Give clubs money to start each year

By Rafael Rojas

This year at Rialto High School, there are over 40 clubs. Each club does unique things that interest certain students who join, or students might just want to try something new. There is only one issue: new clubs start with no money and have to raise some on their own. The school should give each club some money at the beginning of the year to cover field trips, supplies, and other expenses. 

The school should give each club anywhere from $100 to $300 to spend. If anything happens to the club and it no longer meets, the school will keep the money because ASB has it and must approve any spending. 

One example of a club that needed money at the beginning of the year was Ballet Folklorico. They had many new members join the club, and they needed money to buy dresses. They are slowly making money through fundraisers to buy them. Another example is the Eco Club, which has had many members in the past, and if it weren't for fundraisers from a past year, it would have no money to spend in the club at the moment. Both clubs would have benefited from receiving money at the beginning of the year, even if it was just 100 dollars to start. 

The main problem with fundraising is the paperwork, which takes a few days to complete. With this system in place, it would cut out the middleman, giving clubs money to support them in their activities.

Clubs should still be encouraged to do fundraisers if they want more money, but they will have the financial freedom to spend on small things. Fundraising is a good way to teach students how to plan sales, meet deadlines, and develop many other skills. It will also show which clubs want to grow and continue in the coming years, while others may run for a year or less, depending on what happens. Even for the clubs that last a year, they get the same opportunity as others to do what other bigger clubs can do. 

The money that isn't spent by disbanded clubs should be left with ASB for future school activities. This will ensure that money intended for students is still spent and that unspent club money is not lost or misused. This system would provide security for the school's money.

The funds will also encourage more clubs to form because they are being supported in starting, even if it's a small club. If the funds are not spent by the end of the year, they should be combined with the school's money and split again at the beginning of the year among clubs. So if clubs want to make money, they will be encouraged to fundraise to keep money for the next year, in addition to the money they receive at the beginning of the year. 

While this is a new idea, I believe it is worth a few discussions and a debate about whether it should be given a chance to be at the school for a year or two. If given a trial run, the administration would have a chance to see how the system works and make adjustments as needed. 

With the right support, clubs at RHS will continue to start, grow, and thrive for years to come, encouraging students to try new things and make a more positive environment on our campus.