June/July 2001
Issue

Some of you have already attended extensive orientations and have reflected over the past year with former officers, but many of us are still lost. I remember it was this time last year when I was elected to serve as president of my chapter. I was told about Hallmarks, membership challenges, scholarship programs, and various service activities, yet I did not fully comprehend the magnitude of this organization. With very little knowledge, I felt compelled to make my year as chapter president the best one that Alpha Lambda Epsilon at Shawnee Community College had ever seen.

Don’t Worry
As Phi Theta Kappa officers, we are often filled with energy and excitement, but at the same time, we are worried and afraid. But I encourage you to put those worries and fears aside, and take advantage of the opportunities this organization has to offer by excelling in your new position of leadership. This summer, your chapter or region’s plan should be a plan of ACTION, filled with enthusiasm and excitement that only you can bring to this organization.

A Time of Learning
After taking my oath of office from 2000-01 International President Heidi White, she gave me some advice: “Remember who you’re here to serve — the members.” That counsel will always be treasured in my heart and passed on to fellow officers of Phi Theta Kappa. We were elected because of our character, commitment and concern for others. We are respected because we value and uphold the truth. Phi Theta Kappa officers everywhere are committed to making life better for those we lead.

As a chapter or regional officer, you will learn that success is not automatic, but rather, that knowledge and performance are what count the most. Leaders learn how to develop sensitivity regarding the desires, goals, and aspirations of others. They learn how to communicate; how to inspire; how to motivate; the importance of setting an example; how to delegate responsibility; and how to accept failure as well as success and glory.

First Things First
As new officers we must first learn the duties of our office. We should refer to chapter bylaws and advisors to learn the duties that are required of our positions within the chapter and region. To further assist us in our journey, Phi Theta Kappa International Headquarters provides a variety of resources to assist us in our roles as Society leaders. Phi Theta Kappa officers receive informative communications throughout the year introducing new programs and containing important updates on the Society’s international meetings. Due to the unlimited capacity of the Internet and the ability to immediately update web publications, Phi Theta Kappa’s website at www.ptk.org has become THE source for current Society news and information.

Know When to Lead & When to Follow
Many new officers run into the problem of not getting the respect of fellow members. However, you can only gain respect by giving respect. By giving respect to fellow members, you will earn their respect and that will bring you closer together. In return you will receive the greatest gift of pride from seeing the heights fellow members can reach.

In Phi Theta Kappa, each of us leads and follows. Leaders in this organization provide people with a vision. We articulate that vision and show others how they may reach it. We are the symbol and embodiment of worthy, shared goals and how to achieve them. Phi Theta Kappa leaders help our chapters and regions identify problems, find solutions and move forward.

Use this time to develop your leadership skills in this organization. Meet with fellow officers and advisors and plan for ACTION in your chapter or region.

Lastly, enjoy your journey as an officer in Phi Theta Kappa! Remember dreams are worth following. If you start early, keep your goals in mind, and take these suggestions to heart, you will be able to maneuver through the maze of leadership and leave behind a great legacy for your successors to follow.

Warren T. Jackson, Phi Theta Kappa’s 2001-02 International President, is a political science major at Shawnee Community College in Ullin, Illinois.

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