clubs? (JROTC, volunteer clubs already doing the things I might propose?)
Do I need a club sponsor (ie, a faculty teacher? If, so, I suggest your future 11th grade English, Math, or Chemistry/Physics teacher - for obvious reasons! What better way to get a rec from a teacher who knows you for more than one year, in the capacity of a student AND a leader!)
Am I allowed to handle money? (some schools this is not allowed. I know! What a bummer but it's a rule, so double check!)
Can I create events that collaborate or are complementary with other clubs? (for example, if you volunteer somewhere, can you offer to allow NHS kids to volunteer and you will give them service hours?)
How do I structure my club? (I would have formal leadership roles; perhaps appoint the first year, Pres, VP, secretary, maybe treasurer if you can handle money)
Get a calendar. Think of general meeting dates, events at school, perhaps 1 or 2 major actions outside, such as the ones suggested above.
IMO - keep it simple the first year. Whatever you do, make sure you are successful at what you take on.

Keep in mind the greatest thing you are asking of anyone who wants to join your club is TIME. It is a very precious commodity so you can't ask people to waste it with less than enriching meetings/commitment/activities.

You can have a 2 prong approach - the outside of school event/service/community engagement, but also something with enriching speakers. Have you thought about reaching out to the ROTC/BGO/ALO, FFR etc in your area? Maybe they'd like to come guest speak at your school, especially since you state your school does not have a strong SA presence. Don't forget details along with big picture - talk to your GC -do they need to be Voly registered or whatever it takes to step foot on campus? Show initiative, big picture, but also attention to details! Have you thought about contacting the SA parent organizations in your area? They have mids/cadets that may want to pay it forward.. "..it was not so long ago you were in our shoes in high school....would you come talk to my school about your experiences at your SA?" Perhaps over their winter leave or such. Have you considered partnering with your PTA? Yes, PTA! They often have newsletters and are the communication arm of the school (sometimes financial) so make sure to incorporate news/announcements of club meetings, and good deeds etc.

You should have a binder. Look at it like when you are gone, everything is in there for the next person to continue the club.
What is your succession plan?

Obviously by the length of my post, this is a big pet peeve of mine - starting clubs/nonprofits. (I used to interview candidates at an investment bank) If you don't have a binder, give me a 2-page statement of what this club is, and articulate a succession plan, I mentally don't give you credit for starting a club/nonprofit. And nonprofits are even worse. I will ask about your board, who takes your meeting minutes and are they current, and what's your fiscal year plus what form 990 you file (or an adult, but you'd better know what I am talking about) and how this nonprofit will continue on when you go to college.

Thank you for such the thorough response, appreciate it! I'll answer your questions to the best of my ability as much as possible. No, we do not overlap any existing clubs, we're the first club to have anything military related on campus. For clubs, we are required to have an advisor to oversee the club. I chose my current engineering teacher as our advisor as he was a naval officer of 28 years so he definetely has a lot of military experience. Yes, we are allowed to handle money, however it is not directly within the club. We can run fundraisers to pay for things and we give the money to our school accountant who has an account of our club's finances and balance, and everything money wise is handled by our treasurer. I can reach out to other clubs and see if they are willing to host volunteer events. I am personally in NHS so I'm not sure if they'd be willing to this year as they already have volunteering oppurtunities but i'll see when next year comes around. I have already structured our club, with the exception of our head advisor, I have chosen a VP, Secretary, Treasurer, and Publicist. Yes, we do have a calendar of meetings dates and times, however since we're new, we have no major things currently planned. We have thought of the idea of guest speakers, but thank you for suggesting BGO's and such, we didnt think of that. Right now were looking to see if any recruiters in the local area are willing to be a guest speaker. Thank you for the SA parent organizations, I did not think about that and did not know that existed. I will definetely look into it. For our succession plan, it will be based on appointee, so people can apply for positions at the end of the year that will be opening up, and the President (me) and our advisor will decide. However, most likely, it will be the people going up that's already in board to get the more senior positions. For example, our VP and secretary are seniors, so when they leave, although the current treasurer and publicist still have to apply, they will most likely get those more senior positions. I really thank you for your advice, as I will bring this up at our board meeting tomorrow, and I know it will be highly valuable. Everything you sent is going to help us so much. If you are williing I'd love for you to PM me and give me more advice and tips how to get this club to operate and be the best it can be. Because again, I'm not necessarily doing this for "college", but rather for my passion of the military and wish to spread the benefits of it that people dont otherwise know.

 

[HCopter]

@seb.g.b , I suspected you did much legwork already, since you had to apply at the District level! Sounds great!
I'm always happy to help! You are also welcome to PM me with specific questions. All the above posters have excellent ideas for service as well!

 

[usna1985]

For the OP . . . take some of the time and effort you've put into this thread and put it into your new club!!!

 

[seb.g.b]

For the OP . . . take some of the time and effort you've put into this thread and put it into your new club!!!

Of course! I've already taken all of the suggestions people have said and the organizations recommended and contacted all of them if they're willing to help sponsor us or be able to offer us any volunteer opportunities.

 

[elorodelmar4]

(Just a preface I will be posting this to all SA forums as I want answers from as many as possible, and I know some only really look on the forum of one SA)

Starting a club at my school is a hectic process. In order to start one, you need to send an application late school year, get approval from your school and have them send it to the district, and have the district approve your club, which is a long process which could take months. I start the application for a military club back in late April of last school year, and I am happy to say that I received full approval and became an official club as of today.

I wanted to post this here as I wanted to ask you two questions.
1. What are some things I can do with my club that SA's will favor highly?
2. What are some general recommendations you have that I can achieve with my club?

Although the questions may sound similar, the first one is asking, in the eyes of an admissions counselor, or district nominee board, what type of things that you do with the club would they value more than others and take into heavy account? (Ex. running a donation for a veteran org would probably weigh heavier than just a general meeting) For the second one, I'm merely just asking for any ideas you guys may personally have that I can do with it. The main goal is to educate others about the military, and military opportunities. However, what are some topics we can teach about, fun military related style activities we can hold, organization of the club, etc.?

Thank you for all inputs!

I generally agree with the all of the recommendations here. One thing that I can attest to with having started my own club, is providing unique volunteer service opportunities, and incorporating it into the club.

 

[seb.g.b]

I generally agree with the all of the recommendations here. One thing that I can attest to with having started my own club, is providing unique volunteer service opportunities, and incorporating it into the club.

What type of "unique" volunteer services did your club offer that others didn't?