As the first semester winds down, many SigEp chapters are holding their annual executive board elections. Current officers need to take the crucial steps to capture information and best practices, make sure projects are properly passed down and share lessons of past leaders.

Here are some tips for a successful election day:

• Encourage the best candidates to run for positions. Announce openings to the chapter, and encourage everyone to run. You might want to pull aside the brothers you think are most talented, and encourage them privately.
• Educate the chapter about each position’s responsibilities. Brothers should learn about each position during the Sigma Challenge or pledge process. You could have each outgoing officer take a couple minutes to explain the job at a chapter meeting. Allow those interested in running time to “shadow” an officer or ask him questions.
• Take elections seriously. Allow brothers time to speak about their qualifications and platforms. It’s not a popularity contest— vote for the brothers who will do the best job.
• Hold an officer transition retreat. Volunteers need to be present to help ensure a smoother transition. Read this story, with specific tips about transition retreats.
• Create buy-in from the chapter. Discuss your new goals with the whole chapter, so that everyone is bought into reaching them and having a successful year.
• Update your information with Headquarters. Make sure you fill out this form and email it to your regional director and officer.update@sigep.net. This will help Headquarters serve as a resource for your new executive board and ensure they get all important emails.

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