Written by: Jessica Hung, FCSN Voices Editor
Graphics by: Casey Feng, FCSN Voices Graphic Artist

Driven by a passion to make an impact, high-school and university students across Northern California have created numerous clubs under FCSN. Since 2019, the network of clubs has supported each other in carrying FCSN’s mission of helping the special needs community to the youth.  

Currently, there are fourteen clubs under the FCSN Clubs umbrella: Alsion Montessori High School/Ohlone College, Amador Valley High School, Bellarmine College Preparatory, California High School, Dublin High School, Irvington High School, Mission San Jose High School, Monte Vista High School, Piedmont Hills High School, Quarry Lane School, The Harker School, University of California at Davis, Valley Christian High School, and Washington High School. Cally Li, a rising senior from Alsion Montessori High School and founder/president of Ohlone College’s FCSN Club, is the current lead coordinator of all the school clubs. 

Over the past few months, FCSN Clubs have hosted many successful events. At Dublin High School, the FCSN and Cards4Kindness clubs prepared care packages with small snacks and toys to give to children and individuals associated with FCSN. In order to raise money to fund club events and initiatives, various clubs partnered with restaurants like Yogurtland and Chipotle to host fundraisers. Recently, the club at Ohlone College invited individuals from FCSN to their campus for an art workshop. They were able to paint, expressing their creativity through drawings. Cally commented that the event was a great opportunity for these individuals to experience the university environment. 

Roshan Balla, a recent graduate from Mission San Jose High School (MSJ), held the previous public outreach role in his school club. Through his role, he was able to advocate for individuals with special needs. He recounted the multicultural week performances at his school, in which MSJ FCSN Club worked with another club to organize a dance with students with special needs. “It was a very memorable experience…and the special needs children also had a blast and a great time,” Roshan described. At club meetings, the MSJ officers would play card games and spread awareness about different disabilities. 

Hosting events, however, does not come without its challenges. Cally noted how clubs can face problems with the planning and advertisement of events. For example, Dublin High School had trouble finding recipients for the care packages they made. Luckily, Cally was able to give them a few references and ideas of who to contact, exemplifying the importance of having consistent and effective communication within and between clubs. Additionally, Roshan commented on his club’s initial struggle with low participation. However, by hosting more events and making a noticeable impact, the club was able to gain more attendance throughout the year.

Through online bi-weekly meetings, officers give announcements about upcoming events, share their experiences, and learn from other clubs. To improve communication among the clubs, FCSN Clubs recently implemented a new communication platform: Facebook Groups. The switch from Slack to Facebook has “enhanced and improved our communication,” Cally commented. 

In the future, Cally hopes that the clubs can have more inter-club events and host bigger events by expanding into city and regional communities. Cally expressed, “I think to take a step forward, we could collaborate as FCSN Clubs together…giving us an opportunity to learn from peers from other schools and their successes and failures.”

FCSN Clubs encourage members to learn more about the special needs community and put themselves in the shoes of those in it. Students can use prior skills and talents to host events while gaining new skills, such as leadership and patience. Within their school community, club members can make a big impact by educating others and themselves. “Not only are you raising awareness because you’re educating others, but you’re also going out and helping people through these events,” Cally said.

Students may submit an interest form to start a club if there is no existing FCSN club at their respective school. There are no specific requirements to lead a club, as long as one has an open mindset and loving heart — to be willing to make mistakes, learn from others, and serve the special needs community.