This guide is intended to help student councils better represent students and improve school life. An introductory chapter presents a short history of student councils beginning with the formation of the National Association of Student Councils in 1931. Chapter 1 outlines responsibilities of a student council and its relationship with students, its advisor, the principal, the faculty, and the school board. Chapter 2 reviews election procedures including nomination procedures, campaign rules, voting procedures, and installation of officers and representatives. The third chapter lists the responsibilities of members and of each officer. The steps required for planning and evaluating projects are listed in Chapter 4. Chapter 5 explains how student council committees work, including organization, group dynamics, and leadership. The sixth chapter presents parliamentary procedures and alternatives to them such as informational conferences, round table discussions, panel discussions, symposiums, and "buzz groups." The final chapter outlines the necessary components of constitution and bylaws. A lengthy appendix contains forms and procedures used by student councils, a list of typical student council projects, and model bylaws. (JM)