Most of the time, it seems like other people make all the decisions about what you can and can't do. "You can't drive until you're 16," "You must finish your homework before you can watch TV," and so on. In this Learning Adventure, you'll get to form a new club where ... YOU make the rules.

First you'll need to get together with a group of four of five friends, either at home or at school.

With the help of a teacher or parent, decide what unites your club. Ask yourselves: What activity or topic do we all enjoy? Is there some cause we all support? To help you brainstorm, each of you may discuss what you like to do in your free time. Nominate one person in your group to take notes and have him or her make a list of some possibilities, then take a vote.

Here are some possible clubs to consider. Remember, get creative! Any club idea is okay as long as all members are interested (and your teacher approves it).

Computer games
Raise money for charity
Enjoy a popular movie or TV show together
Volunteer to help less fortunate people in your community
Photography
Perform or listen to music
Take polls of student opinions, publish results
Support school sports teams
Stand up for students' rights at your school
Fieldtrips to museums
Create a special newspaper
Celebrity fan club

Pick a catchy name for your club.

Create a symbol or seal for your club. This logo would appear next to the name of your club on letters you write, your charter (see below), posters for your club, petitions, T-shirts, etc.

A charter is a written document that tells the goals of your club and what the rules are. In your charter, you should include:

• A mission statement (in 1-2 sentences that describe your main goals)
  
  
• How often will your club meet?
  
  
• Where will your club meet?
  
  
• How will you make decisions? How will you settle disagreements?
  
  
• What do members have to do in order to stay in the club?
  
  
• Are there any actions that could get someone thrown out of your club?
  
  
• Does your club have any officers?

When you're done, write up your charter and have everyone in the club sign it at the bottom. For some examples of charters or membership policies for organizations, check out the following Web sites:

U.S. Constitution Online
http://www.usconstitution.net/const.html

Womens Foreign Policy Group
http://www.wfpg.org

Audubon Society of New Hampshire
http://www.nhaudubon.org/

Pittwater Tigers Junior AFL Club
http://www.qmtech.com/tigers/1999/frame/clubframe.htm