Some high school activities don’t allow passive participants. You don’t get to play on the volleyball team or act in the school musical just because you show up to practice or rehearsal and do the bare minimum asked of you. You have to earn a spot by proving you can make a valuable contribution. And if you don’t keep contributing, you’ll get benched or replaced.
But if your activity accepts everybody (nothing wrong with that!), just showing up to the meetings isn’t actively participating. What if you had to earn and retain your spot like an athlete or a performer? What would you do differently? How would you behave to make sure you didn’t get cut?
You don’t need a leadership position to make a contribution (it’s not like the captain of the team or the lead in the play are the only important members). Contribute time and energy. Ask questions. Pitch in and help. Come up with ideas. Show your group that you want to keep your spot.
An active participant gets more done, is more valued, and usually gets into more colleges than a passive participator.