Why be a regional officer? Your region needs you! Regional programs offer members opportunities to network with many chapters all within close proximity of each other. Regional Officers help to cultivate relationships between these chapters while offering special assistance to chapters that need an added boost. Kansas Regional Coordinator Thomas Percy explains, "I think a strong, energetic and enthusiastic regional officer team can have a tremendously positive impact on the region. Enthusiasm is contagious. If the chapter officers and members see that the regional officers enjoy their role and believe in the mission of Phi Theta Kappa, this will filter down through the chapters."

Nevada/California Southeastern Vice President Stacey Wheeler adds, "One of the finest things about being a regional officer is the opportunity to make a difference in people's lives. The opportunities are only limited by a person's imagination."

What are the requirements? Officer positions and responsibilities vary from region to region. For example, some regions elect individuals to officer positions, while other regions elect chapters. Some regions are divided into districts and elect several Vice Presidents, while others elect the more traditional offices of President, Vice President and Secretary. All regions require regional officers to sign the Regional Officer Honor Code. Your Regional Coordinator can provide you with a copy of the Honor Code, or you can find it on the Society's web site.

Your Regional Coordinator will be your best resource to explain the specific responsibilities and criteria for holding office in your region. Your regional bylaws also include detailed information about regional officer responsibilities. Typically, being a regional officer requires public speaking, presiding at regional meetings, conducting workshops and communicating with chapters around the region via phone, e-mail or in person!

What's the formula for success? There is no magic formula, but here are some ways to ensure that your year as a regional officer is as effective as possible.

Attend the Regional Officer Academy at International Convention. The Regional Officer Academy offers extensive training from developing a personal leadership style to polishing your public speaking skills to networking with fellow officers. "The Academy was one of the best things about International Convention! I would encourage every regional officer to attend and get all the tools they need to serve their region," says Iowa Regional Vice President Tami Strah.

Take part in regional officer training offered by the region. This essential training session gives officers the chance to bond with their regional officer team and Regional Coordinator as well as develop a strategic plan for the region. "Our Regional Officer Training took place at the KOA Kampground at Herkimer Diamond Mines," said New York Regional Coordinator Leanne Jardine. "The officers did all the menu planning and cooking which did a lot towards team building. They were trained on the Five-Star Program, Hallmark Awards, etiquette and public speaking. The new officers all came with a prepared two minute speech which we all helped to critique. They also each had to introduce a guest speaker."

Participate in the electronic Regional Officer List Server and Conference Center. These new electronic communications help connect regional officers throughout the Society and give them the ability to ask questions and offer advice in an instant. "I really like this new program," says New York Southern Region Vice President Sharon Bryant. "Sometimes it is difficult to get in touch with your regional officers at the time you need them most and being able to get in touch with other region's officers is great, especially if they have had similar problems."

If you are considering taking your leadership skills to the next level, contact your Regional Coordinator to request a Regional Officer Candidate Packet.