A VOTING GUIDE FOR CHAPTER VOTING DELEGATES:
Electing Phi Theta Kappa's International Officers
At every International Convention, Phi Theta Kappa chapters elect a slate of five International Officers to represent the Society in the coming year.
A chapter officer or member is selected as each chapter's Voting Delegate. It is an awesome responsibility - one that should be taken seriously. If you're selected to serve as your chapter's voting delegate, here are some things to keep in mind:
1. Get to know the candidates... in all FIVE races. Voting Delegates vote for all five International Officers - International President and four Division Vice Presidents. While the number of candidates in each race is yet to be revealed, one thing is for certain: campaigning for International Office is no easy task. It takes dedication to throw your hat into the ring… and each candidate deserves to be considered for his/her merits. Phi Theta Kappa provides ample opportunities for Voting Delegates to get to know the candidates, from the televised Candidate Caucus where you can watch Executive Director Rod Risley interview each candidate to the Campaign Booths in the Academic Marketplace where you get to ask the questions. All of the campaign events are important, and you should make an effort to participate in each one!
2. Get feedback from your fellow chapter members and advisor. Yes, your hand will cast the votes, but you're voting on behalf of your chapter. Make a list of the questions that are most important to your fellow chapter members and take notes as you meet the candidates one-on-one so you can compare notes and make an informed decision with your chapter.
3. Cast your vote - TWICE! Voting Delegates will cast ballots in the Primary Election and again in the Run-Off Election. The top two candidates in each race proceed to the Run-Off Election. Candidate Finalists will present a speech on the new Honors Study Topic, Gold, Gods and Glory: The Global Dynamics of Power, in the Fourth General Session and will then have a final campaign opportunity in the Academic Marketplace immediately following the Session. Voting Delegates make their final selections in the Run-Off Election and the results are announced at Saturday evening's Hallmark Awards Gala.
4. Exemplify the Hallmarks… Scholarship, Leadership, Service and Fellowship: that's what Phi Theta Kappa is all about. The candidates you support may be the majority's choice… or not. Even if the candidates you support don't make it to the winner's circle, you'll still want to wish the newly-elected International Officers well. After all, they'll be representing you and your chapter as ambassadors of the largest and most respected honor society serving two-year colleges in the world!
Think International Office May Be For You? Request a Candidate Application Packet by March 3, 2006, by contacting Director of Programs Jennifer Stanford or fax 912.826.7005. Include your name, mailing address, email address, telephone number, college, chapter and the office you plan to seek. Completed applications must be submitted to Headquarters by March 10, 2006. For more information, visit www.ptk.org/directories/intofficers.htm.
