At the fair, there are an array of tables run by different club heads where students approach any clubs that align with their interests. They are then prompted to fill out a sheet with their contact information to stay updated with club meetings and events. Once affiliated with a club students can apply for different leadership positions. To establish a club, students need a co-head and an administrator.
According to the Sidwell Friends’ website, “Students interested in social justice may join the Female Empowerment Mission or GSA, or they may pursue their passion for robotics, chess, tea, microfinance — and a host of other topics.” Sidwell also offers affinity groups, such as Black Student Union (BSU), Asian Student Association (ASA) and Black Girls Society (BGS), which explore individual experiences and support members in navigating the world through race and identity.
Senior and BGS club head Mira Flood said she “joined BGS “because I came from a school where I was one out of three Black girls in my entire grade, and BGS was the first space that ever brought me together with other people that look like me.”
Junior Sophie Cao, head of ASA and the Lobbying Club, stated that she enjoys planning activities for the club and seeing it come to life. “What is most rewarding is seeing the logistics and planning bear fruit. For example, ASA’s Lunar New Year potluck was well-received,” Cao said.
Sidwell also houses publications, such as Horizon, the Oat and the Sidwell Business Review, that document current events. There are also clubs centered around social and political issues These groups, such as FCNL and Debate, cover controversial topics to help students engage with conflicting perspectives and develop stronger public speaking skills.
According to the Sidwell Student Life Canvas page, “Through active participation in these clubs, students not only deepen their understanding of their chosen areas but also develop invaluable leadership, teamwork, and organizational skills. Leading student clubs empowers the students to shape their educational journey, forge lifelong friendships, and make a positive impact both within the school community and beyond.” Sidwell highly recommends that students join clubs to ease the pressure off of school and focus on activities that help them get better acquainted with their peers.
“The thing that I love most about being a club head is that I find I’m able to meet people I never would’ve been close with if not for the club. It’s made me a lot more connected to our school community,” Flood said.