The Why of Student Organizations

The person who knows “how” will always be dependent on the person who knows “why”. Great student leaders understand the reasons behind actions and initiatives. By understanding why something is being done, you can begin to build a strategy for implementation. But before we analyze specific strategies, we must first consider the foundational why. Why does your organization exist?

The purpose of a student organization is to gather people who are interested in a particular activity or idea and want to find a community of peers in pursuit of the same goal. So when you’re thinking about why your organization exists, consider what value it’s providing to the student body. What is the ultimate goal and vision you’re trying to promote? What does your school and campus look like in the ideal world where all your initiatives are unqualified successes? For example, a performance group might wish to bring entertainment to as many students as possible through elaborate shows. A competitive speech & debate group might want to inspire excellent communicators who consistently place at nationals and go on to become unparalleled lawmakers. A Quidditch team might want to inspire belief in magic by having members on broomsticks chase terrified squirrels. Once you have a vision, you can begin to build a mission statement that guides the implementation.

Why Student Organizations?

While you will spend significant time and energy figuring out why your specific organization needs to exist, don’t forget the importance of student organizations in general. The activities that students participate in and the people that they meet will define them far beyond the walls of a school. Understand that the experiences they have in your organization today will affect how they perceive and react to an uncertain world tomorrow.

Promote positivity and value, and the world will benefit.

Promote negativity and destruction, and the world will suffer.

Understand your limitations, but realize that your ability to influence goes beyond the campus. Student organizations exist because they are a training ground for the real world. Prepare your members well, and the world will thank you beyond measure.