We have outlined a five step process to follow for delegates who are considering running for office in California Youth and Government. The process is an exciting one, and win or lose, the chances of learning a tremendous amount are nearly 100%.
STEP ONE: Choose what office to run for.
Seem like an obvious step? Well, in some ways it is, but it is still probably the most important decision a candidate will make. Not every delegate is allowed run for every office (for example, sophomores aren't eligible to run for Youth Governor), and not every office will sound interesting to you. To help you choose which office to run for, we have provided a listing of job descriptions and qualifications.
STEP TWO: Stop and think.
Running for office often requires a little bit of soul-searching. We simply aren't used to "selling" ourselves in this way, and it helps all candidates for every office (not just in Y&G) to outline some goals and answer a few questions in their own heads before they get started. Here are a few that we've come up with:
- Why am I considering running for this office?
- What do I hope to learn from the campaign?
- What goals do I have apart from winning?
STEP THREE: Get nominated.
Because of the HUGE size of California Y&G, delegations can only nominate five candidates to run statewide each year. This means that your delegation most likely will have to have some sort of "mini-election" to decide who gets nominated to run statewide. Each delegation will do this differently, but plan on having to give a short talk at one of your local meetings and then being voted on by the other delegates in your group.
STEP FOUR: Submit your nomination form.
If your delegation does nominate you, it is your responsibility--not your advisor's or your delegation president's--to make sure that the necessary forms are submitted to the Y&G office before the deadline. Ask your advisor for the form or get it online, but GET IT IN ON TIME. Late nomination forms will not be accepted, meaning you will be disqualified if you don't meet the deadline.
STEP FIVE: Plan your campaign.
Spend some serious time thinking about how you want to run for your office. Do you want to be inspirational? Thoughtful? Exciting? What aspects of your own personality do you hope to communicate? How will you do this in your speech? Many delegates like to practice their speeches at other nearby delegations to start meeting people and to work out any wrinkles before arriving at the Training and Elections conference. Ask your advisor for help here...that's what they're there for! Running in Y&G is different than any other election experience you may have had--Student Council, Homecoming Court, etc. Ask the expert (your advisor) for help.
STEP SIX: Campaign Statewide.
The most important campaigning will be at the Training and Elections conference. As soon as your delegation gets off the bus, be ready to start introducing yourself and meeting new people. Later, you will be asked to give a speech (probably 1-2 minutes long) about your campaign. Have it well thought-out before arriving, and remember to have fun. The best speeches are by serious, thoughtful candidates who allow their personalities to shine while up in front.
STEP SEVEN: Cross your fingers...
The election winners will be announced at the Training and Elections conference. Remember the goals you thought about at the beginning of your campaign, and think about what you've learned even before you find out whether you've won. Good luck!
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