The last two pages have looked at how Student Councils work as well as what Student Councils do. The next step in effective process for change is looking at what has been achieved and how effective this has been.The table below takes the key elements of what has been done and how it has been done and provides a way to look at these in an objective manner.

Take the template above and draw up a big version of it on a white board or on poster paper. If you are having a group brainstorm, members of the Student Council could write down the things they have done on small pieces of paper and stick them on to the large table. You can print if off if you can write really small, but it is more fun doing it on a HUGE bit of paper where everyone gets the chance to add their bit. You should list the successful as well as the unsuccessful.

Once all the activities have been listed, look at the pattern of where they are. Do all the activities tend to group in the one place? Are there big areas that are missing out on action. Remember, fundraising is great, but real difference comes about through some of the harder things like working on Community Action and Curriculum.

Fund Raising and the Organisation of social activities do take time. They also provide valuable experience in joint action and decision making. Unfortunately, too many Student Councils spend all of their time on these things and forget the real changes that are sometimes needed.