Leadership Development

Freshmen are often motivated to get involved as they hear there is a club specializing in service. We call them our “worker bees” because they are so excited to get involved. We also have a special relationship with students new to our school as they realize membership in a specialized club and participation in service activities is a way to feel included. 95% of freshmen meet their hours requirement, having been accountable for their commitment to the club and service in their homes, schools, and community.

As students have served, they might find that one activity stands out as an event that they would like to help with. This is why we encourage them to apply to lead small events in the spring of their freshmen and sophomore year. Students are selected by the Executive Board based on service hours and experience with events.  

From our Project Chair Application:

Is there a project you’d enjoy and be ready to run for our club?  You must commit to following through with each TINY detail to make it work.  Complete this application by 3:45 PM on March 12th to be considered for our Project Chair Positions.  The Executive Board will meet in early April to review applications and appoint these positions depending upon your dedication to service and experience with leading. Read over these duties and commit to giving 100% to your project, leading our Key Club to serve! Determine interest.  Is this a project that people will enjoy and will it be worth their time? Choose a date.  Check school, athletics, fine arts, and SAT calendars.  Confirm date with Mrs. Thrash. Secure Chaperone: Mrs. Thrash, a parent, or US Faculty member. Create a Google Doc or bulletin board sign-up sheet. Ask for name, if they need a ride, and their cell phone number in case of cancellation. Announce event in Morning Meeting.  Speak loud and clearly, giving all details of event, and where to sign-up. Use Social Media to properly promote event before, during and after. Secure Transportation.  You may need to reserve a mini-bus depending on project or location. Day before check.  How many you have signed up? Is this enough?  Do we need to cancel, promote a little more? Take attendance and photos at event to give to Mrs. Thrash for recording.

Level 1 – Good starter projects, leading to an officer position or Level 2 project next year! (Rank your preference.)
	Adopt-A-Highway (Sept., Jan. May)
	Candy Grams for Winter Holidays for Boys and Girls Homes Christmas (early Dec.)
	Conference Keepers (Nov., Jan. and April conference days watching LS students)
	Gleaning (year-round)
	Lower School Summer Assistants – coordinating volunteers to help in classrooms
	March of Dimes Walk for Babies @ RTP (April 22)- assistant, moving into leadership next year
	Miracle League Baseball (Spring and Fall Games)
	Red Cross Blood Drive (Jan., May) – grade reps for recruiting
	Trick or Treat for UNICEF (Oct.)
	UNC TV – Festival, phone answering (March)
Tell us about the experience with the projects you have chosen so we know your interest and commitment to success.

After proven leadership experience, in the spring of their Sophomore or Junior year, some will take the path of leadership in the club, as Secretary, Treasurer or Vice President or President. We also have one or two each year who run for elected positions in the Carolinas District. They can run for Lt. Governor as early as their Freshman year. OR, they can apply to lead a major project, one that involves cross-campus collaboration and commitment to ongoing preparation.

Level 2 – These are major project that require leadership experience listed above. (Rank your preference.)
	Duke Children’s Hospital Swimathon (Nov. Conference Days)
	Fall Festival (Saturday in Sept-Oct)
	March of Dimes Walk for Babies @ RTP (April) – Kids Tent
	Red Cross Blood Drive (Jan., May)
	Wake Relief Canned Food Drive (Nov.) – collection and delivery
	Warmth for Wake (all Winter)
Tell us about the experience with the projects you have chosen so we know your interest and commitment to success.

Setting an example for others, our Executive Board and Project Chairs of our big events model confidence as leaders in their Junior and Senior years. Through consistently proving their skills, they have shown the club advisor four years of growth, giving evidence for writing college and scholarship recommendations.

Presented at PCM/COTM on September 7, 2014 by Elise Thrash of Ravenscroft Key Club.