Strengthening Chapters One Star at a Time!
Carlos Acevedo is Phi Theta Kappa's 2006-07 International Vice President for Division II, representing the Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi/Louisiana, Tennessee, and Texas Regions, as well as Germany and the British Virgin Islands. He is a Criminal Justice major at Miami Dade College, North Campus, in Miami, Florida.
How can I lead my chapter successfully? Where do I even start? HELP!
Many new chapter officers experience a moment like this - they want to be a good leader, but are unsure of exactly where to begin. Never fear! The Five Star Chapter Development Program serves as a detailed blueprint for chapter administration, organization, and project implementation. This program allows your chapter to reach for the stars!
The Five Star Chapter Development Program is a plan of action that guarantees a higher percentage of member participation and campus/community awareness. It incorporates everything from inducting new members and establishing chapter bylaws to getting involved in programs like the International Service Program, Honors Study Topic and Hallmark Awards. The program even offers guidelines for supporting your school with a College Project and getting involved at the regional and international levels of the Society.
In order to achieve success, your chapter must first set a goal in the program and submit the Five Star Goal Form online. Meet with your chapter officers and members to share ideas. Chapter advisors or presidents may access and submit the Goal Form. You can then get a step ahead by scheduling a leadership retreat to outline your strategy and plan your events. Always involve the officer team and chapter members in planning projects, and delegate tasks to cut down each officer's workload.
Stretch your resources and get closer to the stars by involving your campus, community and other chapters in your projects. Maintain a great relationship with your campus administration by being available to help when needed and proudly represent Phi Theta Kappa. Your campus administration will not forget your chapter's assistance.
Chapters may also network with other campus organizations to collaborate on projects, and oftentimes nearby chapters find success in working together, helping each other complete Five Star Chapter Development Program requirements.
Throughout the year, evaluate your progress by examining your short and long-term goals. Keep a log of chapter projects, and maintain good records including planning notes, flyers, and articles or press releases. Remember to have an advisor or chapter president submit the Five Star Update Forms online by September 30 and November 30, and to complete the Final Five Star Update Form no later than February 2, 2007.
Your chapter will become more active and successful as you pursue higher achievement through the Five Star Chapter Development Program. Your chapter will earn recognition locally, regionally and internationally, and your members will experience professional development in areas such as goal-setting, meeting deadlines, project planning and organization. Be creative and implement innovative ideas to make your chapter's journey to Five Stars fun, exciting and inspiring. Go for the stars and build a powerful chapter that will shine for years to come!
To get started, or if you have questions about the Five Star Chapter Development Program, visit www.ptk.org/fivestar or contact Director of Regional Programs Kathy Hayes at 601.984.3562.
