Pretty soon, the other officers of the North Central District should be also sharing their experiences from National Convention in Orlando, but as I am the first to think of it, here is what I got out of convention:
1) A better understanding of the National Council. Previously, I had skimmed through the National Constitution in an attempt at understanding exactly what the members of Kappa Kappa Psi's National Council do while in office. However, I found that once I was in Orlando and had an opportunity to talk to the (now past) Officers, along with the Candidates, and after looking through their bid packets, I have a much better understanding of their roles in the fraternity. I'm glad that I gained this knowledge, because it will undoubtedly be helpful when I am looking for aide and will now know who to appropriately turn to.
2) Insight into the opinions of other district councils. As a part of the Student Advisory Committee, we discussed certain issues in an attempt to make recommendations to committees. It was interesting to see and hear of some of the issues which unfolded, especially concerning argument over the color of letters on our fraternity clothing. Additionally, it was interesting to see how the other district councils differed in setup from our own. I believe every other district council contained at least one member-at-large. To be quite honest, it makes me curious as to how the new Vice President of Student Affairs, Jason Morris, will try and coordinate contacts between the councils.
3) A big bunch of new people, and a great sense of pride in the NCD. Upon returning home, I found that I had quite a number of Facebook friend invites. The times spent at the pool were very fun, and getting to know more brothers in the NCD and other districts was my favorite part of National Convention. Additionally, I was very impressed with the ways which our district conducted itself during our caucuses. The brothers of the NCD were very efficient with our time, and asked the candidates for National Council great questions. They acted in a very professional manner which makes me proud to be a brother of the NCD.
4) Excitement for the future! For those who are yet unaware, we have a new National Council.
NATIONAL COUNCIL
National President: Dr. Malinda Matney
National Vice President for Colonization and Membership: Mr. Derrick Mills
National Vice President for Programs: Mr. Adam Cantley
National Vice President for Student Affairs: Mr. Jason Morris
National Vice President for Professional Relations: Dr. Bruce Moss
Immediate Past National President: Dr. Rod Chesnutt (ex officio)
NATIONAL BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Dr. Michael Golemo (2007-2011)
Mr. Michael Osborn (2007-2011)
Dr. Kirk Randazzo (2005-2009)
Mr. Scott Stowell (2005-2009)
Mr. Ken Corbett (2005-2009)
Immediate Past National President: Dr. Rod Chesnutt
National President: Dr. Malinda Matney (ex officio)
Additionally, the next National Convention will be held in the Arizona Biltmore (the hotel has its own Podcast! Though nothing quite compares to the Rodcast...) in Phoenix, AZ! While that will be a bit of a trip for those from the NCD (we will most definitely have to fly, unless you like 25+ hr. road trips), but I'm sure it will be well worth it (waterslide!!!!!).
See you all at MER on Sudnay, September 16 at Tiffin University!!!
Alex
Monday, July 30, 2007
Sunday, July 15, 2007
Packing for National Convention
I'm in the middle of packing for national convention, which is a multi-day project for me. I've even geeked out enough to make a chart of what I'm wearing on which day, complete with photos of articles of clothing. That level of geek-dom aside, let me recommend a few things for you to bring:
Your Membership Card
- If you are an active or conditional member, make sure you have your most recent card. If you are a life member, bring your card. If you have recently become an alumni, bring your most recent active card.
Your Cell Phone Charger
- I've seen bootless attempts at conserving batteries. It doesn't work. Trust me.
Your Notebook Computer Charger
- This just makes sense.
A Notebook
- National conventions are starting to catch up to NCD conventions in the way of offering educational workshops. You'll be a better Brother, in a better Chapter, serving a better Band if you attend and share what you've learned with others.
Your Musical Instrument
- Play in the reading band. 'Nuff said.
Appropriate Dress Clothing
- The NIB Concert, the Banquet, and the Ritual all occur on different days. Be able to dress for all of them.
Your Address Book
- That is, if you keep such a thing anymore. Whatever method you use to keep track of contacts --have it available. You're going to meet a lot of people from across the entire country. You'll want to be able to follow up after convention.
Extra Cash
- The convention gives you all of Thursday afternoon to go play in Orlando. I hope you take advantage of this opportunity to hang out with all of the Brothers you've met in the week. You may want a little extra cash to help with that.
Pool-wear
- We'll have a pretty sweet pool at the convention site. Take advantage of it.
If you can think of anything I'm forgetting, let me know by emailing me. You can also post a comment to this blog.
Can't wait to see you all!
Rod
Your Membership Card
- If you are an active or conditional member, make sure you have your most recent card. If you are a life member, bring your card. If you have recently become an alumni, bring your most recent active card.
Your Cell Phone Charger
- I've seen bootless attempts at conserving batteries. It doesn't work. Trust me.
Your Notebook Computer Charger
- This just makes sense.
A Notebook
- National conventions are starting to catch up to NCD conventions in the way of offering educational workshops. You'll be a better Brother, in a better Chapter, serving a better Band if you attend and share what you've learned with others.
Your Musical Instrument
- Play in the reading band. 'Nuff said.
Appropriate Dress Clothing
- The NIB Concert, the Banquet, and the Ritual all occur on different days. Be able to dress for all of them.
Your Address Book
- That is, if you keep such a thing anymore. Whatever method you use to keep track of contacts --have it available. You're going to meet a lot of people from across the entire country. You'll want to be able to follow up after convention.
Extra Cash
- The convention gives you all of Thursday afternoon to go play in Orlando. I hope you take advantage of this opportunity to hang out with all of the Brothers you've met in the week. You may want a little extra cash to help with that.
Pool-wear
- We'll have a pretty sweet pool at the convention site. Take advantage of it.
If you can think of anything I'm forgetting, let me know by emailing me. You can also post a comment to this blog.
Can't wait to see you all!
Rod
Friday, July 6, 2007
How can you prepare for National Convention?
Brothers,
I hope you all had an enjoyable and safe holiday! With National Convention preparations well underway, I would like for all of you to be aware of the resources available. There are a few documents available on the national website that will provide some useful background material as you prepare for the trip to Orlando. Remember that preparing for convention is about more than just packing the right clothes, this is your chance to impact the future of the Fraterntiy so make sure your decisions are informed!
First of all, a special Delegate Listserv has been created for all the delegates in the NCD. If you are a delegate and you did not receive an invitation to this listserv let me know ASAP. Now, here are the documents that will be helpful in preparing for convention:
Kappa Kappa Psi Separates Minutes 2003-05
See what business occurred at the past convention. This will give you an idea of what happens at National Convention and the reports definitely give some perspective on the growth we've experienced in two years.
Report of the Advisory Committee on Nominations
This contains information on all of the candidates for national office (except VPSA). Definitely give this a look over and print it to take to convention. Know the candidates now and start thinking about those questions!
National Alumni Program Proposal
There will be some sessions explaining the components of the new Alumni Program. This report explains every component of the new program. Just like the report on candidates give this a look over to be prepared.
2005-07 Reports
The reports for this convention are already available online at the national website. Check out the reports of the National Officers and District Presidents at http://kkpsi.org/Reports2005-2007.asp
This is a good preliminary list of important background information and references for National Convention. As always if you have any questions please let me know. We want our district to be prepared to make the most informed decisions possible.
Keep those registrations coming!
Jeremy
I hope you all had an enjoyable and safe holiday! With National Convention preparations well underway, I would like for all of you to be aware of the resources available. There are a few documents available on the national website that will provide some useful background material as you prepare for the trip to Orlando. Remember that preparing for convention is about more than just packing the right clothes, this is your chance to impact the future of the Fraterntiy so make sure your decisions are informed!
First of all, a special Delegate Listserv has been created for all the delegates in the NCD. If you are a delegate and you did not receive an invitation to this listserv let me know ASAP. Now, here are the documents that will be helpful in preparing for convention:
Kappa Kappa Psi Separates Minutes 2003-05
See what business occurred at the past convention. This will give you an idea of what happens at National Convention and the reports definitely give some perspective on the growth we've experienced in two years.
Report of the Advisory Committee on Nominations
This contains information on all of the candidates for national office (except VPSA). Definitely give this a look over and print it to take to convention. Know the candidates now and start thinking about those questions!
National Alumni Program Proposal
There will be some sessions explaining the components of the new Alumni Program. This report explains every component of the new program. Just like the report on candidates give this a look over to be prepared.
2005-07 Reports
The reports for this convention are already available online at the national website. Check out the reports of the National Officers and District Presidents at http://kkpsi.org/Reports2005
This is a good preliminary list of important background information and references for National Convention. As always if you have any questions please let me know. We want our district to be prepared to make the most informed decisions possible.
Keep those registrations coming!
Jeremy
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