The Role of the Advisor

I have conducted several virtual training programs for club and organization advisors this fall. Before I get to their responsibilities later in this article, I want to talk about the big question that I often hear from them: “Should we even be having clubs and organizations right now?” The answer … [read more »]

3 Ways to Make Meetings Fun and Interesting!

Do your campus clubs and organizations see a drop-off in meeting attendance throughout the year? It is probably because of boring meetings which are typically characterized by the droning on of a monotone voice from the front of the room or the meeting leader who sits in the middle of … [read more »]

The Dark Side of Parliamentary Procedure and Robert’s Rules

Mwahh, ha, ha, ha! Welcome to Tales from the Gavel Crypt, the dark side of parliamentary procedure and Robert’s Rules! The end of the fall term is almost here and by now, you may have encountered the evils of procedure – Points of Order/Information/Privilege, Motions to Reconsider, and the dreaded Abstention! … [read more »]

The Magically, Mysteriously, Disappearing Motion

  I have had the opportunity to serve in a number of leadership roles throughout my life and I estimate that I have run more than 1,000 meetings and programs to date! I know parliamentary procedure very well. In fact, I consider myself an expert on it as it relates to student … [read more »]

Building Your Team on Campus

Team building activities and games are usually a part of leadership workshops, retreats, and conferences. Following are some of my approaches and favorite interactives to help build teams such as student government, the programming board, residence hall leadership, and other clubs and organizations. Common Ground:  It is necessary to know why you … [read more »]

When Should I Train My Student Leaders?

When should I train my student leaders? That’s a question I get a lot. And the answer is that it varies from school to school, what stage of leadership your student leaders are at, and what you are trying to accomplish. Since I can’t cover every conceivable situation in this email, … [read more »]

Dealing with Conflict and Drama in Clubs and Organizations, Part 1

  Conflict in clubs and organizations can be the big “Ouch”. It hurts, it’s not fun. But, it happens for lots of reasons. When it happens, you have to be ready to deal with it. During my 30+ years of experience as a student leader, advisor, and speaker, I have … [read more »]

Dealing with Conflict and Drama in Clubs and Organizations, Part 2

  Conflict in clubs and organizations can be the big “Ouch”.  It hurts, it’s not fun. But, it happens for lots of reasons. When it happens, you have to be ready to deal with it. During my 30+ years of experience as a student leader, advisor, and speaker, I have … [read more »]

Leadership vs. Liarship in Campus Clubs and Organizations

    A student’s leadership skills are developed through campus organizations, serving in the community, and other opportunities where they can stretch those muscles. But is liarship creeping into students’ officer and leadership roles? You are familiar with liarship: it thinking and believing that you are acting as a leader, … [read more »]

Meeting Essentials: Quorum, Voting, and Abstentions!

Oh, really, Dave? You’re doing a blog about quorums, voting, and abstentions? Yes, because many clubs and organizations may not know what these mean, how they work, or the impact on decisions they make. So, send this to them as a guide! Quorum: Quorum is the amount of members of a … [read more »]

Keys to Helping Students Create a Vision for Their Organization

  Proverbs 29:18 – “Where there is no vision, the people perish.” OK, maybe nothing quite that dramatic will happen if the leaders of your campus’ clubs and organizations don’t create a vision.  But, they may not have as much fun if they have no idea where they are going … [read more »]