The Importance of JSA Chapters
By Sabrina Lieberman
Although the Southern California state is renowned for its phenomenal conventions and stimulating onedays, it is the essential efforts of both chapters and their leaders that establish such a prosperous JSA state. The Chapter Affairs Department plays a requisite role as the primary liaison between both chapters and the JSA SoCal cabinet. By maintaining regular contact with chapter leaders, coordinators are able to swiftly understand and resolve difficulties before they become detrimental to chapter welfare. Chapters also provide coordinators with critical feedback on JSA events and initiatives. As chapters comprise the entirety of the JSA state, it is vital that their requests be acknowledged; thereby confirming the connection between each delegate and the executive cabinet. Ultimately, the relationship between a coordi-
“Chapters are the backbone of JSA.� - 2011-2012 SoCal Governor nator and the chapter presidents with whom he or she corresponds sets an important precedent for communication between all JSA members throughout the year. Through my experience as a chapter coordinator, I had the unique opportunity to work closely with the executive officers of many chapters. Chapter presidents are an integral part of JSA, as their attitude and work
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ethic become the boon or blight of chapter success. Fortunately, many leaders work diligently to ensure the growth and stability of their chapters. These devoted presidents continually cultivate thriving chapters; garnering much deserved respect from their members and earning an esteemed position in the JSA community. However, for every admirable chapter president there remains an upsetting few who are either unappreciative or apathetic towards an exceptional leadership experience. Luckily, it is the responsibility of the Chapter Affairs Department to encourage these leaders to learn a lesson from their conscientiousness counterparts. As a chapter coordinator, I learned to appreciate my rare insight into both the chapters and cabinet of the Southern California state. Currently serving as Angeles Region Mayor, I am discovering the important role of each chapter as a member of the region. At both one-days and chapter conventions, I am constantly impressed by the organization and innovation on the chapter level. Finally, throughout my time at JSA, I have found that each and every member of the JSA state proves indispensible, and that without the dedication of our extraordinary students, JSA would be unable to flourish as it currently does. Despite our varying positions in the community, we must not forget that each delegate remains merely a vertebra, and that we must work together to strengthen the backbone of JSA.
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