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When I was a child and I wanted to buy something, my dad would often remind me, "Money doesn't grow on trees." Now, as an adult running a large student council, I wish money did grow on trees. How much simpler would it be if every project we dreamed up had no cost limitations? Wouldn't...

Written in collaboration with high school student leader Jordyn Masey Baker Student leadership programs share a common goal of helping students develop as innovators, creators and, of course, leaders. However, some of the students most in need of guidance in reaching their potential are underrepresented in student leadership programs. Among these are minority groups such...

"Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one's lifetime." — Mark Twain More students are traveling and studying abroad these days, as...

Students love showing their NHS spirit! Check out more photos just like this one (by @theycallmej.bo) by following NHS and NJHS on Instagram. Get ready to explore your leadership potential with other student council leaders at the 2016 NASC National Conference in Portland, OR. Take advantage of the early bird registration deadline at www.nascconference.org by...

Spring is in the air! And it's time to do some spring cleaning—time to take stock of the previous student council year, separate the good from the bad, and determine the main takeaways from the past to apply to the remainder of the school year. Springtime—post-new officer installation—is just the right time to sit down...

3 Ideas to Bring the Year to a Close As this academic year draws to a close, here are three things you can do as an adviser to wrap up successfully: Prepare a report. Don't be the best-kept secret. Share your chapter's or council's accomplishments in a report to your principal. It should include the total money...

We believe that there is tremendous power operating in the word impact. At its core, the term represents activities, events, or resources altering our experiences. As educators, we can agree that our presence and voice are influential, but our actions produce lasting contributions to society. Students who lead in chapters and councils around the world,...

As a busy adviser your time is especially valuable, so we've rounded up tips and resources just for you that only take 10 minutes or less 10 Weeks, 10 Minutes On average, summer break spans about 10 weeks for schools in the United States. If you take 10 minutes each week to organize and plan...

Get fresh and inspiring ideas for your next project Use this key for help determining whether these projects could work for your school: M - middle school   H- High school   S- small schools   L- large schools Custodial Staff Luncheon The end of the school year is a great time to recognize those school...

Ethan Raker Graduate from Columbia University, research fellow at the Kinder Institute for Urban Research at Rice University, and doctoral student at Harvard University.  Ethan Raker was heavily involved in both student council and NHS during his time at Center Grove High School in Greenwood, IN. He realized his leadership potential through his participation in...

Objective Students will assist in all stages of planning and executing an NHS induction ceremony. Estimated Time Required Minimum of five sessions, approximately 30 minutes each Procedure Session #1: Begin by asking current NHS members to take a critical look at induction ceremonies from different NHS chapters. This provides a point of reference which facilitates...

Advisers play an important role in the success of student programs like National Honor Society, National Junior Honor Society, and National Association of Student Councils. They bring experience, expertise, and perspective to these programs, and in many cases they also provide a sense of both structure and institutional history. As advisers, we devote our time,...

They go hand-in-hand: National Honor Society and its younger companion, National Junior Honor Society. However, the passage to high school does not guarantee membership into NHS. The younger set must earn their spot, and advisers can offer a helping hand. In high school, the selection of clubs, sports, and other extracurricular activities widens from a...

Advisers know how important parent involvement is to fostering community engagement, student success, and a positive school culture. Parents are key stakeholders in a school, but generally aren't physically in the building on a daily basis like students, teachers, and administrators. But keeping them in the loop can be critical. "More than 40 years of...

Honor those who showed random acts of kindness all year long with a goodie basket. Sweets are a great way to honor a great year. Treat yourself and your students—you've earned it! With large groups, this activity can make a big impression. At the start of the next school year, consider asking NHS, NJHS, or...

This age of digital and social media provides exciting new ways to spread the word about the extraordinary things your chapter and members are doing. In particular, social media provides a platform for sharing messages in an immediate and sometimes emotional way.  At the end of the school year, allow time to take stock of...

This month, student councils across the country are preparing for the 2016 NASC National Conference. Student leaders will descend upon Century High School in Hillsboro, OR, on June 24 for a one-of-a-kind experience. Students and advisers will discover and explore how powerful their leadership skills are as they engage with each other in hands-on workshops...

A Little Housekeeping: Report and Renew! Your feedback and activity reports are invaluable to the national office. Make sure to complete the annual adviser survey by June 30. You should have received a link by email. Also, the primary adviser for your NHS or NJHS chapter or NASC council must renew your affiliation online by...

Summer is a great time for NASC, NHS, and NJHS members to develop their communication skills. Once you and your students have developed a plan for the school year, hold meetings with administrators, faculty, and parents where students can share their vision for the planned efforts while creating opportunities for support. Here are some additional...