Leave Something Behind

As we get closer to the end of this academic year, many of you are facing major life decisions - graduation, finding a career, or making the transition to a four-year institution. Graduation, which should be one of the happiest moments in your life, can be a time of sadness. You are leaving your friends, your chapter and your college.

Even if you are not graduating from a two-year college this spring, many current chapter and regional officers will soon be leaving behind an empty officer position. Who will replace you?

It is your duty as an officer  to ensure the livelihood of your chapter once you are gone. There are a few basic things that can help make this a smooth transition.

After your new officers are elected, have an orientation for the new officers, outgoing officers and advisors.

Bring all Society information to be passed along to the new officers. It is probably best if this meeting is held on the weekend, as an hour or two will not be long enough. You will need at least one day to orient your new officers.

Remember how overwhelmed you felt when you received all of your information? Take lots of breaks. Incorporate a few fellowship games. Get to know one another. And don't forget the importance of teamwork! Make this a FUN day for everyone!

Be very honest during your orientation with the new officers. They should know what to expect during "hallmark season." Explain the trying moments you have experienced this year. Don't leave out the feeling of joy you experienced as you helped a small child to learn to read, or the excitement you felt as your chapter was called to the stage for a Hallmark Award.

An issue I was faced with last year is letting go.

You must let go of your chapter and let them flourish in the light of the new officers. Give them an opportunity to set new goals. You may share with them your vision for the chapter, and explain the goals you had set for your tenure in office. Teach them and trust in their abilities. They will definitely respect you more, and probably seek your advice in the future.

Lay out the foundation for an effective year.

Once you have given them an overview of all programs, explain the importance of following the proper chain of command. Define their positions clearly. Encourage the new officers to read their Officer Manuals and all other Society information. If they have a question, an advisor is the appropriate person to ask. An officer should never call Headquarters without first consulting an advisor.

Educate them on the importance of their attendance at all chapter meetings and events. We want and expect a lot from our chapter officers. Help them understand that they are the role models for the rest of the chapter members. With high expectations at the beginning of the year, they know what is expected and are much more likely to succeed.

Hey, did you know you don't have to do it all by yourself?

This is an important, if not the most important gift you can give your new officer team - Delegation! Let them know they don't have to do it all. We are in this together. Together everyone achieves more! Explain the difference between delegation and just "dropping the ball." An effective leader knows the art of delegation and the importance of follow-up. Check up on the tasks you've delegated. Make sure there are no questions you can answer or anything you can help accomplish.

Okay, I've covered all of the bases with your new officer team.... what about you? Are you just going to go home and forget about Phi Theta Kappa? Let's hope not. You paid your one-time induction fee to Headquarters and you have a lifetime membership to the greatest Honor Society in the world. What now?

Well, we have a place just for you. It's called alumni. Your new role is to support your chapter and region, by participating in chapter events as well as regional and international conventions. You actually have the right to all active membership benefits, except the privilege to vote or hold office. But don't let that discourage you! If your region or chapter has an alumni chapter you may be able to hold an office and vote. We even have a track for alumni members at the International Convention and a special banquet just for you! So don't think of your new status as a disappointment. This is an exciting new outlet for you to demonstrate your enthusiasm for Phi Theta Kappa.

Good luck to all of my fellow members in your future endeavors! I hope you will choose to accept your new Journey as an alumni member. Go for it - what do you have to lose?

Contact Brandi Bates at brandibates@hotmail.com