The Journey
A newsletter for chapter advisors, chapter officers, and
regional officers.
November/
December 2000
Issue
Ready for New Challenges in Leadership?
Run for Regional Office!
What Is a Regional
Officer?
Society ambassador, public speaker, encourager, goal setter...all of these
and more encompass the duties of a regional officer. In most regions,
the officers are responsible for assisting the chapters in their district
or state by offering suggestions for membership recruitment, speaking
at inductions and encouraging chapters to participate in Phi Theta Kappa
programs such as America’s Promise and the Honors Study Topic.
The officers are usually expected to attend all regional meetings, and often assist in the organization and coordination of the meetings. Most officers preside during these meetings as well, introducing speakers, making sure the meeting runs according to the agenda, presenting workshops, awards and speeches.
The titles of a regional officer can vary widely from region to region. Most regions elect a regional president; other positions include one or more vice presidents (representing states or districts within the region), a secretary, a public relations officer, a newsletter editor, web site editor, and historian.
Some regions elect individuals to officer positions, others elect chapters. Most regional officer elections are held at a spring regional convention.
The “Perks”
The benefits
of being a regional officer also vary from region to region. Some of the
more popular benefits include:
1) travel funds to attend regional and international meetings
2) scholarships
3) leadership skills training during an officers retreat/ planning meeting
Internationally, regional officers are eligible for the following opportunities:
1) Invitation to the Regional Officer Academy conducted prior to the annual International Convention
2) Nomination for a Distinguished Regional Officer Award
3) Participation in the Regional Officer Electronic Mailing List
How to Get Started...
Because each region defines its offices, duties and benefits, the first
step is to talk to your advisor and Regional Coordinator. The name and
contact information for your Regional Coordinator can be found on the
Phi Theta Kappa web site at www.ptk.org under Region Resources/ Regions
Directory. For more information, please contact Director of Regional Programs
Theresa Burns at 800.946.9995 ext. 562 or theresa.burns@ptk.org.
More Answers to
Your Five-Star Questions
Q. What
does comprehensive mean in levels four and five of the Five-Star Chapter
Development Program Guide as in requiring a comprehensive honors program
and a comprehensive service program?
A. The term comprehensive is taken from the context of the Hallmark Awards competition. Comprehensive refers to a project or group of projects that benefit the chapter, the college, and the community. Some chapters have developed comprehensive projects with a regional or international scope as well. Comprehensive also refers to projects that relate to more than one Hallmark. For example, hosting a College Day event for high school students could incorporate elements of Scholarship, Leadership, Service and Fellowship.
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