I want to run for vice president. We have two large fundraisers for our philanthropy every year, as well as smaller philanthropies. I feel like I need to leave a big impression on those events. I also need to develop some meaningful changes to our bylaws. Other than that though, I’m not too sure how to prove to the chapter that I can make a difference as the Vice President. Secondly, does anyone know of an effective way to spread the word about our two large philanthropies?
Answer:
Vice President is the hardest position in the fraternity because there is no real defined role in most chapters. To be successful, you need to be clear on the expectations and responsibilities of the role.
Regardless of the exact responsibilities, the vice president is a leadership position. You will be the director over certain chapter functions. As a leader, your job is to help those beneath you (the committees) set their vision, develop a plan and them implement it. You need to lead them through that process and then be able to remove any roadblocks that are in their way.
To be worthy of this leadership role, you need to make sure of two things:
First, you need to be able to provide guidance without getting in the way. You need to be selfless and make sure the committees under your guidance are successful. Hopefully, you have this trait. It is essential and present in all great leaders.
Second, you need to make sure you know enough in order to give guidance and direction. If you aren’t the subject matter expert, then you will have a difficult time providing value to the teams that are beneath you. This takes work. You need to learn as much as you can about fraternity operations. Reading my site and my books is a great start. There are other great resources out there as well. Also, be sure to talk to those at your school and HQ that can provide mentorship. Focus on learning so you can be in the position someday to share that knowledge.
I wrote a really good article once-upon-a-time that will help you get elected. Be sure to review it:
How to Win a Fraternity Election
Regarding how to spread the word about your philanthropy event – here are some quick tips:
- Partner with someone – namely a sorority. This will help the event get recognized.
- Use social media
- Write an article for your school paper
- Put out a press release to local media
- Call the TV station and tell them about your function
- Get student government behind it
- Partner with non-student groups
This question was submitted by one of our readers. If you have a question you want me to answer go here to submit it: Fraternity Advice.