For the Long HaulBecause of graduation, summer vacations, academic commitments, and transfers, an unstable membership is a fact of life for student organizations. On many campuses, this leads to severe discontinuity. It is difficult for a movement to go forward and build on previous victories if there is no “passing of the torch” from one student generation to the next.It is therefore very important for the leadership of successful student groups to pass on their knowledge and skills to younger classmates, and to build structures in the organization to ensure that it will thrive even after the founders graduate. Here are some suggestions on building your organization to last: 1) Have a committed faculty advisor. Find a professor who has a strong interest in your issue, believes in what you are doing, and has an activist background. If there is no visible activist faculty on your campus, then you can find one through other activists or the academic department. Most faculty cannot devote much time to an activist organization, but they can provide mentorship to new activists, a friend in the faculty union, and continuity from year to year. Be sure to keep him or her informed of and invited to your activities. Your group may want to consider forming a “Board of Advisors” that consists of faculty and community activists. 2) Take the time and schedule regular training sessions for your group where skills are taught by experienced activists to new members. If this can’t be done, then group leaders should always be careful to mentor younger activists and pass on skills on an individual level. When you graduate, make sure that there are ten more progressive leaders to take your place. 3) Receive institutional funding. This will ensure resources for your group, but is a dangerous proposition, since student governments and the administration will want to control what they pay for. Institutional funding will work for purely educational organizations, but probably not groups working for social change. Accept funding only on your own terms. 4) Create an organizational structure that is written down and will stand the test of time. When doing this, consult with other campus organizations that have been around awhile. You can also write to national organizations or student groups in different parts of the country, and ask to see their constitution, operating rules, or guidelines. To find out about other successful campus organizations, you can write to the CCO or to the Student Environmental Action Coalition (for addresses, see the back cover). |
Introduction Why Work for Peace & Justice on Campus? How to Start a Group Meetings & Group Process Planning an Event Planning a Campaign Research Publicity Techniques Media and Press Releases Building your Membership & Support Base Nonviolent Direct Action Bibliography For the Long Haul Helpful Organizations |