| "It's all about the image that you project. No matter what
the state of internal politics, the members of a successful organization
maintain a united front. This illustrates a high degree of discipline
and organization, two elements of extreme importance within the arena of
campus politics." - Nina Grillo-Balthrop
Nina Grillo-Balthrop
CALR Executive Advisor: University of Delaware
Your chapter's image can make or break you as an organization.
What can you do to build up and maintain a positive image? Here are
a few tips from Craig de Mariana Aleman:
Through Members:
Your chapter's members, especially Executive Board members, are essentially
walking billboards for your organization. Do they carry themselves
well, or are they known for being reckless socially, academically or otherwise?
Are their academic accomplishments something to be proud of, or are they
advocating the uplifting of La Raza while simultaneously destroying themselves?
Do they command the respect of those around them, or do they bathe in everyday
campus drama? Nina is right, image is everything, and your members
contribute signficiantly to the image, and consequently, the success of
your organization.
Through Meetings:
Be enthusiastic and organized! Don't bore people to death at your
meetings with a lack of passion, and don't frustrate prospective members
by indulging in inefficiency. Always have printed meeting agendas
and stick to them! If people want to discuss other items, have them
wait until the "open floor" at the end of the meeting. Business first!
Additionally, if there is something to discuss that only concerns 2
or 3 members, dont hold up an entire group of 20 by discussing it at a
meeting. Wait until after the meeting is over! I have been
to too many meetings where a president of an organization wastes everyone's
time by doing things unbelievably inefficiently. Needless to say,
I did not come back for a second beating. Enthusiasm, passion and
above all else - organization are all central components
to a chapter's image!
Through Events:
Any and every event that you organize and attach your name to will pay
dividends to or subtract from your image. Was your event engaging,
informative, effective? Did it start on time or reasonable late,
or did was it an hour+ late? Was your board dressed for the part,
or did they host an international figure while wearing jeans and a T-Shirt?
Image building through events is very important!
Craig de Mariana Aleman
CALR President - University of Delaware, 2004-2005
|
