The Bakersfield College Student Government Association (BCSGA) hosted a Student Organization Workshop on Jan. 23 to show students how to create a club and what resources are available to clubs at BC.
Frankie Dirden, President of The First Renegades Native American club and BC’s newly appointed Director of Finance led the workshop for the club officers and aspiring club creators in the BCSGA Boardroom.
To start a club at BC, students essentially need a team, a mission statement, a meeting time, and location.
Dirden explained, “You’ll need a president, a treasurer, an inter-club council, which is the ICC representative, and then your full-time faculty advisor.”
Emiliano Serna, President of the PSI Beta club added, “And those people help plan things, they help our events. Everything that has to do with the actual club and where it wants to go.”
“It’s important to focus on what you’re trying to get done as a club, your purpose or originally why you want to start a club,” stated Serna.
Students can request a recurring meeting space on campus or even meet in the dining commons.
“I love how we have the freedom to plan out when we have our meetings. So, you can plan any time, any day, whatever location,” said Dirden.
Clubs are advised to have open and clear communication, weekly meetings, a filing system, and meeting agendas.
Angie Gonzalez, Creative Writing Club Treasurer, was there to get insight on clubs because the club’s president recently graduated leaving a gap in leadership.
“I think it’s just important to know that there’s like a whole support group behind everything,” said Serna.
Dirden revealed resources available to clubs including grants and the Spring Rush happening on Feb. 11.
“Clubs will have the opportunity to join and table to promote their clubs, recruit additional members,” described Jenae Ortega, newly appointed Student Organizations Advisor.
Clubs can also receive funds for day-to-day operations, hosting events, travelling, and fundraising through grants.
Students seeking the most up to date information on Student Organizations are advised to contact BCSGA Director of Student Organizations, Erin Griepsma.