Campaigning for International Office Contributes to Personal Growth
Serving as a Phi Theta Kappa International Officer is rewarding, but campaigning
for International Office is also hailed as a significant growth experience
- win or lose.
"Running for International Office was the most
amazing character-building experience in my college experience," said
Roxanne Miller, who campaigned unsuccessfully in 2006. "I would encourage
every member to run for International Office if it is truly in their heart,"
said Miller, then a student at Somerset Community College in Kentucky.
Cynthia Nelson hailed the Campaign experience as "the best
opportunity to better your leadership skills. This has been an experience
of a lifetime and I would encourage others to reach higher and go for the gold,"
said Nelson, who ran in 2008 but was not elected. She was then a student at
Hopkinsville Community College in Kentucky.
Candidates also
cite as benefits learning organizational skills needed to plan and run
a campaign, and the friendships that result, especially among fellow candidates.
Candidate Applications for 2010-2011 are now available. Requests
must be submitted in writing to Dean of Service Learning Jennifer Stanford,
by email
or fax to 912.826.7005.
Candidates will campaign at the Society's
Annual Convention, scheduled for April 8-10 in Orlando, Florida. New this
year, the Candidate Caucus - interviews with Executive Director Rod A.
Risley - will be filmed prior to the Convention and available in late March
on the Convention website. The caucus will also be shown in guest rooms in
the official Convention hotel, the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin
Resort.
Serving as an International Officer is considered
the pinnacle of student leadership in Phi Theta Kappa. The International
President and four International Vice Presidents preside at the Annual
Convention and Honors Institute, represent the Society at regional meetings
and regularly communicate with chapter and regional officers and members
during the year.
"Contemplating running for International
Office? Ask yourself two questions: "Do you truly want to grow as a leader
and as a person? Do you truly want to serve those around you?" says current
International Vice President Thomas Aguilar. "If the honest answer to
these questions is 'yes,' do not let this opportunity pass. I promise you,
if you campaign with sincerity, humility, and dedication, you will learn
more about yourself than you thought possible."
Find
out more about the campaign process and the benefits of serving
as an International Officer.
