your path: Home > Education > AGS students > Establishing a Student Chapter >

Once the decision has been made to organize a geriatrics student group, the footwork begins. The original organizers must decide where and how to notify fellow students of upcoming meetings. Every school has some forum for announcing meetings such as central bulletin boards and student newsletters. Simple fliers stating the time, place and purpose of the meeting can be posted on bulletin boards and sent to students' campus mailboxes.

In general, it is a good idea to attract as many first- and second-year students as possible. It is easy to reach a large number of preclinical students through announcements and invitations between lectures. First- and second-year students often have more free time to devote to group activities and they can help to ensure the continuity of the group. Lunchtime meetings usually have the highest attendance rate, especially if funding can be found to provide simple refreshments. Providing refreshments need not be an ongoing event, but it does lend an air of festivity to the charter meeting or the first meeting of the year.

In addition to students, the organizational core members may find it beneficial to invite practicing geriatricians from the community to attend the first group meeting. This broadens the experience base of the group, helps to identify what the needs of the community might be, and may spark discussion among students. The chief purpose of the student organization is to meet the educational needs of the student members, and all outside influences should serve as a catalyst for that purpose.

A useful format for the first meeting might be:

1. An informal address by the faculty advisor on the subject of geriatrics in today's world. The talk should be brief, probably no more than 30 minutes.
2. Gathering names, addresses and phone numbers of students present.
3. Discussing how the organization will meet the needs of the students who are interested in geriatrics as a career, or students who are interested in understanding the special needs of the aging segment of our population. Out of this discussion, the group can begin to define its goals and objectives.
4. Discussing what types of students will be eligible for membership. Will the group be for medical students only or will it include other health care disciplines?
5. Discussing the internal organization of the group, including the designation of officers, if appropriate. Since groups of this sort tend to be few in number but strong in commitment, it may be unnecessary to have formal elections. It is useful to designate one person as the secretary to shoulder the responsibility of recording ideas for future reference. It is also helpful to appoint a financial officer to manage the group's funds.
6. Discussing potential funding sources for the group. The student council, the dean's office, the student advisory office, department heads, or the center for aging studies may have funds or be able to provide clues to where funding may be found for a new student organization.
7. Reviewing outside organizations with whom the group may want to affiliate. The American Geriatrics Society student chapter network provides guidance and funding and has a discounted membership category for students (see appendix, "AGS Student Chapter network"), and the American Medical Student Association (AMSA) has a Task Force on Aging. A representative of the group should contact these organizations for more information.
8. Plan for the next meeting: date, time, and place.