Step 1: Start Talking
When starting a club, the first step is always to talk to the Director of Student Activities, Mr. Lechich (nlechich@dalton.org). Before sitting down with him, make sure you have 5 interested students and a faculty member in mind. Come prepared to discuss the intended purpose of your club and any important logistics (i.e. a rough idea of when/where meetings would be held, whether or not your club will need funding, etc.)
Step 2: Submit A Club Charter
Respond to the club charter questions, which ask for:
The official name of the club and names of its founding heads
A Statement of Purpose, which explains the need for, the global objects of, and the community benefit accruing from the creation of the new club
The criteria for membership of the new club
The method of selection for new club heads. This section should cite any restrictions as to a head's grade level, the maximum number of heads, etc. If the method involves any voting by the clubs membership, a description of how the voting membership is determined needs to be included
The faculty advisor(s) who will be committed to the goals of the club and able to attend club meetings on a regular basis. The advisor(s) must also review and approve the proposed Charter.
Any other special information regarding the club.
The completed charter must be submitted to the Coordinator of Student Actives and Dean of Students for administrative approval. The administration has the right to request that changes be made to the Charter as a condition for approval. If the administration ultimately denies approval of the formation of the proposed club, it must do so unwriting to the student(s) and advisor(s) who submitted the charter.
Step 3: Maintain Recognition
To maintain recognition as an official Dalton club, the club will:
Function in a manner consistent with its Statement of Purpose and according to the procedures outlined in its Charter
Maintain an active membership of at least fives students as well as at least one actively involved faculty advisor
Meet at least once per month. Meeting times will be pre-determined to the extent possible and publicized effectively. Student head are expected to attend all meeting and faculty advisor(s) are expected to attend regularly unless special circumstances don't allow it.
Arrange regular meetings between the head(s) and the advisor(s) in advance of all full group meetings. the advisor(s) will be informed and consulted on all matters pertaining to the functioning of the group, including any special events being planned
Select its new head(s) prior to Memorial Day unless specific administrative permission is granted. The advisor(s) will oversee the succession procedure. The names of the candidates and the list of students who are eligible to vote will be submitted to the Coordinator of Student activities, who will then forward this information to the Director of Technology. The Director of Technology will set up an electronic election, the results of which will be shared by the Coordinator of Student Activities. During the election process, each Club's advisor(s) has full authority and discretion to insure that succession is handled fairly and smoothly, including removing sitting heads for reasons of malfeasance and/or irresponsibility.
At the end of the year (no later than Memorial Day), the group will review and report in writing on how successful (or not) it was in achieving its goals for that year. All these documents will become permanent additions to the Charter.
Abide by all rules and regulations pertaining to school sanctioned activities, e.g. publications, trips, raising/spending of funds, etc. Issues which might lead to controversy or problems will be discussed as soon as possible with the advisor(s) and, if necessary, with the Coordinator of Student Activities and Dean of Students.
Step 4: Know Your Resources
Use the government website as a hub of resources for running your club. Among the most important will be: