deciding to
run:
a guide to applying for VJCL office
Have you ever considered running for VJCL office? Not sure if it’s ‘the thing’ for you? Doubtful you have the skill set and/or time? If you’re looking for a definitive guide to the election process and a summary of officer responsibilities, look no further!
Let’s start with deciding to run for office. I’m not going to lie to you, this is a pretty serious decision. VJCL office is an incredibly rewarding (and fun!) experience! But, you will have to put in the work required (and sometimes even more) to be successful. For a summary of each office a thorough and official description of officer duties can be found in the VJCL Manual on the VJCL website.
Here are some questions to ask yourself if you’re considering running for office!
1. Do I have new ideas to implement? Every candidate should have a campaign platform! You need to have something unique and realistic to offer to the VJCL that delegates can envision you implementing.
2. Am I capable of fulfilling the requirements of office? Of course, each office’s requirements are different. But there are some universal responsibilities - such as attending all Council meetings, VJCL Convention, and the NJCL Convention. Make sure you can commit to all the requirements of the office you’re considering.
3. Will I enjoy the office I decide to run for? If you’re capable of formatting a newsletter but hate spending lots of time on Joomag, then Editor is probably not the job for you! You need to consider not only what you’re qualified for, but also what you’re interested in. VJCL office shouldn’t feel like a chore - it should be something you’re happy to do!
Once you’ve decided to run for office and picked an office to run for, it’s time to prepare a campaign. Your campaign will be unique, of course, but the campaign process is pretty similar for each candidate. As always, check the VJCL Manual for the official rules.
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