Prepare the Best Candidates to Run for Positions
As you continue to hear about upcoming national and local elections, remember that current chapter leaders can start planning for their chapter’s annual executive board elections. Chapter officers or volunteers can identify and prepare candidates to run for office and prepare to take on a major leadership role within the Fraternity.
Here are some tips for optimizing this year’s election process:
- Identify the best candidates for each position. As an executive board, meet to discuss current committee members and upcoming leaders who have the capacity to succeed as a chapter officer. This discussion should also focus on which current officers are planning to run for re-election in their current role or in a different position to provide an added level of continuity to the leadership team.
- Educate the chapter about each officer’s responsibilities. While brothers should learn about each position during the Sigma Challenge or pledge process, remind all members about what each position entails day to day and over the course of the year. Consider having each outgoing officer briefly explain the job at a chapter meeting or creating opportunities for those interested in running time to “shadow” an officer or ask him questions.
- Encourage the best candidates to run for positions. Announce openings to the chapter, and encourage everyone to run. You might want to privately encourage the most talented brothers to apply.
- Engage volunteers in the process. Coordinate a meeting between candidates and alumni-volunteer mentors to discuss the future of the chapter and the specific responsibilities of each position. This allows each candidate to meet and build a relationship with the mentor he will work with as an officer.
- Create a system for candidates to share their vision and goals before elections. Consider asking all candidates to complete an application or share their goals and plans for the role with the whole chapter ahead of the election to give all members time to consider the options, speak with candidates and cast an informed vote.
- Take formal nominations one to two weeks ahead of the election. Nominating candidates early helps to streamline the election process.
- Take elections seriously. Allow brothers to speak about their qualifications and platforms. Communicate clear expectations and rules to members to ensure a timely and efficient election process. It’s not a popularity contest—vote for the brothers who will do the best job.
- Schedule and prepare for an officer transition retreat. Volunteers need to be present to help ensure a smoother transition. Look for an article next month on holding an effective retreat.
Looking for more information to improve your chapter’s election process? Visit the officer transitions page on the SigEp website or contact your Regional Director.
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