CHAPTER INVOLVEMENT
Currently, some chapters seem to be more "in the loop" than others. This shouldn't be the case. I believe it is imperative that we foster more positive cross-chapter interaction as well as emphasis on chapter activity.
1) PARTNERSHIPS
This past year, the Midwest has engaged in a widely successful initiative called "New Faces" where each delegate is randomly partnered with another to meet and get to know. This has been well received, but I believe we should be encouraging entire chapters to interact in addition to individual delegates. If elected, I will start a "Chapter Partner" initiative where convention-attending chapters will be paired up and encouraged to have lunch or dinner together during one day of the event. This will be communicated to CPs who will work with their partner to set a location and time (with the help of their CIA agent if necessary) before the convention.
2) PROMOTION
Chapter-level engagement is powerful, and should be better promoted. When chapters bring in local politicians or activists, the Midwest should be inspired. When chapters host a fundraiser, the Midwest should be encouraged to come and support. When chapters organize activism/charitable initiatives, the Midwest should be informed so other chapters can follow suit. While much of this chapter activity is already promoted through chapter-level publicity, it should also be featured on Midwest social media and website. Not only does this benefit other chapters, but it will help grow the name and credibility of Midwest JSA to those considering joining and even to local news sources!
3) CONNECTION
Because of the geographic spread of the Midwest, some chapters that are located further from the Chicago area are less likely to be able to attend certain One Day events and Chap Cons. Since transportation is difficult to secure especially for shorter events, these chapters should be able to participate in other ways. At Lake Forest's HistoriCON, a member of a Michigan chapter joined a Thought Talk through Google Meets. It worked quite well, and this opportunity should be expanded to include more people and more Chap Cons.
1) PARTNERSHIPS
This past year, the Midwest has engaged in a widely successful initiative called "New Faces" where each delegate is randomly partnered with another to meet and get to know. This has been well received, but I believe we should be encouraging entire chapters to interact in addition to individual delegates. If elected, I will start a "Chapter Partner" initiative where convention-attending chapters will be paired up and encouraged to have lunch or dinner together during one day of the event. This will be communicated to CPs who will work with their partner to set a location and time (with the help of their CIA agent if necessary) before the convention.
2) PROMOTION
Chapter-level engagement is powerful, and should be better promoted. When chapters bring in local politicians or activists, the Midwest should be inspired. When chapters host a fundraiser, the Midwest should be encouraged to come and support. When chapters organize activism/charitable initiatives, the Midwest should be informed so other chapters can follow suit. While much of this chapter activity is already promoted through chapter-level publicity, it should also be featured on Midwest social media and website. Not only does this benefit other chapters, but it will help grow the name and credibility of Midwest JSA to those considering joining and even to local news sources!
3) CONNECTION
Because of the geographic spread of the Midwest, some chapters that are located further from the Chicago area are less likely to be able to attend certain One Day events and Chap Cons. Since transportation is difficult to secure especially for shorter events, these chapters should be able to participate in other ways. At Lake Forest's HistoriCON, a member of a Michigan chapter joined a Thought Talk through Google Meets. It worked quite well, and this opportunity should be expanded to include more people and more Chap Cons.
DEBATE
Midwest JSA engages in thought-provoking debate during conventions, but there are areas for improvement. Some debate blocks die out quickly and there are some instances where speeches are no longer productive. To combat this, I want to engage chapters in choosing debates and prioritize fact checking.
1) RESOLUTION INPUT AND FEEDBACK
Before Fall State and Spring State, each attending chapter will submit a resolution to the Debate Department's Resolution Contest. The department will choose at least one strongest resolution to include in convention. This will help excite chapters about the upcoming conventions and ensure that Cabinet is taking into account what they want to talk about. Furthermore, I've noticed how after conventions, a few delegates make comments about debates not interesting them. We should have a form available through which delegates can constructively give feedback to the Debate Department about resolutions and give their own ideas for upcoming resolutions.
2) FACT CHECK HOTLINE
At Fall State and Spring State, I'd like the Debate Department to set up a fact check hotline. Delegates will be able to text a certain number if they are concerned that a speaker is giving false information. An agent will work a shift where s/he responds to these messages. The response is the final verdict. This is something that has been implemented (and successful) in other states. It increases the reliability of speakers and it prevents from unproductive arguments about the validity of information.
Before Fall State and Spring State, each attending chapter will submit a resolution to the Debate Department's Resolution Contest. The department will choose at least one strongest resolution to include in convention. This will help excite chapters about the upcoming conventions and ensure that Cabinet is taking into account what they want to talk about. Furthermore, I've noticed how after conventions, a few delegates make comments about debates not interesting them. We should have a form available through which delegates can constructively give feedback to the Debate Department about resolutions and give their own ideas for upcoming resolutions.
2) FACT CHECK HOTLINE
At Fall State and Spring State, I'd like the Debate Department to set up a fact check hotline. Delegates will be able to text a certain number if they are concerned that a speaker is giving false information. An agent will work a shift where s/he responds to these messages. The response is the final verdict. This is something that has been implemented (and successful) in other states. It increases the reliability of speakers and it prevents from unproductive arguments about the validity of information.
COMMUNITY
JSA Chapters should be more involved in local politics, and local news sources should know more about our amazing organization!
1) CITY HALL MEETINGS
Civic engagement is important at the local level. Each chapter should be encouraged to attend a city hall meeting. During the first few CIA calls, CIA agents should help Chapter Presidents look at their city hall's calendar and choose a date to attend an open meeting with their chapter. If planned far in advance, chapters will be more likely to have attendance at a meeting and increase awareness of the government that affects students most directly.
2) PRESS
If elected, I will work with the Midwest Publicity and Activism departments to help get Chapter and State activity in local papers. This can include anything from activism initiatives to conventions. JSA student run initiatives are quite impressive, and it is important that our organization is more well known. This will also help Midwest Expansion; the more who hear about the amazing work of JSA, the more people will want to join, and the stronger and more diverse our state will become.
1) CITY HALL MEETINGS
Civic engagement is important at the local level. Each chapter should be encouraged to attend a city hall meeting. During the first few CIA calls, CIA agents should help Chapter Presidents look at their city hall's calendar and choose a date to attend an open meeting with their chapter. If planned far in advance, chapters will be more likely to have attendance at a meeting and increase awareness of the government that affects students most directly.
2) PRESS
If elected, I will work with the Midwest Publicity and Activism departments to help get Chapter and State activity in local papers. This can include anything from activism initiatives to conventions. JSA student run initiatives are quite impressive, and it is important that our organization is more well known. This will also help Midwest Expansion; the more who hear about the amazing work of JSA, the more people will want to join, and the stronger and more diverse our state will become.