Three words: Power in numbers. By joining forces with likeminded people at your school, your strength on campus grows several times over. Here's how to get a group started:

Recruiting Members
Start a buzz on your campus. One of the best ways to do this is to hang tear-off fliers all over campus that advertise your new group. Also, try submitting a letter to the editor of your school paper announcing your new student organization.

Most importantly, talk, talk, talk! Tell everyone you know about your new group, and tell them to tell everyone they know about it! Meet with likeminded groups on campus (e.g., environmental, human rights, and social justice groups) to host events and get the word out. Once you have people interested, then you can start to organize.

Get Recognized
At most schools, you'll be required to meet certain guidelines in order to get officially recognized as a school organization. Read your school's policy manual or meet with a staffer in the student activities office to familiarize yourself with your school's policies and procedures for student groups. Your school will probably require you to have a constitution and a faculty advisor.

Becoming an officially recognized campus group has many advantages: You'll receive a campus mailbox; be able to use fax machines, copiers, and other office supplies; have access to campus facilities, like meeting rooms; and, most importantly, be eligible to receive funding.

Download Campaign Materials
Check out the free materials that we offer for downloading. Campaign packs include "Veganize Your Cafeteria" and "Cut Out Dissection". You can also request free literature and supplies by e-mailing us at College@peta2.com.

What Should the Group Do?
The most common mistake that groups make is to try to tackle everything at once—as a result, the group gets nothing done. The key to success is to focus on one campaign so that you can dedicate your time to winning it. Some of the best campaigns to work on include getting your school to have no McCruelty on campus, veganizing your cafeteria, and cutting out dissection at your school. These are all very winnable campaigns, and we're here to help you every step of the way!

For more ideas on what groups can do, check out what our former Star College Activists have to say about things that they did! Also, check out our activism ideas for some more easy and fun activities that your group can do on campus.

Getting Funding
At most schools, recognized student organizations are eligible for funding, but you'll have to meet certain requirements first, such as drawing up bylaws and presenting your organization's budget before a student government budget committee. Check with your student activities office for guidance.

Meetings Schmeetings
Be sure not to focus too much energy on holding weekly meetings or organizing a newsletter. Your time could be better spent on focusing on a specific campaign and getting the word out. If you want to meet with your group members, do so at a specific event, or get with them to hand out fliers or set up a table. It's easier and more effective, and you'll never need to book a room.