Organize a Club

A Guide to Organizing a Disabled Student Services Club

Why Organize a Disabled Student's Club?

To increase faculty awareness regarding necessary accommodations for students with disabilities
To promote self empowerment resources for students with disabilities
To increase support for disabled students within the disabled community
To increase compliance on campus with the Americans with Disabilities Act in terms of accessibility for mobility impaired, visually impaired hearing impaired or learning disabled students

How do I start a Disabled Student Club?

Find a group of students interested in disability related issues
Find a faculty or staff member to serve as your advisor
Identify a core of student leaders to serve as officers
Choose a name and draft a mission statement that identifies the club's purpose
Register your club at the Student Activities Office on your campus
Notify the Disabled Student Services Office about your club
Schedule and advertise a general meeting for all students to attend
Contact us at NCSD and we can publicize your group

OnLine Help

The internet has become the big meeting place of the world. Caution should be used before meeting with anyone from the internet.
Always meet in groups and in public places. Always tell someone where you are going.

Meet Up

Yahoo Groups

MSN Groups

Publicizing Tips

Set up a table at Freshman Orientation to get your club out there
Post flyers about upcoming meetings inside the Disability Service Office and across campus
Create attention-catching posters and put in the library, cafeteria, student union and other key locations on campus
Network with other student clubs whose mission is compatible with your own and ask them to forward information about your club to their members
Write your club's meeting times/location in sidewalk chalk around campus

After You are Up and Running

Now that you are a registered club there are several key things to do to be successful

Hold General Meetings once a month for all students to attend
Hold Executive Meetings at least twice a month with the Executive Board Officers to discuss important issues about the club
Plan several events each semester to increase membership and interest in your club
Talk with the Student Activities Office at school about attending Student Programming Conferences in your region
Contact the Disability Service Office about receiving funding for your club
Hold fundraisers and collaborate with other clubs

Cornerstones of a Successful Club

Commitment

Be dedicated to the mission of your club

Organization

Be organized and detailed about all club matters

Leadership

Maintain strong leadership and direction within the club

Teamwork

Work together to accomplish the goals of the club

Advocacy

Advocate the rights of all disabled students on your campus

Motivate

Motivate members through positive feedback and praise