Run for Office - Chapter Office
The first step in creating a successful chapter is in electing a dedicated
officer team. The leadership provided by committed chapter officers can
be the difference between a thriving chapter and an inactive chapter. Chapter
officers assume many tasks, but the chief objective should be efficiency
and organization. In searching for qualified officer candidates, you
should remember your chapter's goals, needs and resources. Finding capable
candidates can be simplified by following these suggestions.
* Have a short mandatory information session for everyone interested in running for office. This will allow outgoing officers to give information on what exactly will be expected of those elected, including office responsibilities. It will also serve as an opportunity to explain the benefits that accompany each office. Try to hold the session at a convenient time for all interested. If necessary, hold more than one session. You don't want to miss out on a good candidate because of a schedule conflict!
* Mass email all candidates' academic resumes, not including grades, to each member. This way members can look at the candidates' qualifications before making their voting decisions. Include information on how active a member he or she has been as well as past leadership roles. In order to save space in your members' email boxes, send all resumes in one email message. For a personal touch, include a brief statement from each candidate with his or her resume.
* Let each candidate give a speech during a chapter meeting on how he or she will build the chapter if elected. If your chapter has an abundant number of candidates and not enough time during your meeting, stretch out the speeches over more than one meeting. Be sure to limit the time for each speech to no longer than 3 to 5 minutes. After each speech, or on a separate occasion, have a question and answer session. This will give voting members a chance to ask candidates questions on relevant issues. Also it will serve as a period for candidates to give unrehearsed answers concerning important issues. Just remember that for many students this is their first leadership role. Don't rule out a good candidate because of shyness!
By having chapter candidates take the extra step to prepare for candidacy, chapters will recruit candidates who are serious and dedicated to chapter goals. Also, those elected will feel honored to serve because they will have worked to gain their leadership positions.
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