L G B T   C a m p u s   O r g a n i z i n g

First, the one or two people in the pow 

tage them or simply withdraw from the

er/decision making positions often get

group.  Being in charge in this way is a

burned out quickly.  If you try to do

lot of responsibility and it can be an

everything yourself instead of utilizing

extremely hard position to be in.

others, you will not last very long.

Remember that a good leader is able to

If you choose to have your group set up

see the potential of individual group

hierarchically, you must be careful that

members and will use that information

you are still meeting the needs of the

for the good of the group. 

individuals who make up your group.

ALL of the individuals who make up

Second, you must consider who is in the

your group.  Additionally, your group

power positions.  Who are these one or

should think of ways that you can reach

out to under represented populations and

those who are not currently in your

Your group should think of

group.  Can you create additional posi 

ways that you can reach out

tions which will give some decision mak 

to under represented popu 

ing power and influence to minority

lations and those who are

group members? 

not currently in your group.

Appendix A, pp 17 20, contains informa 

two people who are making decisions for

tion about constitutions and an example. 

the good of the group?  Are they really

making decisions for the good of the

Collective

group, or to further their own personal

Typically in this model, there is a group

agenda?  Are they truly representative of

of individuals who are the governing

the group in terms of race, gender, inter 

body and decision makers of the group.

ests, etc.?

Ideally, the members of this steering

committee are representative of the mem 

How was it decided that these people

bers in the group.  This set up can allow

would be in charge?  Was there a vote

for more diversity and greater representa 

and, if so, how many voted?  Was every 

tion of differing opinions in decision 

one represented during the vote?

making.  Members of the steering com 

mittee share the responsibility for making

Finally, realize that if you choose a par 

decisions for the rest of the group.  One

liamentary structure, there is a high like 

benefit of setting up your group this way

lihood that one or two people will be in

is that one or two people are not in charge

charge of making decisions that effect

of all the decisions.  Additionally, this

many people (although this may happen

often means that more than one or two

regardless of your structure).  Do they

people are responsible for getting the

consult with the group or make decisions

work done.

in a vacuum?  If they do not consult with

the group and if they make decisions that

There are usually at least five members of

are out of touch with the needs of group

a steering committee and there may be

members, then others will not be invested

twice that many.  Because there are

in the decisions.  If others are not invest 

greater numbers, it is even more impor 

ed in the decisions, they may either sabo 

tant to make sure that  there is a diverse

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B u i l d i n g   a   H e a l t h y   O r g a n i z a t i o n