High School Students' Union?

[Soseloshvili]

I'm in high school, and recently, I've been talking with some kids about forming a students' union in the school, like those that can be found at any college / university in this country.

I was just wondering, does everyone think this is a good idea for high school students? I mean, do you think it will be a productive endeavour?

Firstly, I'm definitely qualified to run this thing. I run one youth group, a Gay-Straight Alliance, and I'm involved in another, a Feminists' group I help organize called White Tigers.

We do have a Student Council at our school. However, calling it a student council may be a bit incorrect, it could be better explained as a Student Dictatorship. We don't have elections, the staff just appoints whoever they want on Student Council. Our student council never actually does what it's supposed to, that is, represent the student body. They just organize school dances.

Secondly, the school doesn't really listen to what students actually need. For example, they just repainted most of the school, yet about 1/2 of all the computers in the school don't actually work.

Basically, I was just thinking of a group to which all students are welcome to help facilitate relations between school and students, and to direct students to any resource that may be helpful to them (for example, in this province there is a discount card for high school students that you can apply for that no one seems to tell us about).

The issues that some friends and I were talking about trying to address first were:


Getting all of the computers in the school working
Bringing down cafeteria prices (the first year I was here, a burger cost $2.50, now, it costs $4.50)
Updating the computers in the school (most run Microsoft Office 2000, a decade old program, and only a few have programs like Photoshop on them)
Informing students of the things they can take advantage of as high school students

I've looked it up, apparently a students union for high schoolers isn't a new concept, just not a widespread one.

What do you think, does it seem worth it?

[ellipsis]

Well I wouldn't but I was a lazy asshole in high school. Also was elected to council body which had members of the community, faculty and students on it. Was also FUBAR.

If this is something ur passionate about, its good experience in organizing, so go for it.

[Red Future]

I would agree with theredson on this ,however i would add that the School Management are unlikely to cooperate with student demands.From my own experience as a school council representative its really just a facade of a council rather than a school council with any feasible power.

The youth groups you run however are a great idea and i recommend you continue with them :cool:

[Mannimarco]

You'd have to make it secret.

Or they'd expel you so fast you even know what happened.

[Bitter Ashes]

At least in the UK, the actual running of school facilities is down to the Headteacher/principal and/or local goverment and to a lesser degree, the national budget.

Your campaigns should be focussed on encourging change either from a grassroots level, or through lobbying these places. A good media campaign will go a long way too in improving the effectivness of both.

To change policy against the will of the authorities requires there to be something that they will lose if they do not adhere to your demands. Find out thier weak spots, it's usualy to do with money, and prey on them. For example, the higher ups may lean on the head teacher if it makes them look bad, or threatens the image of educational quality in the area.

So, gather your demands, which you already seem to have done. Gather a network of support (a petition may be a good way for you to get a list of names and contact details of supporters you can call on). Then present your demands. If they ignore you then start turning up the heat gradualy until they come to the bargening table. Never be afraid to reject an offer if you think they're taking the mick.

Obviously I will advocate proper democracy in any organisation, so all demands, offers and actions should be approved by a vote, or if attendance is turning out low, then at least there should be the power of veto until things start gathering steam properly.

With good organisation and planning you can achieve anything! Good luck comrade :)

[Mannimarco]

At least in the UK, the actual running of school facilities is down to the Headteacher/principal and/or local goverment and to a lesser degree, the national budget.

Your campaigns should be focussed on encourging change either from a grassroots level, or through lobbying these places. A good media campaign will go a long way too in improving the effectivness of both.

To change policy against the will of the authorities requires there to be something that they will lose if they do not adhere to your demands. Find out thier weak spots, it's usualy to do with money, and prey on them. For example, the higher ups may lean on the head teacher if it makes them look bad, or threatens the image of educational quality in the area.

So, gather your demands, which you already seem to have done. Gather a network of support (a petition may be a good way for you to get a list of names and contact details of supporters you can call on). Then present your demands. If they ignore you then start turning up the heat gradualy until they come to the bargening table. Never be afraid to reject an offer if you think they're taking the mick.

Obviously I will advocate proper democracy in any organisation, so all demands, offers and actions should be approved by a vote, or if attendance is turning out low, then at least there should be the power of veto until things start gathering steam properly.

With good organisation and planning you can achieve anything! Good luck comrade :)

You're forgetting they can just expel everyone.

[Pretty Flaco]

You're forgetting they can just expel everyone.

Are you really that fucking dense? They will not be expelled for forming a student union.

[Sensible Socialist]

Contrary to what some have said, you will not be expelled for forming a student union, unless it is specifically against your school rules (I doubt it is).

If you can get enough students to go along with it, you could do some good. If you have a school newspaper (a very valuble tool), use it in conjunction with the student union.

[Decolonize The Left]

I'm in high school, and recently, I've been talking with some kids about forming a students' union in the school, like those that can be found at any college / university in this country.

I was just wondering, does everyone think this is a good idea for high school students? I mean, do you think it will be a productive endeavour?

Firstly, I'm definitely qualified to run this thing. I run one youth group, a Gay-Straight Alliance, and I'm involved in another, a Feminists' group I help organize called White Tigers.

We do have a Student Council at our school. However, calling it a student council may be a bit incorrect, it could be better explained as a Student Dictatorship. We don't have elections, the staff just appoints whoever they want on Student Council. Our student council never actually does what it's supposed to, that is, represent the student body. They just organize school dances.

Secondly, the school doesn't really listen to what students actually need. For example, they just repainted most of the school, yet about 1/2 of all the computers in the school don't actually work.

Basically, I was just thinking of a group to which all students are welcome to help facilitate relations between school and students, and to direct students to any resource that may be helpful to them (for example, in this province there is a discount card for high school students that you can apply for that no one seems to tell us about).

The issues that some friends and I were talking about trying to address first were:


Getting all of the computers in the school working
Bringing down cafeteria prices (the first year I was here, a burger cost $2.50, now, it costs $4.50)
Updating the computers in the school (most run Microsoft Office 2000, a decade old program, and only a few have programs like Photoshop on them)
Informing students of the things they can take advantage of as high school students

I've looked it up, apparently a students union for high schoolers isn't a new concept, just not a widespread one.

What do you think, does it seem worth it?

If you're serious about this you need to develop a base of strength among the students and teachers. You will need a lot of signatures, which shouldn't be hard from the students, but to be truly effective you will need a lot of teacher support. I'm not sure how big your school is, but the more support you can garner before you approach the administration, the better. So first talk to the teachers you know and like and explain the situation, then move from there - at the same time have someone else canvas the student body for support.

You should also consider changing your "issues to be addressed" as the ones you have so far all require the school spending more money, which they will not want to do. If you can add some 'community building' goals and general projects to be put together by the students, then your goal seems more well-rounded and less demanding, it will also be an easier sell to the teachers, parents, etc...
Of course these are just 'goals,' so you will not be required to complete anything unless you promise to that in the meeting.

Finally, you should very clearly outline the structure of your group. A "student union" brings to mind a massive gathering of perhaps hundreds of students, and this will not fly with the administration as there are safety concerns, etc.. You will need to outline the structure so that they understand that this is a representative organization who's purpose is ... This way they understand that they'll only be dealing with X number of students who are elected(?) by the rest of the student body.

In short, it will make your case stronger to arrive organized, prepared, and with a lot of written support. You want to appear professional and calm as this type of person is who the administration attempts to come across as, and hence they will be more receptive to this attitude. Your proposal should be clear, concise, and comprehensive. Make sure you have several people re-read the proposal for grammar/spelling/clarity so that it is as strong as it can be (and note that you will have to leave something with them, a proposal, as you cannot simply walk in and say you want to do something then leave, for it'll never happen).

Good luck.

- August

[CynicalIdealist]

Relevent: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HtU7ERJ3cTw