Salvēte, v'ōmnēs!
My name is GWENDOLYN "GWEN" JACOBSON, I am a junior in AP/IV at TJHSST, and I am your 2017-18 VJCL PARLIAMENTARIAN!
Despite taking Latin since sixth grade, freshman year saw the beginning of my involvement with the JCL, as I attended my first state convention in 2015. Since then, I have attended the state conventions in 2016 and 2017, as well as the 2017 NJCL Convention in Troy, AL.
I remember seeing the officers during my first convention and thinking, "Wow! It would be neat to be as involved in this Classics nerd organization as they are!" Although running for office seemed like a neat idea, I started considering it seriously only after attending the National Nominations Committee meeting in Troy.
In addition to the normal goings-on associated with creating an official ballot, there arose some relatively strange occurrences that had to be resolved using the Constitution. Observing this process not only solidified my nebulous desire to run for office, but it also helped me realize the office I would seek: Parliamentarian, the officer in charge of such proceedings. (Side note: As a total baseball geek, the rules - exceptions included - that govern the game are really cool to me, so that may have something to do with it, too. :) )
For all you considering a run for office (which you REALLY should), ask your delegation for help campaigning at Convention! If you give them talking points and campaign materials of yours to share with other Convention attendees after NomCom (since, of course, campaigning is prohibited before its conclusion), you will reach a much greater number of Conventioners than you would campaigning solo. Also, engage with others and make new acquaintances! Even though you may have a bunch of wonderful people stumping for you (S/O to my TJ cōmitēs), you should at the very least TRY to reach others yourself -- no matter how introverted you are. You can do it!
Even if you don't pursue an office, stay involved with the JCL at the local, state, and/or national level(s)! Participate in your own school's Latin activities, go to state or national conventions, and stay tuned for other opportunities! Shameless plug: compete in Certāmina.
If you have any questions about my job, running for office, or the JCL in general, please ask! I will be at all of Virginia's Certāmina, so please approach me there! Also, I will post to the VJCL's social media pages about other JCL-related events I will be attending, so keep an eye out, as well as creating a FAQ page about elections. I will distribute a form through which you can submit questions for that page!
At any rate, you can always email me at [email protected] or message me through the VJCL's social media. I can't wait to see y'all around; avēte atque valēte!
VJCL WINTER FORUM - PAGE 5