In thinking how best to spend my summer break as a leadership teacher overseeing student government, I came across a recommendation to read Extracurricular Activities by Harry C. McKown, written in 1927. I’ll admit—at first, I hesitated. Education has changed drastically over the past 100 years, and I wondered how relevant a book from the 1920s could be today. (You can also check out his book called The Student Council 1944)
However, when I found a digital copy of this paper-bound treasure, I was struck by its message. McKown’s insights remain as relevant today as they were nearly a century ago. In an era where school administrators and district officials often prioritize test scores and the latest educational trends, it’s easy to lose sight of what student activities truly bring to a campus. Student leadership is more than just balloons, posters, and dress-up days – it’s the foundation of school culture. A quick glance at McKown’s principles reminds us that student activities shape engaged citizens, build responsibility, and foster real leadership.
IntroductionStudent leadership is more than just holding a title—it’s about responsibility, service, and ethical decision-making. Harry C. McKown’s Twenty-Six Principles of Student Participation provide a timeless guide for fostering meaningful student involvement in schools across California. These principles emphasize democracy, responsibility, ethics, and initiative, helping students develop skills that prepare them for leadership beyond high school.
The Foundation of Student LeadershipMcKown believed that student government should be more than a formality—it should provide real opportunities for students to engage in decision-making and problem-solving. Schools that encourage active student participation create environments where leadership is not just about organizing events but about empowering students to influence their school culture.
Key Principles for Effective Student Leadership
Leadership is a Learning Process
Schools should treat student leadership as an opportunity for growth, not just prestige. Leaders should be given the freedom to make decisions and learn from mistakes in a supportive environment.
Ethical Responsibility Matters
Student leaders must be guided by integrity, fairness, and service rather than personal ambition. A strong student government prioritizes the needs of all students, ensuring that leadership decisions reflect ethical considerations and inclusivity.
Students Must Have a Voice
A true democracy in schools means students should have real influence in school policies, activities, and initiatives. Schools should establish student advisory boards, forums, and open meetings where students can express their views.
Failure is a Stepping Stone
Leadership is about resilience and growth. Schools that foster a growth mindset in student leaders encourage them to take risks, analyze their mistakes, and improve rather than fear failure.
Leadership Extends Beyond School
The purpose of student government is to prepare students to be engaged, responsible citizens in their communities. Service projects, mentorship programs, and civic engagement activities help leaders understand the broader impact of their roles.
Implementing These Principles in Schools
Schools across California can strengthen student leadership by:
Providing real decision-making authority to student leaders.
Encouraging student leaders to advocate for meaningful changes in school policies.
Teaching ethical leadership through case studies and discussions.
Organizing leadership retreats and training programs based on McKown’s principles.
Creating mentorship opportunities where experienced student leaders guide younger students.
ConclusionStudent leadership should be more than just an extracurricular activity—it should be a transformational experience that equips students with the skills to lead with integrity, responsibility, and purpose. By applying McKown’s principles, schools can ensure that student leaders not only make an impact today but also become the leaders of tomorrow.
With the workload piling up today, I turned to ChatGPT for a breakdown of Harry C. McKown’s Twenty-Six Principles of Student Participation, and it delivered a detailed and structured overview. When writing these articles, I put my own thoughts into much of the content, but AI helps streamline the process and organize information more efficiently. AI isn’t going away, so why not lean into it in a positive way?
Harry C. McKown’s Twenty-Six Principles of Student Participation (Detailed Exploration)
Harry C. McKown, in Student Government in High School and College (1937), laid out twenty-six principles that emphasize the educational value of student participation in school governance. These principles guide students toward democratic leadership, responsibility, and character development. Below is a deeper look at these principles, grouped into key themes:
I. The Purpose and Value of Student Government
Student government should be educational – The primary purpose is to help students learn about democracy, responsibility, and leadership.
Participation should be real, not symbolic – Students must have actual responsibilities and decision-making power to make participation meaningful.
School government is not separate from education – It is an essential part of the learning process, helping students apply civic principles in real life.
Self-government should encourage self-control – Leadership roles teach discipline, decision-making, and accountability.
II. Student Leadership and Responsibility
Students must share in responsibility – Real leadership means students must take ownership rather than relying solely on adults.
Authority must be respected but not blindly followed – Leadership should promote critical thinking and constructive dialogue, not blind obedience.
The organization must reflect student interests – Governance should be engaging and address real student concerns to maintain relevance.
Leadership opportunities should be open to all – No favoritism—every student should have a chance to lead and contribute.
III. The Role of Democracy in School Government
Democracy must be practiced, not just preached – Schools should be mini-democracies, where students experience real elections, representation, and debate.
Laws and rules should be made by those affected – Student councils should have a say in creating school policies affecting them.
Decisions should be reached through discussion – Open forums, debates, and councils should encourage thoughtful decision-making.
The minority must be heard and protected – True democracy ensures that all voices matter, not just the majority.
IV. Ethics, Fairness, and Citizenship
Ethical leadership is essential – Honesty, fairness, and integrity should be the foundation of all decisions.
Self-interest must not override group welfare – Leaders should serve the whole student body, not just their friends or personal interests.
Fair representation is crucial – Student government should reflect the diversity of the school, ensuring all groups are included.
Loyalty to school and fellow students – A strong student body promotes unity and school pride.
Service should be a core value – Leadership should focus on helping others and improving school life.
V. School Spirit and Community Involvement
School traditions should be respected but not blindly followed – Leaders should embrace change while honoring meaningful traditions.
Extracurricular activities should be student-driven – Clubs, events, and activities should reflect student passions and interests.
Cooperation between students and faculty is key – A strong student-faculty relationship improves governance and builds mutual respect.
Participation should build civic responsibility – The ultimate goal is to prepare students to be active, responsible citizens beyond high school.
VI. Student Initiative and Growth
Students must take initiative – Leaders should not just follow orders but also propose new ideas and solutions.
Failure is part of the learning process – Mistakes should be seen as opportunities for growth, not reasons for punishment.
Confidence and leadership skills should be developed – Encouraging students to speak up, take charge, and trust themselves.
Creativity and innovation should be encouraged – Student government should not just maintain the status quo but inspire fresh ideas.
Good leadership carries responsibility beyond school – The lessons of student government should shape students into ethical leaders in their communities and careers.
Applying These Principles to Your Work
Highlight student-led initiatives and feature how student government and clubs embody democratic leadership.
Showcase how students exercise responsibility in school traditions, athletics, and community service.
Write about how schools apply McKown’s principles today, such as student-run service projects or school-wide decision-making efforts.
Feature student leaders who champion ethical leadership and responsibility.
Use McKown’s principles to spark discussions about ethical leadership, responsibility, and democracy.
Create activities where students debate and create school policies to simulate real-world governance.