Group Running Library
The SSA has numerous resources to help you run your group. We add new 
articles and resources all the time, so check back to see what we add!
If you have an idea for something that you don't see here or in the Group Running Guide, let us know. The general email for contacting SSA is [email protected]. To email our Campus Organizing Team, use [email protected].
Quick Links:Starting and Growing a Group, Event Planning, Problem Solving, Leadership, Internet Presence
-Starting and Growing a Group-
Group Starting Library
Essential tips to getting your group started on the right foot.
Constitutions and Bylaws
Every group should have a constitution and/or bylaws to govern the organization. A good constitution can support your group; a bad one can hinder it. We help walk you through creating your own.
Sample Constitution
Almost every university requires a student group to have a constitution. We provide you with a sample to start from.
Fundraising
Running a group can cost money. We'll help you find it!
Charging Dues
Charging dues can be a great way to gain some easy funding and to help create unity and pride in your group.
Building Momentum & Growing Your Group
How do you take your fledgling group and make it grow? Here are some ideas to start!
Two-Year School Resources
Resources and tips for groups at community colleges, junior colleges, and trade schools.
Getting People to Meetings
If your group is struggling with attendance, here's a set of ideas to try (and things to watch out for!) to increase your membership.
Keep Your Meetings Fun!
Click here for ways to liven up your meetings and draw a crowd who may not always appreciate a scholarly meeting.
How to Keep Organized Membership Records Without Really Trying
Googledocs is a great resource for your group. See how it can help you stay organized and on top of your membership.
Creating and Running a Freethought Library
A group library can be very beneficial to some groups. Check out this article to see how you can start and maintain one for your own group.
Group T Shirts
Find out why you should have group t-shirts and how the SSA can help!
Staying Active Over Summer
It can be pretty hard sometimes to hold activites over Summer while many of your group members are not in town. Don't worry though because it can still be done!
Using the Internet Effectively and Efficiently for Your Group
Check out this resource on tips for using a web presence, what kind of email address you should have, the uses of a listserv, and many more important ways for your group to be online.
Does Your Group Have a Web Presence?
Click here for a great guide on several different options for an online presence.
Facebook and Social Media
How should your group effectively use Facebook? Do you need a group or a page? What about Twittter and other social media options? Check out this page to answer those questions and more!
Why Should Your Group Have Its Own Email Address?
Your group needs its own email address separate from the personal emails of your officers. Check out this page for ideas on what kind of service to use.
GroupSpaces: What is it and Should You Use it?
What exactly is this new resource named GroupSpaces? We lay it out for you, just follow the link!
Website Logos
We are more than happy to have our affiliates use our logo to show that they are affiliated with us. We have a collection of logos for use on your website, facebook page, flyers, ads and more.
SSA Logo Alteration Guidelines
Want to customize the SSA logo for your branded affiliate group? Here are the guidelines for doing so!
Using QR Codes Effectively
Have you seen those little bar codes floating around recently on advertisements and posters? Click here to find out how they can benfit your group!
Group Event Planning Guide
One of the biggest challenges for new secular student groups or new leadership is figuring out what to do. This guide will provide step-by-step advice to make the task less daunting.
Sample Year
Not sure what all your group should or could be doing? This sample year will give you all kinds of ideas about how, when and what to do.
Activity Packets
Need an idea for something new to spice up your group's activities. Check out the activity packets for 
dozens of great ideas of events that have worked for other groups and learn how to do them yourself.
Sample Debate Format
Hosting a debate? Dan Barker helps with this handy sample format and loads of advice!
Speaker Event Planning Checklist
Having a speaker come to present for your group? Whether it's a local expert or Richard Dawkins, this checklist will help you navigate the waters.
Speaker Recording Waiver
Planning to record that speaker? Cover your bases with this simple, generic waiver/release.
Sample Press Release
We have a generic press release to show how you can announce your group to the world.
Planning a Service Trip
A large-scale service trip can have an impact on our communities and put a good face on nontheists. Make your mark - our packet can help!
List of Discussion Topics
Having a discussion meeting, but not sure what to talk about? Try our list of discussion topics - and send yours in to be added to the list!
Movie Suggestions
Are you planning a movie night for your group? If so, we have a handy list of movies, documentaries, and TV shows that other groups have found to be good choices.
Sports activities
Get out and play! Check out our suggestions for some athletic activities.
Ask an Atheist
Do you want to hold an event for Ask an Atheist Day, or a similar event during the year? We have resources available to help you out if so!
Dealing with Vandalized Flyers
Our affiliates often deal with their flyers being torn down or vandalized. Learn some tricks to help!
2 Groups, 1 Campus
We're starting to see a few cases where we have more than one SSA affiliate at the same campus. We've created this article to explain some of the special consideration and precautions groups should take when they find themselves in this situation.
Theists in Your Group
Theists can be a positive or negative when they attend your group. This article helps detail how you can interact with them for the best outcome.
Tabling Troubles
Tabling is a great way to reach out to your campus. What do you do when issues come up though? This article will help you deal with common tabling troubles!
The Equal Access Act and Roadblocks to Organizing
So, you want to start a Secular Student Alliance (SSA) group at your school, but your request is denied. Thankfully, there’s a federal law, the Equal Access Act, which protects and guarantees your rights to organize.
Focus Your Group
Having trouble deciding what your group should do? Most of our affiliates incorporate one or more of our Foucs Areas: Community, Advocacy, Service, and Education. Make a CASE for secular students at your school!
Leadership Transitions
No matter how great your group president is, eventually he or she will graduate. Plan for the future!
Leadership Transition Quick Plan
Sometimes you only have a few weeks to train new leaders. This guide will help you do so in an organized, efficient fashion.
-Student Movement Resources-
Secular Students in Interfaith
This page provides information on how and why secular students can and perhaps should engage in the growing trend of interfaith on campus.
Polls
This page contains information pulled from various polls and surveys relating to the increase of atheists, non-theists, and "nones."
Partners
Cooperation is a core value of the Secular Student Alliance and we proudly work with all of the following national and international organizations. If you're the head of a national or international organization that would like to get more involved with secular students, please let us know.
Off-Campus Groups
Humanism and atheism don't stop when you leave the campus! There are lots of excellent, local off-campus groups who advance the same values as affiliates of the Secular Student Alliance. Students and non-students alike are very welcome at these groups (just like campus groups, for that matter).
In-Person Student Group Training
The SSA Speakers Bureau offers a range of speakers who can come to your group in person and hold training sessions. If your group could use this, please check it out.
How To Find Leadership Opportunities at the National Level
It is possible to find a job or an internship at the national level. Find out how!
Connect across Social Media
Connecting with other secular students and the Secular Student Alliance is easy! There are many ways you can connect with us and interact with other secular students from across the country.
Submitted by Lyz on Thu, 11/20/2008 - 16:46
