How do i convince the principal?

Question

I'm from singapore and we have something like an army cadet junior sorta thing as a cca here. (co curricular activity, everyone has to have one) and mine is NCDCC. (national civil defence cadet corp). Its a fairly new cca in the school and we haven't entered many competitions yet because we want to get the feel of it first. On its third year of running, We have now over 30 cadets in one school, and we were hoping to win something this year. But the principal now wants to phase out/SHUT DOWN the cca! I mean,m it is doing quite well. The principal's reason was there is not enough enrolment this year and he also wants to add new sports CCAs, so he is shutting us down. Which means we're not recruiting anymore new cadets, and after the last batch has graduated from school, bye bye NCDCC. Which isn't fair! We did nothing wrong! Our teachers, commandants and everybody has tried talking him out of it but he won't listen!!! He has made up his mind, but we want to change it because it just is not fair at all!!! We have written letters, signed pettitions, almost started a riot. This cca means so much to everyone, it teaches civil defence skills, CPR, advanced first aid skills, how to use an AED, footdrill and instills discipline and important moral values! I mean what is the principal thinking right? I would love ideas to help me convince the principal to change his mind because this cca means so much to me and i love it there, no matter how tough it can be. PLEASE HELP?

? · Accepted Answer

I'm not sure how things work in Singapore, but if it were here in the US, there are three things I would try.

The first would be to get more public support, for which I might suggest contacting the media and having them draw attention to it - as long as you can be relatively sure it will be favorable. Organizing an event for them to cover in tandem - a demonstration of some of the beneficial skills learned by the members for example. Preferably something you can get the teachers involved with so they are able to voice their support. 

The second would be to get someone with more authority or power to overrule the principal. A school board, board of governors, or other outside agency with the ability to make such decisions, or otherwise effect the schools funding, continuing operation, or change who is in charge. Perhaps those could be combined so that you are appeal to the authority as part of your media exposure. 

Finally, the third approach is, if you could get a clear answer, preferably in writing as to exactly why he was shutting you down, and that is essentially ultimately a matter of funds hopefully a specific amount, you could appeal to an outside financier to sponsor your group. As your group seems to be performing a valuable role in society, you may find financial support from various government groups, the community, or corporations which feel they would benefit from being associated with your group. 

Good luck, I hope things work out for you and the future of your organization.

Kermit · Answer

TsuQ gave some excellent suggestions. Here's one to add to the list. If your NCDCC could win something (especially a national competition), then the Principal may rethink his decision. With the win, you could get the regional or national coordinator to appeal to him/her.

Some school principals in Singapore are very performance oriented and they may reconsider a decision if an national activity can boost the status and visibility of the school.

But winning a competition may not reverse the decision, but at least, you and your corps will have work at something meaningful and that will contribute to a lot to your education via the CCA.

How do i convince the principal?

2 Answers