The Rewards of Regional Office
David Kerr is Phi Theta Kappa's 2006-07 International Vice President for Division I, which includes the Carolinas, Middle States, New England, New York, Ohio and Virginia Regions. He is a marketing major at Columbus State Community College in Columbus, Ohio.
Phi Theta Kappa offers a multitude of leadership opportunities for members on the chapter, regional and international levels with each position playing an equally important part in the Society. None of these leadership positions can flourish without the other ones.
I have been involved in all three levels of leadership in our Society, and it was the regional officer role that really helped me build my leadership skills and knowledge of Phi Theta Kappa. That's why I am passionate about encouraging members who are looking for a leadership challenge to run for regional office.
Regional officers are given the chance to explore and implement the programs of Phi Theta Kappa on a larger scale than the chapter and, by doing so, can positively impact a much larger audience. While the experiences can vary slightly from region to region, most regional officers are called on to perform the following tasks:
In exchange for these responsibilities, regional officers receive special benefits :1) Participate in a Regional Officer Orientation.
2) Set goals for the region's participation in Society programs.
3) Work closely with your Regional Coordinator and fellow regional officers to accomplish the region's goals.
4) Preside over official regional meetings, including the Regional Leadership Conference and Regional Convention.
5) Attend chapter inductions and special events, sometimes serving as a keynote speaker.
6) Serve as a resource for chapter officers.
- Opportunity to attend the Regional Officer Leadership Academy at International Convention
- Opportunity to attend the summer International Leadership Conference at the Society's Center for Excellence
- Complimentary Chapter Resource Packet, the Golden Key Newsletter and other important mailings from Headquarters
- Opportunity to travel throughout the region
- Opportunity to be nominated for the International Distinguished Regional Officer Award and/or Distinguished Regional Officer Team Award
- Increased competitive edge for scholarships and jobs due to greater leadership role
- Some regions also provide traveling funds to the International Convention and/or the International Honors Institute.
You may be thinking that regional office sounds like a lot of responsibility and you really do not have the extra time. I had those same feelings, but consider this: Being a regional officer will be as busy or involved as you make it. It's important to remember that it takes a regional officer TEAM to be successful. By setting goals together, each officer will have specific tasks and duties to accomplish. One person cannot do it all, and shouldn't. It's important to rely on each other so that no one is overwhelmed.
A sense of accomplishment and personal fulfillment come with serving as a regional officer. Relationships will be built and memories made. Today, I count a former fellow regional officer as one of my best friends.
One of the most challenging roles I ever took on was becoming a regional officer. And one of the hardest things I have ever done is say goodbye to my team when the term was complete. I urge anyone thinking about running for regional office to speak with a current officer and hear their stories firsthand. It truly is an adventure you will never forget and you will grow from the experience.
