Making a Plan

Get ready to raise awareness and reduce stigma about mental health and substance use on your campus! Behavioral health clubs create spaces for students to talk about tough issues and connect with community resources.

the basics

Faculty advisor

A trusted adult who will support club leaders to run meetings and provide guidance as needed. This person must be willing to discuss sensitive topics with teens, and be passionate about eliminating stigma and improving access to behavioral health supports.

cORE mEMBERSHIP

Getting off to a good start means building your community. Ensure you have at least six students who are willing and able to participate in the club, including the three basic leadership positions (Chair/President, Secretary, and Treasurer).

a sOLID
pLAN

You will need to write a proposal to get your club started. This should outline the club's purpose (both what it will do and what it will not), its leadership structure, and your thoughts on what you will do at meetings. Your school may have specific guidelines.

Financial Support

Many schools provide funds for Associated Student Body (ASB) correlated clubs. There may be local grants available to student clubs, and several national organizations offer funding for local clubs that are affiliated with their organization.

Reflection Questions:

1. What is motivating me to start this club?

2. Who do I know that is also interested in youth behavioral health?

3. What are the requirements for starting a club at my school?

4. Is it better to start a club from scratch or to try and become affiliated with a national organization?

Building a Leadership Team

Good leadership is about much more than titles! Here are six strategies for building a strong, effective leadership team:
Encourage collaboration and teamwork. Create opportunities for members to share ideas, participate in projects and contribute to decision-making. People are more likely to stay engaged when they feel they have a voice.
Foster open communication. Keep communication clear and regular. Use newsletters, emails and group chats to keep everyone updated on events, meetings and important club news. Make sure members feel comfortable asking questions and sharing their thoughts.
Delegate wisely. Good leaders don’t try to do everything themselves. Assign tasks based on members’ skills and interests, helping them grow while also spreading the workload.
Lead by example. Set the tone by being approachable, reliable and consistent. Your actions greatly impact the club’s culture, so demonstrate the behaviors you want to see in others.
Show appreciation. Regularly recognize members’ efforts through awards, shout-outs or simple thank-yous. Acknowledgment keeps morale high and members motivated.
Adapt and evolve. Be flexible and open to change. Clubs grow and shift over time, so be willing to try new approaches and adjust strategies based on feedback and results.

Common Leadership Roles

President - The president is responsible for setting goals, running meetings and leading communication efforts. They represent the club in public and act as the main contact for members. Presidents often lead major projects, work on developing new initiatives and tackle any issues that arise. They also play a crucial role in maintaining a positive and inclusive club culture while motivating the team. A strong president is someone who listens, adapts and encourages members to stay active and engaged.

Vice President - The club vice president takes charge of special projects, member recruitment campaigns and event management tasks. They often lead committees and work directly with other board members to guarantee that activities are on track. The VP is often seen as the problem-solver, helping to troubleshoot issues and find solutions quickly. Whether it’s managing logistics for a large event or creating new ways to engage members, the vice president is deeply involved in daily operations.

Secretary - The secretary is responsible for documenting meetings, maintaining records and keeping members informed. They prepare agendas, send out reminders and make important files accessible to all members. Secretaries also manage communication tools, like email lists or social media groups, so that members receive timely updates.

Treasurer - Treasurers handle budgets, track income and expenses and prepare regular financial reports. They collect dues, oversee bank accounts and manage transactions related to events, fundraisers and other activities. In addition to these duties, the treasurer is often involved in planning fundraising campaigns, working closely with the fundraising chair to set goals and manage resources.

Membership Chair - The membership chair leads recruitment efforts, organizes onboarding activities and works to improve retention. They often host open houses, social events and other gatherings that introduce the club to potential members. Once members join, the chair makes sure they feel welcome, helping them get involved in activities and events.

Event Coordinator - Event coordinators are responsible for planning, managing and executing events that align with the club’s mission. They handle everything from booking venues and scheduling activities to arranging food, speakers or entertainment. Event coordinators often work closely with the PR officer to promote events, creating excitement and driving attendance.

Fundraising Chair - The fundraising chair plans and leads campaigns, identifies potential donors and organizes events that encourage contributions. They often work with local businesses or sponsors to secure funding. This role requires creativity, persistence and strong communication skills, as successful fundraising depends on engaging both club members and the wider community.

Onward!