Fundraising
2017-18 Goals
It is essential to the growth and wellbeing of JSA to fundraise. By raising money, we can increase socioeconomic diversity in the Northern California state. Fundraising breaks down the economic barrier that prevents people from being able to attend overnight conventions. Through our StayClassy, Junior Date of America, Spring Formal, and other new fundraisers, we can easily raise $18000 or more by next May. |
Spring Formal Fundraiser
This year, our Program Director, Dan, brought in the amazing idea of having a formal fundraiser in the Spring to raise money for our state fund. This idea excited me from the moment I heard about it. Unfortunately, we could not go through with the event. Next year, however, I will make sure that we start planning in the Fall so we have plenty of time to get people to come. Hosting a successful fundraiser will benefit the whole of NorCal by increasing money in the scholarship fund and potentially helping lower convention costs. |
Regions
Fall Leadership Summits
Fall Leadership Summits are a place where Chapter Presidents can learn about how to do their job as well as fostering a community amongst other Chapter Presidents. It is also a place where cabinet members and CPs can interact in calm and positive atmosphere. We can accomplish having a Summit in each region by encouraging mayors and vice mayors to host these events and providing all resources necessary to succeed.
Fall Leadership Summits are a place where Chapter Presidents can learn about how to do their job as well as fostering a community amongst other Chapter Presidents. It is also a place where cabinet members and CPs can interact in calm and positive atmosphere. We can accomplish having a Summit in each region by encouraging mayors and vice mayors to host these events and providing all resources necessary to succeed.
Chapters
Chapter Siblings
Part of Cabinet's job is to maintain the health and wellbeing of our chapters. From talking to other JSAers from other states, it has become apparent to me that our chapters are not as connected as those in other states. It was even noted that in a survey following Fall State 2016, the main concern of delegates was lack of inter-chapter communication. By bringing back the Chapter Siblings program, we can create better communities amount chapters. Chapters will be paired on the basis of strength, so strong chapters with consistent delegates will be put with chapters who have a weaker member base. Sibling chapters can learn and grow from one another, as well as participate in bonding events like movie nights and joint activism projects. |
ChapterCons
Chapter Conventions let new members get a feel for JSA without the cost and time of an overnight convention. Chapter Presidents can work with expansion agents to make sure that new or potential chapters get to ChapterCons in order to learn more about the organization. This is also a great venue for fundraising and activism initiatives, such as merchandise sales or book drives. During the time between Winter Congress and Spring State, Chapter Conventions serve as a great place for candidates to campaign as well. Next year, I will work with regional officials and Chapter Presidents to have at least two ChapterCons per region. |
Summer School
Increasing Attendance
JSA Summer School is a life changing experience, living on a college campus for a few days or a month and learning from some of the world's greatest educators, while simultaneously making lifelong friends. In previous years, Northern California has been vastly underrepresented in our summer programs. However, this can easily be changed. Promotion is necessary outside of the three state conventions, and more so there too. Summer programs should have a booth at the political faire at each convention, as well as having a representative or at least informational materials at all One Days and ChapterCons. The ample opportunity for scholarship should also be advertised, so JSAers know that summer school is affordable. I will also maintain the cabinet position of 'Director of Summer School Promotion' and potentially add several other positions to make a small department.
JSA Summer School is a life changing experience, living on a college campus for a few days or a month and learning from some of the world's greatest educators, while simultaneously making lifelong friends. In previous years, Northern California has been vastly underrepresented in our summer programs. However, this can easily be changed. Promotion is necessary outside of the three state conventions, and more so there too. Summer programs should have a booth at the political faire at each convention, as well as having a representative or at least informational materials at all One Days and ChapterCons. The ample opportunity for scholarship should also be advertised, so JSAers know that summer school is affordable. I will also maintain the cabinet position of 'Director of Summer School Promotion' and potentially add several other positions to make a small department.
Cabinet
Emphasizing on Communication
Going into the 2017-2018 school year, it is crucial to the success of the state that all incoming cabinet members receive thorough information about their positions from those who held their positions in the 2016-2017 school year. Each cabinet member will write a short report about their year in JSA and all information from this year will be passed on to next year's cabinet. This way, no cabinet member will feel lost or unsure coming into their new position. As governor, I will be on top of communicating with cabinet. I will be on call 24/7 to respond to any needs and I will make sure to prioritize each and every delegate in the Northern California State. I will also make sure that departments are communicating with each other and check in regularly with Directors to make sure that nobody is being left out, forgotten, or isn't putting in their fair share of work. We will continue with all-cabinet calls and I will make sure they occur on a day that works best for most people so we can have the highest turnout possible. |
Mid-Year Cabinet
Following the example of many other JSA states, we will have mid-year cabinet applications to allow new delegates to be further involved in our state. The spots available will be for any position that isn't filled or any new positions that the Big 3 and the directors find necessary. |
Activism
Youth Advisory Board
This year, I have served as a member of NorCal's YAB. Our current head, Tao, has been working hard to accomplish YAB's intended goals. In previous years, the board has simply been a formality with no real accomplishments. Under new leadership, we have been able to set up meetings with local representatives and have had a presence at state conventions. Youth Advisory Board is a great resource, but one that has been tossed aside in the past. Moving forward, we must continue to better YAB by increasing awareness about its existence and finding more local change-makers to work with.
This year, I have served as a member of NorCal's YAB. Our current head, Tao, has been working hard to accomplish YAB's intended goals. In previous years, the board has simply been a formality with no real accomplishments. Under new leadership, we have been able to set up meetings with local representatives and have had a presence at state conventions. Youth Advisory Board is a great resource, but one that has been tossed aside in the past. Moving forward, we must continue to better YAB by increasing awareness about its existence and finding more local change-makers to work with.
Publicity and Technology
Expanding Social Media
This year, the publicity and technology department has done a great job, from revamping the website to launching a Facebook page. But there are still many ways that we can utilize social media for the Northern California state. We will have our own YouTube channel next year to post informational videos, outstanding speeches, and cabinet updates. This will help spread knowledge around the state, and provide resources to new delegates. I will also make sure that we are updating our Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter pages regularly and keep them engaging through reposting from delegates and fun contests. Social media is an amazing tool, but we have not unlocked its full potential yet. |
JSApp
Since its NorCal inauguration at Winter Congress 2016, the JSApp has been a useful tool for delegates. However, each convention reveals a new problem with the app. This summer, I want to work with the technology department to ensure the app runs smoothly and free of flaws while keeping its great features. |