The election process looks a little bit different for everyone. There are countless ways to make the journey just a little bit easier. Going through the process many times over the years, I have learned what tips and tricks work best for me, so I will share a little insight on my experience. As election day approaches it is important to go into your competition feeling prepared and confident in your progress. This confidence comes from what you do behind the scenes to ensure you are ready for your big day. Whether that’s spending hours studying your FCCLA Knowledge, practicing your prepared speech over and over, or planning mock interviews with family members, all of these are a great way to shake off those nerves and be confident that you deserve this position and you’re prepared to put your hard work into action.
There are several resources under the “Lead” tab on the Missouri FCCLA website that put you exactly where you need to be in order to be prepared for your election process. Here you will find study guides, speech topics, and elections and procedures to walk you through exactly what to expect.
Running for national office may look and feel a little bit different. This process requires a major time commitment and lots of dedication towards your election. It is a tough but rewarding process nonetheless. You start your preparation long before your in-person interviews at the National Leadership Conference. You get your speech topic and prepare your 3 minute speech. This speech is important as it is your first public speaking debut in front of the national nominating committee. Then you will take your knowledge test via Zoom with all the other National Officer Candidates a couple weeks prior to NLC. When you arrive at NLC, you will go through multiple processes that require teamwork, critical thinking, and your overall knowledge of FCCLA.
It feels like a lengthy process when you break down the steps but it is nothing short of a rewarding experience. Whether you are an elected officer or not, you will develop leadership skills through your hard work and dedication to the journey that you never saw possible.
Sofia Eleazarraraz
National Liaison
