Elect and train officers before the end of this school year to start the next year strong. Follow these steps to get a head start!
Hold officer elections:
- Review officers’ responsibilities with the entire club.
- Ask interested members to submit their names to be candidates and ask them to prepare to speak about why they want to be an officer.
- Hold an election meeting during which candidates speak.
- Have members vote using a ballot or a piece of paper.
- Count the votes and announce the members elected.
Prepare for officer training:
- Pick the date, time and location for the training.
- Determine the topics and activities for the training. Here are suggestions:
- Review and discuss each officer’s responsibilities and the K-Kids Officer Guides.
- Review the K-Kids motto, vision, values and pledge.
- Have outgoing club officers share reflections about what they learned.
- Brainstorm what it means to be a student-led program.
- Share an agenda for a typical meeting.
- Show the “Ways to Do Service” video so members understand the four ways to serve.
- Review the Member Guide and Service Guide and discuss what activities officers would like to do next year.
- Explain Parliamentary Procedure if your club will be using it during meetings.
- Discuss club goals.
- Create an agenda with realistic timeframes so you can address all the content or complete the activity. Include tasks for current officers, the Kiwanis advisor and any other volunteers.
- Help outgoing officers prepare to share what they learned from being leaders. Provide reflection questions to guide them. For example: What did you need to learn that helped you accomplish tasks for your position? What important advice do you have for the incoming officer?
Hold officer training:
At the beginning of the training, share the agenda with participants so they know what to expect during the training and what you want to accomplish. Good luck!