Tips Running For Student Government

"When a woman rises up in her glory, her energy is magnetic and her sense of possibility contagious."

— Marianne Williamson 

Canva

Often your upbringing and societal-created boundaries try to bring and create a differential mindset which powers your own belief and creates a pathway that leads your mind to seek happiness in limited ways. Empowerment works in a very influential way in which constant factors such as work environment, your companions, involvement of the official administration, role of your peers and many other factors create a diversion and increase or decrease your confidence level. Coming to terms with the gender hierarchy and the embedment of the thoughts among two genders is on the dependability of yourself, which further converts into your own boon or bane. Whilst many young women struggle with low self-esteem of outplaying with the norms of society, on the other side they also have a constant fear of being not worthy or not experienced enough to take upon bigger roles and opportunities in life!

My personal experience has always led me to feel two different sides of women feeling hesitant or not worthy enough to run for student union or government. Firstly, many women around the world are brought up in a self-conscious, partial and very competitive environment where the skills they have are the one’s created by the constant fear of settling down in households if not outshining the others. Secondly, they are many times juxtaposed about the end result being negative and not in their favour, which somehow stops them from taking on a role big as student government or union in universities or colleges. Since I ran last for the union elections in my college, I always had this fear of being “not enough” or “I can’t do campaigning and public speaking” which restricted my stance of putting my name on the list with other competitors standing for the post of Vice President. I was nervous and not confident until I received an immense amount of support from my peers who thought of me as worthy and experienced enough to run for the post. I totally understand the emotions and thoughts that go around students while they are perplexed and whether they should run for student government or not. In this article I will be sharing 5 Tips On Running for Student Government and how you can go more confidently about it.

Evidence shows that women are less self-assured than men—and that to succeed, confidence matters as much as competence. For years, women have kept their heads down and played by the rules. They have been certain that with enough hard work, our natural talents would be recognized and rewarded. Keeping this in mind, women around the world should start with their journey of self-acceptance and building up their dreams. 

Tip #1: Figure Out The Big Why

Holding posts in a student government or union is a job that requires tireless commitment and prioritising while holding the same. People around you are always asking and poking you about the benefits they will receive and “Why they should vote for you.” Representing, reflecting and understanding what your goals are for the long-term position is the first step towards analysing running a campaign. Figure out the big why and create the broad purpose to promote a greater sense of your actions and authenticity. Personally, it will help you stay motivated and focused on your goal.

Tip #2: Talk To Your Fellow Mates

People want genuine leaders who truly care about their needs. Starting a conversation about who you are, what your agendas are and what you seek to promote and change is typically required to lead up to the elections. Let them know what policies you are planning to advocate and get them to hit the campaign trail, don’t let people deter you. You don’t have to compromise who you are and what you stand for in order to run. Believe in yourself. Work hard and results will come! 

Tip #3: Create Your Campaign Strategies

Now when you have your foundation’s in place, you need to start and market yourself to win elections . You may want to use slogans, online posters, designs, stickers, etc. Different schools and universities have their own different rules for campaigning, so make sure you adhere to them. Show people that you are a good leader as well as a good friend. Try and introduce yourself to people , make new friends and relationships by networking with other students to reach more people, but most of all, have a genuine desire to make a contribution to school functions and the culture even if you might lose.

Tip #4: Prepare For The Campaign Speech And Debates

Very often schools and universities hold a day for candidate’s speeches and debates before the main election day. This allows candidates to present their points and policies in front of masses. This opportunity is a turn-out on both as a boon or a bane side to the candidates. You need to put your best foot forward that is “Prepare as you already are a winner.” Discuss your key beliefs with your peers and get them to pick holes in your speech before you stand out and say them in front of everyone on the BIG FIGHT DAY. 

Keep the following pointers in mind before preparing your student council speech:

— Introduce yourself with a strong, radical quote or an interactive question to gather the audience's attention. 

— Start with your experience and why are you running for the same.

— Explain how your peers will benefit if you are appointed to a position on the student council.

— On the day of the speech, pick an outfit you feel comfortable with, arrive in the auditorium where you will be speaking early, and remember—your audience is interested in what you have to say. They want to see you succeed.

— Practice and rehearse your speech to make it better. Thank everyone for their help and support through the elections.

Tip #5: Stay Calm And Collected With Your Thoughts

What's wrong even if you don't succeed? Being honest, mature, and thoughtful throughout your campaign will not only impact your results but will positively influence the perspective the student body has of you after the election — win or lose.

Current research posits numerous explanations for the lack of women in leadership roles, including gender discrimination, lack of female role models, aversion to competitive environments, family responsibilities and social norms. We should be motivating women from all walks of life to explore the possibility of public office by identifying and tackling the barriers to elected leadership.