How to Run for School Treasury

A catchy campaign slogan will help people remember your name.

Getting involved in student council provides opportunities to make new friends, take on challenges and make a difference in life at your school. Serving on the school treasury is also an attractive addition to college applications, showing dedication and skill with finances. To win an election, thorough planning and hard work are mandatory. However, for those wanting to take an active role in running of their school, the effort will be worth the rewards.

Things You'll Need

• Official school paperwork and documentation
• Poster board
• Markers
• Tempera paint
• Promotional items (campaign buttons, pencils, etc.)

Instructions

1. Take care of the basics. Inquire of school officials as to the requirements for running for the school treasury and ensure your age, grades and other factors align to see if you qualify. Fill out any necessary forms and documents and discuss the matter with your parents. If the school requires a petition with a certain number of student names to be eligible, begin assembling signatures or whatever else is needed.

2. Get involved at school to establish a name for yourself and connect with potential voters. Branch out beyond your friends to meet new students and begin the process of securing their vote. Attend school events, like dances and athletic games, using socialization as a form of stealth-campaigning. Join student groups or clubs and volunteer to make a name for yourself among the student body. Though student council should not be a popularity contest, having more friends won't hurt when it comes to getting votes.

3. Create a team of friends and supporters to help you run the campaign, come up with slogans and other ways to get the word out. Hold an introductory meeting and ask what unique skills each individual can bring to the table and how much time they to dedicate to your campaign. If one individual has plenty of time to spare and a vision for the campaign. What's the Deal suggests making them team manager and giving them the power to delegate responsibility to others.

4. Begin campaigning. Create posters with memorable graphics and slogans and hang them up around school. Emphasize math and number-crunching skills to demonstrate your qualifications for the position of treasurer and hang the posters in prominent locations with lots of foot traffic. Hand out buttons, pencils and other items emblazoned with your name and campaign slogan and make sure everyone knows your name, priorities and plans for the treasury should you get elected.

5. Write and give a speech as the centerpiece of the campaign. Include your aims and goals for the school's treasury in your speech and discuss your qualifications thoroughly. Use humor and conversational language to connect with the audience, as suggested by Toastmasters International, and practice the speech thoroughly beforehand.

References

• The Deal: How to Run for Student Council
• Kidz World: Get Involved With Student Council
• Toastmasters: 10 Tips for Public Speaking

Resources

• "Seventeen": Which Student Government Office Should You Run For?; Julie Miller
• Student Government Solutions: Student Government Elections: How to Run for Student Council; March 7, 2011