How to Run a Campaign for SGA President

Dedicate yourself to running a successful SGA campaign at your school.

Running for your school's Student Government Association president is a daunting task. There will be many ups and downs to be dealt with as you attempt to put your voice into consideration as someone who will do what is best for your school. You will need to be sure that this is what you want to do and if you are up to the challenge, you will need to make sure that you are seen, heard and believed to be the right choice to run your student government.

Instructions

1. State one primary campaign promise that you will be known for. Although you may want to make many changes at your school or university, there is usually one issue that a majority of students will care about. This will help you get the votes you will need to be elected if they believe that you are the one to change things.

2. Ask students to fill out a survey on what they wish they could change about their school. If you are in the planning stages for a campaign, ask around and find out the one thing that they care about the most and shape your campaign around it.

3. Choose a running mate for vice president of student government that is as popular and dynamic as you are. You both should agree on the major ideas of the campaign and must be willing to work together for those goals. Your running mate should be clear that his position is secondary in focus and power to yours.

4. Create a slogan that is catchy and easy to remember. It should be a slogan that addresses some major part of your campaign promises. For example, “A Vote for Bob Means No Cafeteria Slob,” speaks clearly to your commitment to improve food served. Give away free campaign items with this slogan on it, such as pencils or buttons.

5. Speak to everyone you meet at school all day and every day. You must give the impression of openness and accessibility. Discuss ideas with your classmates. Allow them to complain and assure them that you understand their plight. When talking to people, make sure you have a firm handshake and make eye contact.

6. Create flyers and banners to hang throughout the school. Hang them in heavily traveled areas such as the dining halls, gymnasiums, parking lots and hallways. Saturate messages with your name, principles and campaign promises to the school. Often this type of recognition in the voting booth will go in your favor.

7. Gather people for a rally designed to allow you to discuss your campaign and the future of the school if you are elected. Ask school administrators if you can hold the rally in a gym, recreation field or parking lot. Get as many of your friends to come and have them bring their friends. Make the event fun by having balloons or activities before and after it. Spend time with possible voters after the rally.

References

• Red and Black: How to Campaign for SGA President
• Clever Hive: How To Run For Class President As A Loser Kid!
• Furman SGA: Freshman Class President and Vice President Speeches