February/March
2002 Issue

Early in the spring semester is the best time to begin your search for chapter officer candidates. Most chapters hold their elections around February or March so that incoming officers can attend the Chapter Officer Academy held at Phi Theta Kappa's International Convention.

It is also in the spring semester that many chapter leaders begin to ask, "How can we recruit dedicated chapter officer candidates that are serious about chapter building?"

To recruit candidates who are serious and dedicated to chapter goals, consider initiating a more formal campaign process. An election is a perfect opportunity for members to build their leadership and communication skills through campaigning. Remember, candidates who have worked hard to be elected will be more likely to take their leadership positions seriously.

Try incorporating one or all of the following tips in your chapter's next officer election:

Host a short mandatory information session for everyone interested in running for office. This will allow outgoing officers to give information on exactly what will be expected of those elected, including office responsibilities. The session will also serve as an opportunity to explain in detail the benefits that accompany each office. Try to hold the meeting 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!

Ask each candidate to submit a résumé or brief biographical form outlining their qualifications for the position. This information, which could be emailed to all chapter members, will allow members to look at the candidates' qualifications before making their voting decisions. Include information on how active the candidate has been within the chapter as well as past leadership roles the candidate has held. In order to save room in your members' email boxes, send all resumes in one email message.

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. For example, allow all presidential candidates and treasurer candidates to speak at one meeting and all vice presidential and public relations candidates to speak at the next meeting. Be sure to limit the time for each speech to no longer than 3 to 5 minutes.

Have a question and answer session after each speech or on a separate occasion. This will give voting members a chance to ask candidates questions on relevant issues. Also it will allow 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!

Learn More In Nashville... If you or your chapter members are considering running for a chapter, regional or international office in the future, check out “Run for It”, an Educational Forum to be held during the 2002 International Convention on April 4-6 in Nashville, Tennessee. For more Convention information, see convention.ptk.org.

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