Second Vice President:
Hena Allaqaband
[ vp2@njcl.org ]
Most Important Duties:
The words spirit and service encompass a lot more than one expects. You are required to create the Club of the Month packet, judge each month of submissions, create posts to announce winners, create spirit and dance themes for National Convention, and choose the service project as well. Both the First and Second VPs will also plan National Classics Week and Classicalia. A Second VP has to truly encompass both sides of the position. A creative mind is needed for spirit, and someone passionate about helping others is perfect for service. The combination of both, though, is was makes a Second VP a Second VP.
How to Prepare for Office:
I expected the election process to be time-consuming, but even then, I underestimated the time it would take me to sit down and craft a creative, well-thought-out platform. I had tons of ideas, but weeding them out into the ones that were both unique and practical was one of my most difficult tasks. The other piece of advice is that the election process is unpredictable, so expect the unexpected. Before running for office, I think it would be wise to have experience working on a state board and familiarity with convention because it is an indescribable atmosphere.
Campaign Analysis:
Creating a social media account to reach more people, and campaigning around convention in person with the help of my friends were significant factors that I think helped me. I appreciate all the work I put into my campaign materials and having them laid out and planned early lowered my stress during convention. Knowing one’s campaign inside and out is one of the most important factors in getting elected, but I think a couple of my goals were so complex that even I knew they might not be attainable. A simple, yet effective set of goals will help with that. While my campaign and election process were a little different than the rest of the board, I think it worked because of how genuinely passionate I am about the position. I truly love everything about being a Second VP and any future candidates should have that same spark too.