It's a big decision, deciding to run for International Office. If elected, there are a lot of responsibilities, a lot of traveling, it could put you behind in school or, at the very least, add stress. Before even the primary election results are publicized, before even you arrive at the International Convention, preparing for your campaign is no small task. The purpose of this entry is to let everyone follow in my process, but for those thinking of running, I think you'll find quite a few tips scattered throughout.
I downloaded my application packet sometime around early January and got it in only a few days early. It takes time. To write the essay, to throughly respond to the questions. I think, looking back, that I grossly underestimated the time required to complete this step in the process. It's easy to be too excited for International Convention to really focus, something that you need to fight through. I attended the chat that the 2010-2011 International Offices hosted for those thinking of running and remember somebody asking what we should be doing now - this was sometime around late January by the way - and Jessi astutely responding with "the application." I know that whoever asked was thinking more along the lines of "what next?" but really, this early on there are two things that you should be focused on - networking and completing that application - finish that application as early as possible, as best as you can, and before you even think about doing anything else.
As I said, I completed my application close to the due date. After I received word that my application had been accepted, I started worrying about everything else. Now I don't think that I am unique in this but I do feel that, before I continue, I make it clear that I absolutely cannot accomplish things well unless I feel pressured. I'm working on it, but still do my best work when somebody says, "I need this done by tomorrow!" I also spend a lot of time contemplating before any concrete results are put forth. With that being said, most of time was spent thinking about what I wanted to do. The reason that I even state this at all is because many of you may get the things done much more quickly than I did. Many of you may already be considering your campaign platform, securing funds, etc. and that's great. I just want to share what worked for me.
One thing that I will say about the application is that, even if you're like me in your work ethics, there are some things that you should be careful of. First, your essay. This seems obvious but it should really be one of the very first things that you do. You want to have time to get it reviewed by a couple of people that you trust and, if you're a perfectionist, to rewrite it at least half a dozen times until you're comfortable with it :-) Something that is probably more likely to get overlooked is your picture. You don't have to get it done professionally, but I would. I did semi-professionally, I went to Sear's, bought the copyright, and I think the total came to less than $50. Definitely worth it. You want this picture to come out well, it gets plastered everywhere! Finally, your information piece. I, personally, had my school's marketing director put it together for me and she did an amazing job - much better than I could have. However, I created the original draft that was sent in with my application and would recommend you do the same if you are having somebody else actually create it. The act of putting it together myself helped me to solidify what it was that I wanted. This makes designing your booth a lot easier as well as giving you time to make sure your comfortable with it.
From my end, I didn't have my "gimmick" until Regional Convention where we were happy to host Jessi Nisbett and had an opportunity to ask every question I could think of. That was at the beginning of March, after which I determined my gimmick, supervised the completion of my distributable information piece, created my booth display, and wrote my speech - all over the next couple of weeks. For me, it worked, though I'm not certain I would recommend it.
One thing that candidates are required to do is their live interview with Rod Risley. This was, by far, the most nerve wracking part of the entire campaign process for me. As luck would have it, I was sick in the days leading up to it and didn't even go to school the day of - except for my interview with Dr. Risley. Now, looking back, I am probably the only one who could tell, and I certainly wasn't the only one sick for their interview. But it made things that much more stressful. Not to mention, nothing that it was recommended we learn for the interview was actually asked. I found use for it all later though, so I'm glad I did it.
After the interview, there was really nothing left to do but wait. Finally it was time to travel to Convention and I got my first look at how busy being an International Officer can be. My chapter had to leave for Seattle an entire day early because of my campaign for office -- and we had to meet at the airport at 5am to do so. It was great getting there as early as we did, though. Our chapter President and I walked up the street to an art supply store so that I could purchase my display board. Yes, I put my booth together the night before campaigning. However, don't read that to say it wasn't done until the last minute. What I did was get everything together, and cut out, and glued, everything that I needed to do before I could put the pieces together. I did this simply because I couldn't afford to ship a giant display from Maine to Washington. Upon getting to Seattle, it took me about an hour to piece the booth together.
At 6:00pm, there was an orientation for International Officer candidates. It was great, past IO's answered our questions, we had a chance to get to know each other, and we were given tips that, at least for me, really helped with the campaigning process. The orientation was followed by a reception for the International Officer candidates with Rod Risley. It was the first of our late nights.
Thursday was a day for campaigning. There were varying degrees of devotion throughout this process. We were allowed to set up the booth as early as 8am and were allowed to remain in the marketplace until 6pm, when they kicked us out until 8pm for the political rally. What I did, and what I recommend, was to stay in the marketplace straight through from 8-6. I left once to grab a small snack and bring it back and took short breaks to walk around, but stayed at my booth for the majority of the day. I, obviously, can't tell you for sure what made a difference, but I can tell you that the people who did well stayed in the marketplace. It's tiring, but it's fun, and it's worth it. We then came back from 8pm-10pm for the Political Rally, the must adrenaline increasing chaos that I have ever been apart of. For those of you thinking of running, a couple of things bear mentioning here. Your campaign team is crucial for this phrase, you need to tell them what to expect, what the rules are, and how they can help you ahead of time. My team helped me talk to members, kept me hydrated, and stood with me the entire time. I could feel the difference that they made and you will too.
Friday was fairly laid back in terms of what was expected of us but Saturday was our big day. The Candidate Finalists had been announced and, first thing Saturday morning was when we delivered our speeches. I probably practiced twenty or so times throughout the day on Friday and was helped Saturday morning prior to the actual delivery by a member of the New England Regional Alumni Association (though for privacy reasons, I won't give any further details) who was amazing in helping me polish my speech. It was the day that we all hoped we'd see but had also provided the most stress. Shortly after the speech, we had a short rehearsal, something to give us an idea of what to expect at the final general session, should we be elected. On your application, it says that wearing your formal attire to this is allowed but not required, I would say that I would HIGHLY recommended. I almost want to tell you that it's required, I really feel that strongly about it. After the rehearsal, they had a nice last reception for the International Officers, where we got to get our pictures taken as a group and with Dr. Risley. It was great to be all together again and feel like a star getting all those professional photos done :-)
Finally, the last general session began. By this point, I was could feel the butterflies in my stomach. I took a bathroom break every twenty minutes, just for an excuse to get up and walk around, not that it helped the jitters. I would almost recommend this, though, because, if elected, you'll be glad that you took the breaks -- just ask Jeremy. When the voting music came on, I was holding hands with our chapter President, and an officer from my region who - up until this point - I didn't know very well. It was a very emotional time and I really emphasize with those who were not elected. When my name was finally called as the new Division I International Vice President, I literally bawled - and hugged everyone sitting near me. In fact, I think my advisor knocked a couple of people down hugging me. I have all this on video and will add them as I get more comfortable with this blogging thing.
After our first stage appearance, we were paraded off stage to a "secret room" where we got our pictures taken and met one on one with the past IOs, Monika, and Dr. Risley. The rest of the night was a chance to have fun and get to know each other more - and take a lot of pictures!
Our first semi-official act as new officers was the mini pre-orientation the next morning with the outgoing IOs, Monika, and our advisors. We were given advice, some tools for office, and a laundry list of first assignments. Overall, the week is already a blur. I had an amazing time and am looking forward to my year as the 2011-2012 Division I International Vice President! If you have any questions, or stories to share, or just want to connect, feel free to e-mail me any time at Danielle.Swartz@ptk.org.
Love you guys,
Danielle Swartz
