Run for Student Council President
Are you thinking of running for student council president? Chances are, it won't be easy, as there may be many other people who will run for the same position. But if you still want to run and believe you have what it takes to be the student council president, then you're in luck! This helpful guide will take you through the basics of running for Student Council President, or any office of your student council.
Contents
Steps
Getting recognized
- On the first day of school, be the person you would want to know forever. Be friendly, open and receptive to as many people as possible. Smile, ask them how they're doing and be interested in their responses. In this way, you can hope to make as many friends as you can. And the more friends you have, the more they will all be rooting for you.
Showing your interest
- Go to all of your meetings as often as you can. This makes you appear responsible. Don't just sit there. Talk, bring up topics, make it seem as if you are a good representative for your school.
- What needs to be improved in your school? Don't just come up with your own ideas; ask others for theirs too. That way, you can say things such as: "I took an informal poll of around 50 students here who think that the morning exercise routine isn't tough enough."
Getting nominated
- Make sure you have someone to nominate you when the time comes. You might not get someone to nominate you at a moment's notice, so you'll need to have someone recognize your good ideas and think you would be great for the school.
Self promotion
- Advertise yourself. As soon as you are nominated, create your brand and start marketing what you're offering.
- Create a slogan that will go on your posters.
- Make create clear, vibrant, bright posters that are easy to read and to the point. The most important things are your name and the position you are running for; put these things in big letters! Otherwise, it will be boring and take too long to read. Include your slogan, and a few pictures that grab people's attention.
- Post the posters wherever you can. Put up about 20+. Hang the posters all over school, specifically on doors to classrooms and in the cafeteria/lunchroom.
- Make a few (2-3) larger posters on poster board that offer the same as the smaller ones. However, these should also include your previous accomplishments and/or what you plan to do if you win.
- Hand out flyers and small, but good quality treats, such as lollipops.
- Try to get a bunch of people to wear t-shirts (check the rules of election first) that support you. This is free, mass advertising, and soon people will be asking you for shirts that they can wear.
Preparing for the election
- Start working on your speech. Explain why you are running. Speak from your heart - people will be able to tell that you really want the position. And don't be too pushy. They might think you're forcing them to vote for you!
- Answer questions brightly and truthfully. Don't make impulsive promises; you might regret it later when you really can't do it.
- Be friendly and polite to everyone, even your opposition. It helps your image, and creates the idea that you are a good sport. Be sure people in groups like a drama club, sports team, or cliques are familiar with you. Sitting at different tables during lunch is a great idea. Try to strike up conversation.
- Remember to explain what you have done as President if you're running for re-election.
- Make sure you know what position you are running for. Make sure that you understand the responsibilities that are required of you.
- Try not to reference national politics. You'll probably end up offending someone.
Tips
- When making posters, have more than just "Vote for ____". Try a catchy phrase or something unique.
- If you give a speech, make it short and to the point. Don't make it too long, or you will bore people and lose votes.
- Practice speaking and smiling. This is important. You also may want to work on your image. Don't change yourself, but do indulge a bit to give the people what they want.
- Try getting people to "be on your side" and help your campaign.
- Have a campaign manager.
Dress nicely for speeches and also while running for student council.
- Be funny in your speech/posters. Puns are actually enjoyable in this environment and might be a good way to go for your slogan. A cute campaign ad for elementary to middle school might show you beside animals that correspond to your pun. For example, a picture of you and a koala might read, "Vote for me, I have all the right qualifications!"
- Branch out and make connections.
Warnings
- Don't use bribes, not only is it against the rules in some schools, but it is also going to cost you votes.
- Don't go overboard with the humor, nothing wins votes like a good joke and nothing loses them like a bad or overused one.
- Make sure you know the rules of the election so you don't get disqualified.
- Consider having a running mate, someone who can appeal to people outside your influence.
- Don't smear the opposition, it makes you look like a poor sport and will definitely cost you when voting time rolls around.
- Don't use the Napoleon Dynamite theme. It just gets annoying after a while. Any theme does, for that matter. Keep it neutral and original.
- A lot of the times, student elections are nothing more than a popularity contest, and despite your best efforts, and being the most qualified candidate, you still might lose.
