CABINET APPLICATION
MID-ATLANTIC STATE
2015 – 2016
THE MID-ATLANTIC STATE OF THE
JUNIOR STATE OF AMERICA
Mid-Atlantic State Governor: Roberto Ruiz
[email protected]
Mid-Atlantic State Lieutenant Governor: Ian Baum
[email protected]
South Atlantic District Executive: Jonathan Lee
[email protected]
New Jersey Region Mayor: Won Joon Kang
[email protected]
New Jersey Region Vice Mayor: Hasin Tasneem
[email protected]
Mid-Atlantic State Program Director: Elizabeth Ventura
[email protected]
Table of Contents
v Application Requirements and General Questions: Pages 3-4
v General Application Form: Page 5
v A List of All Positions: Page 6
v Letters From All Your Mid-Atlantic State and Regional Elected Officials: Page 7
v Special Applications for State Cabinet: Pages 8-14
v Special Applications for Regional Cabinet: 15-20
v Mandatory Surveys: Page 21-23
Mid-Atlantic State Cabinet Application 2
Application Requirements and General Questions:
Here are the following steps to complete your application:
1. The general application on the next page. Full completion of this section is essential to the selection process.
2. Please write a brief essay responding to each of the following prompts:
A. What is your motivation to participate in JSA and your reasons for applying to cabinet?
B. What qualities make you a unique leader?
C. State three goals you would like to fulfill if you are selected to serve on cabinet.
D. Please detail one political issue that you are passionate about. Why are you passionate about this issue? What is
your view?
3. Please list all other extra-curricular activities in which you partake. Please note any leadership position and the
amount of time per week dedicated to each activity.
4. The assignment specific to the position of your top choice. The assignment is found at the end of each position’s
description.
(NOTE: Only submit a special application for your top choice – ex: if you apply for both MAS Director of
Activism and NJR Director of Debate, and Director of Activism is your top choice, you must only
complete the MAS Director of Activism’s special application)
5. The completed Mid-Atlantic State Questionnaire—including the fundraising and expansion surveys (Note:
Responses to these questions will not influence the selection of cabinet members.)
PLEASE NOTE:
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All cabinet members will be required to attend the Mid-Atlantic State Cabinet Retreat, to be held in
Stamford, Connecticut, from August 22-23. Estimated Cost: Around $90-100
Cabinet applicants are strongly encouraged to attend the New Jersey Institute on Leadership and Politics at
Princeton University from August 5th to August 8th. This event will be an opportunity for cabinet members to
meet with one another and even work one on one with each other on their respective assignments and tasks.
Please contact Governor Roberto Ruiz at [email protected] or call MAS Program Director Elizabeth Ventura at the
Washington, D.C. office at 1-800-317-9338 or on her cell at 219-613-8140 if you are planning to attend.
If you are interested in applying to National Cabinet, please contact Roberto Ruiz directly. Applications come
out June 1 and are due July 1 and are by request or suggestion only.
Please email ALL parts of the application by JULY 10th* to: [email protected]
In the subject line, please put the following:
[Last Name], [First Name], [State/region preferred Position] Cabinet Application
Ex: Pecht, Sandy, MAS Chief of Staff Cabinet Application
If you email your application, we will respond to you to ensure we have received it. If you do not receive a
confirmation within one day, then please contact Roberto Ruiz at [email protected]
Mid-Atlantic State Cabinet Application 3
OR
Send your application via US mail to:
Junior State of America
Attn: MAS Cabinet Application
1411 K St. NW, Suite 200
Washington, DC 20005
*Note: All Mid-Atlantic State applications are due July 10 EXCEPT Gubernatorial and Lieutenant Gubernatorial
Chief of Staff, which is due July 1.
Mid-Atlantic State Cabinet Application 4
General Application Form:
Name: ____________________________________________________________________________________
Address: __________________________________________________________________________________
City: ____________________________________ State: _______________ Zip Code: ____________________
Cell Phone: (______)__________ Email Address: __________________________________________________
Graduation Year: ____________ Chapter: ________________________________________________________
Please insert a headshot here:
Desired cabinet positions (In order of preference; specify which cabinet)
1. ________________________________________________________________________________________
2. ________________________________________________________________________________________
3. ________________________________________________________________________________________
4. ________________________________________________________________________________________
If you do not receive one of the above desired positions, do you wish to be considered for another position?
YES
NO
Have you ever attended a Junior Statesmen Summer School or Institute? If so, please specify.
YES
NO
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Will you attend the New Jersey Institute on Leadership and Politics at Princeton University from August 5-8?
YES
NO
Mid-Atlantic State Cabinet Application 5
A List of All Positions:
Gubernatorial Cabinet
Chief of Staff (DUE EARLY-JULY 1)
Convention Coordinator
Assistant Convention Coordinator
Director of Debate
Director of Logistics
Director of Communications
Director of Technology
Director of Special and Nighttime Activities
Lieutenant Gubernatorial Cabinet
Chief of Staff (DUE EARLY- JULY 1)
President Pro Tempore of the State Assembly
Director of Expansion/Expansion Agents
Director of Activism
Director of Fundraising/ Fundraising Agents
Director of Summer School Promotion
Capital District Director (South Atlantic)
Carolina District Director (South Atlantic)
Keystone-Diamond District Director (South Atlantic)
NJR Mayoral Cabinet
Chief of Staff
Conference Coordinator
Director of Debate
Director of Public Relations
Director of Activism
Director of Logistics
NJR Vice Mayoral Cabinet
Chief of Staff
Chapter Internal Affairs Agent
Director of Fundraising
Director of Chapter Conferences
Editor-in-Chief of the NJR Star
Director of Technology
Director of Graphic Design
Mid-Atlantic State Cabinet Application 6
A Letter from all your Mid-Atlantic State Elected Officials
Dear Applicant,
We commend you on your decision to apply for a spot on the Mid-Atlantic State or New Jersey Region cabinet for
the 2015-2016 year. It is only through involvement of dedicated members that the state will continue to grow and
develop. We are confident that we will have many exceptional applications to read when deciding next year’s
cabinet.
This application is designed to be rigorous and to allow applicants to demonstrate their abilities in the specific area
in which they are most interested in helping JSA grow next year. While the task of applying may seem tedious and
difficult, we strongly emphasize the great rewards associated with being on cabinet. Cabinet will give you a chance
to test your abilities, broaden your horizons as a leader, and grow as a person.
As cabinet member, you will have complete control over your department. You will have the unique opportunity to
be your own boss, learn from others, and, most importantly, benefit the Mid-Atlantic State.
The gateway to the myriad of benefits presented by cabinet is this application. Therefore, make sure to put your
best foot forward and fill out the best cabinet application you possibly can. The cabinet selection process is one
based completely on merit: you can be sure your application will be reviewed in the same light as all others. In
addition, remember that we are here to help you: we welcome any questions at any time-- do not hesitate to contact
us!
If you are accepted to cabinet you are strongly encouraged to attend the Institute on New Jersey Leadership and
Politics from August 5 to 8 at Princeton University, and you are required to attend the Mid-Atlantic/Northeast
Cabinet Retreat in Stamford, Connecticut from August 22-23. Cabinet retreat is crucial for every member of cabinet
to attend, as it will give you a chance to meet and work alongside others with whom you will work throughout the
school year. A significant portion of the fall's planning will occur at this retreat, and attendance is mandatory in
order to create a cohesive and strong cabinet. We wish you best of luck in the process of applying!
Please reach out to Governor Roberto Ruiz at [email protected] if you have any questions or requests. We look forward
to a year in which will empower the Mid-Atlantic State, and, as a team, lead our state in a new direction.
Warmly,
Roberto Ruiz, MAS Governor
Ian Baum, MAS Lieutenant Governor
Won Joon Kang, NJR Mayor
Hasin Tasneem, NJR Vice-Mayor
Jonathan Lee, South Atlantic Executive
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Gubernatorial Cabinet
CHIEF OF STAFF (DUE EARLY-JULY 1)
An integral member of the Governor’s cabinet, the Chief of Staff is in charge of loosely overseeing development in
all areas of the state. This includes taking care of any administrative business the Governor requests and keeping in
contact with all state cabinet members to ensure their responsibilities are being met. Because the position of Chief
of Staff requires the fulfillment of a plethora of tasks, the Chief of Staff must be knowledgeable in many aspects of
JSA and willing to serve in a variety of roles. The Chief of Staff will also be expected to lead several of his/her own
special projects throughout the year. In addition, he/she will assist the Governor in keeping track of taxes for the
Mid-Atlantic State throughout the year.
Special Application
• What prior experiences, both in and out of JSA, will facilitate your relations with other members of cabinet?
• In what ways do you think you will balance out the strengths and weaknesses of the Governor in order to
effectively lead the MAS and Gubernatorial Cabinet?
• If a cabinet member were not doing his/her work efficiently, how would you motivate this individual to get
back on track?
• Outline your leadership style. Do you believe in delegating work? Leading to inspire? Or hands-off
leadership?
• Name one special project you are interested in pursuing. Outline a plan to achieve your goal.
CONVENTION COORDINATOR/ASSISTANT
The duty of the Convention Coordinator is to organize the execution of a successful convention. The coordinator
develops the agendas, supervises activities at the conventions, and works closely with the Governor, Program
Director, and Debate Department to ensure conventions run smoothly. Much of this work is done on short notice
in the weeks prior to a state convention, and thus, this individual must be willing to make JSA the top priority when
the time comes. In addition, this individual must have aesthetic sensibility and must be familiar with word
processing. Proficiency in Adobe Photoshop or other graphic design applications is also expected in applicants for
the position of Convention Coordinator.
Special Application
• Design a sample agenda regarding the Fall State 2015 theme, "Opportunity and Obstacles: Fulfilling the
American Dream". It must include an agenda at a glance, ten resolutions, and blurbs for five of those
resolutions.
• Over the course of the year, you will be tasked with creating a lengthy legislative index, two convention
agendas and various other smaller tasks. How do you plan to ensure that no work will go uncompleted?
• How does your personality complement this position and how well do you handle high-pressure situations?
• What do you wish to add to conventions to make them more enjoyable?
DIRECTOR OF DEBATE
The Debate Department, in many respects, determines the overall success of a convention. Because the quality of
debate is crucial to a memorable convention, a Director of Debate must be creative, well informed, and diligent.
Duties include writing debate resolutions, coordinating debaters/moderators, creating and implementing new forms
of debate, and educating members of the Junior State on debating techniques. In addition, Directors of Debate will
be responsible for leading occasional workshops and debate preparation rooms at conventions. Directors of Debate
will also help facilitate discussion if necessary in debate rooms at conventions.
Special Application
• Craft fifteen resolutions and blurbs for five of those resolutions regarding the Fall State 2015 theme
"Opportunity and Obstacles: Fulfilling the American Dream". The debates should include five different
topics (philosophy, foreign policy, civil rights, etc...). Please write one blurb per topic.
• This past year many moderators were ill-equipped and unable control debate rooms. How will you improve
Mid-Atlantic State Cabinet Application 8
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moderator quality to ensure debates at conventions run more smoothly in the future?
What is one issue you see with debates, and how would you solve the problem next year?
What debate styles do you think should be added, kept, and eliminated?
What news sources do you use to keep up with current events?
DIRECTOR OF LOGISTICS
The Director of Logistics must possess an extraordinary ability to motivate others, as this individual moves people
from blocks and assembles a team of agents that assists him/her in this task. The Logistics Department is of crucial
importance because the success of a convention rests largely on its organization. Thus, he or she must pay
incredible attention to detail in all aspects of convention planning and must be congenial when directing both agents
and convention delegates. Another responsibility of the Logistics Department is to oversee and mediate individual
chapter transportation to and from conventions, in addition to coordinating Gubernatorial Cabinet members and
convention aides to staff the convention.
Special Application
• If a chapter is unable to attend a convention due to transportation issues, how would you assist them?
Please indicate if you are familiar with NJ Transit, Amtrak, SEPTA, or the DC-Metro System.
• A major part of logistics this year will be negotiating with bus companies to ease logistical concerns for
chapters outside the New Jersey Region. Create a coach-bus based logistics plan for a chapter in Maryland.
Make sure to include the name(s) of bus companies you are interested in contacting, ie. Coach USA,
Greyhound, Etc.
• Convention Aides will also be tasked with ensuring every member has the best possible experience. What is
one customer service issue you feel should be resolved, (ie. long lines to enter the Luggage room, etc).
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS
The Director of Communications is responsible for overseeing the department in addition to increasing the
reputation of the Mid-Atlantic State through press releases and other forms of media exposure. This individual will
work closely with the Governor and National Director of Public Relations to develop a plan for promoting the
image of JSA to the news media as well as to the general public. The Director of Communications will also work
with the program director to book speakers and guests for state conventions. Applicants should have experience in
publicity and a desire to increase the awareness of the Junior State and its programs, as well as new ideas and plans
to create a more involved, informed State.
Special Application
• Create a sample press release for the Mid-Atlantic State Fall State 2015 theme " Opportunity and Obstacles:
Fulfilling the American Dream". List the date and logistical information (does not have to be accurate) and
do your best to replicate a realistic press release.
• How will you increase the presence of JSA on social media sites such as Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram?
• The success of any advertising and communication strategy is dependent on the presence of a strong
branding program. Create a JSA banding strategy that you can use to sell the image of JSA to media
organizations. How do you plan to position the organization? What media organizations would you target?
DIRECTOR OF TECHNOLOGY
The Director of Technology will have the chief responsibility of overseeing all web-based activity of the MidAtlantic State. Not only will the Director of Technology oversee the Mid-Atlantic State website,
www.midatlantic.jsa.org, and organize a photo log of all convention activities, but he/she will also write or seek
writers to provide content for the website. He/she will also be responsible for developing a media and advertising
initiative including photos and videos. The website is expected to be updated quite frequently, up to twice a week
with new material and pieces, including news pieces regarding national, state, and regional events, chapter activities,
etc. This position will require dedication and skill as we hope to shift to using the website as an important means of
communication between chapters and between the chapters and state cabinet.
Mid-Atlantic State Cabinet Application 9
Special Application
• What would you change or add to the Mid-Atlantic State website, www.midatlantic.jsa.org, to utilize this
resource to its fullest potential?
• Are there any tech-based enhancements you can bring to conventions with your skills in technology? If you
have designed any websites, please include their links (if applicable).
• What experience do you have in the field of technology, and why are you qualified for this position?
Highlight any experience with coding or app development.
• This year, the Mid-Atlantic State will be launching JoinJSA.com to market JSA to schools without chapters.
In your opinion, what should this site contain?
DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL AND NIGHTTIME ACTIVITIES
The Director of Special & Nighttime Activities has the responsibility of bringing dynamic, interactive simulations to
each of our state conventions. This cabinet member will be responsible for organizing such one-block activities that
complement convention themes and encourage audience participation (for example, we have previously hosted
Mock House of Commons and Board of Education meetings). The Director of Special & Nighttime Activities will
work closely with the Convention Coordinator and the Debate Department in order to successfully publicize and
incorporate such activities into the state conventions. The additional responsibility of “nighttime” activities includes,
but is not limited to, the organization of crisis scenarios, fun debates, as well as dances, during the evenings of state
conventions.
Special Application
• What flaws do you see with nighttime activities and how would you fix them?
• Propose an original one-block special activity or simulation and discuss how you would encourage students
to participate?
• What are two new ideas you want to implement during nighttime activities as an alternative to the dance?
• Create a dance set list. Make sure to have varied music tastes represented within the setlist.
Mid-Atlantic State Cabinet Application 10
Lieutenant Gubernatorial Cabinet
CHIEF OF STAFF
The Chief of Staff serves as a link of communication between the Lieutenant Governor and the cabinet, and assists
the Lieutenant Governor in carrying out essential tasks and facilitating the delegation of duties to other members of
the cabinet. The Chief of Staff must have great organizational skills and be reliable as well as punctual. He or she
will also aid the Lieutenant Governor in ensuring that other members of the cabinet are performing the duties
necessary to the functioning of the various departments on the cabinet. The Lieutenant Governor’s Chief of Staff
must be familiar and experienced with the workings of MAS cabinet and willing to communicate extensively with
the Lieutenant Governor and all of her appointed officials.
Special Application
• Describe your experience, personal qualities, and skills which enable you to be a successful leader of the
Lieutenant Gubernatorial cabinet. Include two examples of instances when you led a team of individuals
collaborating for a goal to a positive outcome, and explain how you incorporated the above attributes into
your leadership in these situations.
• If a cabinet member was not doing his/her job properly, how would you motivate this individual to get back
on track?
• Outline one improvement for each of the following areas: State Assembly, Fundraising, Activism,
Expansion, and South Atlantic growth.
PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE OF THE STATE ASSEMBLY
The President Pro Tempore of the Assembly serves many critical roles. First, the President Pro Tempore must lead
the State Assembly with the Lt. Governor. Next, he/she must understand the intricacies of JSA law, as he/she will
be formatting and debating those pieces of legislation that appear before the State Assembly, and is also responsible
for distributing the legislation that will be discussed at meetings well in advance. The person selected to be the
President Pro Tempore must serve as a resource to all State Assembly Representatives, helping to put their ideas
into the proper format used by the Assembly. Ideal applicants should be personable, outgoing, and willing to debate
bills when no debate would otherwise occur.
Special Application
• How would you handle an unruly meeting, where representatives may not be behaving with decorum?
• What do you think the role of the elected officials and Program Director should be in the State Assembly?
• How well do you know Robert’s Rules of Order and the MAS Constitution and Law Code? Describe your
experiences in the State Assembly. Why do you feel that President Pro Tempore is the right position for
you?
• What do you believe should be the balance of roles between the Lieutenant Governor and the President Pro
Tempore in running the State Assembly meetings?
• How will you encourage new chapters, or chapters whose representatives may not be as involved in
meetings, to submit legislation or sponsor bills? What is your plan to encourage non-representatives to
attend meetings so they can also voice concerns and questions?
DIRECTOR OF EXPANSION/EXPANSION AGENTS
The Director of Expansion will work with the Expansion Agents to spread the word about JSA and help interested
students start chapters at their schools. As the Director of Expansion will oversee the Expansion Department, it
will be absolutely necessary for he/she to ensure that all Expansion Agents are making calls and that all expansion
chapters are progressing according to plan. The Director of Expansion will also be responsible for creating scripts
for expansion calls, in addition to making calls themselves. The Director of Expansion will work with each Agent to
ensure that all chapters in expansion meet specific criteria before being moved to CIA. Those applying for
Expansion must be personable, hardworking, knowledgeable about JSA and passionate about bringing JSA to new
schools and new people. They also must have strong communication skills and be able to utilize many different
methods, including email, telephone, and Facebook, to communicate with their expansion contacts.
Mid-Atlantic State Cabinet Application 11
Special Application
• Most expansion chapters currently come from direct personal contacts of a JSA cabinet member. How
would you reach out to schools where there are no direct personal contacts?
• How would you incorporate technology and social media into your expansion efforts? This year, we will be
launching JoinJSA.com to sell JSA to other schools without chapters—what should this site contain?
• Come up with a list of 15-20 schools the MAS should target for expansion and why we should target them.
You must include at least five schools from the South Atlantic (PA, DE, MD, DC, VA, or NC) in this list.
• Imagine you are working with an expansion contact who is very interested in starting a chapter, but has
encountered a setback(s). Please briefly describe how you would help them resolve each of the following
four issues:
v My school administration is not interested in a JSA chapter because my school already has a strong
Model UN/Mock Trial/Model Congress/Forensics Club.
v I am having difficulties finding a teacher advisor willing to sponsor JSA.
v My school has no funding available for additional extracurricular activities.
v My administration will not allow me to start a chapter; is there still a way for me and other interested
students to participate in JSA?
DIRECTOR OF ACTIVISM
The Director of Activism will be expected to identify n political issues in which JSAers can get involved, and is also
responsible for organizing the MAS’ community service and social engagement efforts. He/she must organize
engaging convention activism activities surrounding these issues and encourage chapters to sponsor their own
activities throughout the year, as well as a yearlong MAS charity initiative. He/she will also be charged with
communicating regularly with chapters regarding the national and statewide activism initiatives, and will organize
the political fair at Winter Congress. The Director will also implement and monitor a chapter buddy system for
activism, pairing newer and more inexperienced chapters with established chapters at beginning of year to allow
these chapters to share activism projects to help gain momentum.. This person must be creative, communicative,
engaging, and particularly passionate about political involvement, and should have a strong background in social and
community causes and volunteer service.
Special Application
• Discuss your background in political activism and volunteer work. Explain how your experience will further
your efforts to educate MAS JSAers about political involvement.
• How would you work on the chapter level to both guide chapter presidents doing activism and encourage
chapters which have not done activism to do so?
• What specific improvements would you make to the Winter Congress political fair? Include examples of
twelve organizations you would like represented at the political fair.
• How would you incorporate technology and social media into your activism efforts? How would you
publicize activism?
DIRECTOR OF FUNDRAISING/ FUNDRAISING AGENTS
The Director of Fundraising is in charge of making sure the Mid-Atlantic State Scholarship Fund is solvent
throughout the year. This job is very challenging as it will require raising several thousand dollars to sustain the
fund. The director must oversee the department’s efforts in soliciting donations from individuals, corporations, and
charitable foundations, assisting chapters in their own fundraising efforts, and planning and executing convention
fundraisers. Agents will be responsible primarily for appealing to potential donors and raising money for the fund as
well as assisting the Director in any of the aforementioned tasks at the Director’s discretion.
Special Application
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Please list any experience you have in fundraising. How will this experience facilitate your success in this
position next year?
What were the strengths and weaknesses of convention fundraising this year, and how would you improve
Mid-Atlantic State Cabinet Application 12
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convention fundraising going forward? What unique ideas do you have?
What aspects of JSA would you use to appeal to individuals, corporations, or charitable foundations, and
how would you utilize your written and oral communication skills? What would be your process in pursuing
donors?
Name eight individuals, organizations, or corporations that you have contacts with that you could give us
the opportunity to solicit to in order to donate to the Mid-Atlantic State Scholarship fund. For each
potential donor, please explain why you think they would donate how you would persuade them to do so.
How would you try to solicit to individuals, corporations, or foundations with which you have no prior
contact?
How would you help encourage chapters to fundraise their way to conventions? What tools would you give
Chapter Presidents to assist them in this matter?
How would you incorporate technology and social media into your fundraising efforts?
DIRECTOR OF SUMMER SCHOOL PROMOTION
The Director of Summer School Promotion is responsible for advertising JSA Summer Schools and Institutes at
conferences and conventions. This person should be a summer school graduate and be able to eloquently and
informatively persuade others to go to JSA Summer School. Additionally, he or she should be able to explain the
JSA summer school admission process and fundraising procedure, as well as lead summer school information
sessions at conventions.
Special Application
• What was your favorite part of your experience at JSA Summer School? Why?
• What lessons did you take away from your time at summer school and how did it affect your personal
growth?
• How would you organize summer school information sessions at conventions? What new methods would
you use to educate students about summer school’s value?
• How would you assist others in raising money to attend summer school?
CAPITAL DISTRICT DIRECTOR (SOUTH ATLANTIC)
The District Directors will serve in a variety of roles that will be absolutely essential to the success of the South
Atlantic system. Applicants must be driven, organized, and reliable. They also must work well with others, as these
positions entail a lot of communication between people. This is not to deter introverted or soft-spoken applicants,
as communication will be numerous but brief, and also usually not face-to-face. They must also have strong
problem-solving and communication skills and a desire to follow-through. In addition, applicants must have some
general knowledge with their district, or at least be physically and mentally capable to use Google. Applicants should
complete the special application for their respective district.
Special Application
• The Capitol District covers the geographic majority of the Mid-Atlantic State. What steps would you take to
promote unity between your chapters despite the distance?
• District Directors this year will be providing each of their chapters with local political news specific to their
location to promote activism and discussion. Identify an important issue in both Virginia and Maryland
(including the D.C. area) right now and explain in a few words why it is significant to each state.
• Name a specific problem your chapter has faced in the past year. How was that problem resolved and how
do you think that experience will help you as a District Director?
• Discuss a problem you’ve noticed in the South Atlantic. What are your plans to help resolve it?
• Name 15 schools in your region that could start JSA chapter. List any contacts you have at each school.
Mid-Atlantic State Cabinet Application 13
CAROLINA DISTRICT DIRECTOR (SOUTH ATLANTIC)
The District Directors will serve in a variety of roles that will be absolutely essential to the success of the South
Atlantic system. Applicants must be driven, organized, and reliable. They also must work well with others, as these
positions entail a lot of communication between people. This is not to deter introverted or soft-spoken applicants,
as communication will be numerous but brief, and also usually not face-to-face. They must also have strong
problem-solving and communication skills and a desire to follow-through. In addition, applicants must have some
general knowledge with their district, or at least be physically and mentally capable to use Google. Applicants should
complete the special application for their respective district.
Special Application
• What specific steps would you take to keep chapters in the Carolina District thriving in spite of their relative
isolation?
• Name a specific problem your chapter has faced in the past year. How was that problem resolved and how
do you think that experience will help you as a District Director?
• District Directors this year will be providing each of their chapters with local political news specific to their
location to promote activism and discussion. Identify an important issue in North Carolina right now and
explain in a few words why it is significant to the state.
• Discuss a problem you’ve noticed in the South Atlantic Region. What are your plans to help resolve it?
• Name 15 schools in your region that could start JSA chapter. List any contacts you have at each school.
KEYSTONE-DIAMOND DISTRICT DIRECTOR (SOUTH ATLANTIC)
The District Directors will serve in a variety of roles that will be absolutely essential to the success of the South
Atlantic system. Applicants must be driven, organized, and reliable. They also must work well with others, as these
positions entail a lot of communication between people. This is not to deter introverted or soft-spoken applicants,
as communication will be numerous but brief, and also usually not face-to-face. They must also have strong
problem-solving and communication skills and a desire to follow-through. In addition, applicants must have some
general knowledge with their district, or at least be physically and mentally capable to use Google. Applicants should
complete the special application for their respective district.
Special Application
• There are currently no active chapters in the Delaware/Diamond area. What are your ideas to promote JSA
outside of Pennsylvania?
• District Directors this year will be providing each of their chapters with local political news specific to their
location to promote activism and discussion. Identify an important issue in Pennsylvania right now and
explain in a few words why it is significant to the state.
• Name a specific problem your chapter has faced in the past year. How was that problem resolved and how
do you think that experience will help you as a District Director?
• Discuss a problem you’ve noticed in the South Atlantic Region. What are your plans to help resolve it?
• Name 15 schools in your region that could start JSA chapter. List any contacts you have at each school.
Mid-Atlantic State Cabinet Application 14
Mayoral Cabinet
CHIEF OF STAFF
The Chief of Staff acts as the Mayor’s most important advisor and must be flexible and talented enough to possibly
perform any other cabinet member’s duty. The Chief of Staff must be a strong communicator and be able to
effectively delegate tasks and manage complex projects. Prospective candidates must work well under stressful
conditions. Enthusiasm, organizational skills, and the ability to address issues succinctly is necessary. A good Chief
of Staff is somebody who can promote collaboration and be a strong leader in the mayoral cabinet.
Special Application
• How do you collaborate with other people under stressful situations and create positive outcomes? Give an
example from your life, and tell how you would bring these skills to cabinet.
• As a manager of cabinet, it is important to make a balance of being demanding and setting high expectations
while also creating a supportive work environment. Describe how you would strike this balance, and give an
example from your life.
• Give one potential improvement and its implementation for each of the following areas of the mayoral
cabinet: debate, logistics, public relations, activism, and one general idea for better conferences.
CONFERENCE COORDINATOR
The Conference Coordinator is responsible for a variety of tasks to ensure successful conferences, and must be
adaptable and versatile. Successfully organizing a conference requires ensuring high attendance, quality agendas, and
smoothly run logistics. Responsibilities include creating eye-catching flyers for the conference, putting together the
Regional agendas, and planning additional activities (other than debates) for the event. Much of this work is done
on short notice in the weeks prior to the event, so this individual must be willing to make JSA their top priority at
that time. The Conference Coordinator must be creative, computer-savvy, and familiar with layout software and
word processing. A Conference Coordinator must be an efficient and precise leader who can handle the various
pressures of conference planning with poise.
Special Application
• How do you collaborate with other people under stressful situations and create positive outcomes? Give an
example from your life, and tell how you would bring these skills to cabinet.
• The morning of the Fall One-Day Conference, Princeton accidentally gives another group the rooms JSA
has scheduled for debates. While the issue is being resolved, what would you do to keep attendees occupied?
• Describe your event planning experience, both related and unrelated to JSA. What skills did you learn from
these experiences, and how would you integrate them into the mayoral cabinet?
• Design a sample agenda for Fall One Day 2015. Include a cover based on the theme, “Opportunity and
Obstacles: Fulfilling the American Dream”. Additionally, include an Agenda at a Glance, twelve resolutions,
and two blurbs. This should resemble the format of past One Day/ State convention agendas as much as
possible. Additionally, list what types of software (Illustrator, Photoshop, etc.) you have access to and are
proficient in and display this proficiency in your sample agenda.
DIRECTOR OF DEBATE
In many respects, debates establish the overall success of a conference. The Directors of Debate are in charge of
creating interesting and creative debate resolutions, writing provocative debate blurbs, creating new debate styles,
and finding a wide range of debaters and moderators of varying skill. The Directors of Debate must be informed of
current world affairs and controversial issues. This position requires Directors of Debate who must be able to
clearly phrase debate resolutions so that the topic is broad enough to give the speakers a scope of issues to discuss,
but narrow enough so that the arguments remain on the issue at hand. Directors of Debate must also be able to
evaluate their debates’ performance after each conference and determine ways of increasing debate quality.
Special Application
• "Everyone has access to Google Maps through their smartphones. The issue arises when individuals get to
the location and find McCosh Hall. Therefore, what will you do in the instance that numerous individuals
Mid-Atlantic State Cabinet Application 15
•
•
•
are lost all across the campus/in the town? What can you do to bring everyone to McCosh hall safely and
on time?"
Write twelve original debate resolutions. Then write a concise, informative blurb for at least five of the
resolutions that briefly summarize the issue and describe the pro and con side of the topic
Create two new debate formats. Explain why you think these debate types will interest and attract delegates.
As Director of Debate, it is your duty to get new debaters involved. How would you provide opportunities
for these new debaters to gain experience? (Do not mention novice debates)
DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC RELATIONS
The Director of Public Relations is responsible for increasing the visibility of the New Jersey Region through press
releases via social media, newspapers, news channels, and online news sources. This individual will also work closely
with the Mayor and program director to book interesting and relevant speakers for One-Day Conferences. The
Director of Public Relations will also be in charge of securing media coverage for One-Day Conferences,
publicizing One-Day Conferences within JSA, gathering feedback from chapters about debates, speakers, and
activism, and compiling a database of media sources from around New Jersey for the entire Region to utilize.
Applicants should have experience in publicity, a desire to increase awareness of the Junior State and its programs,
and an ability to speak and write professionally.
Special Application
• Describe any connections you have to potential speakers for One-Day Conferences. Who would you like to
see speak at the Fall and Spring One-Day Conferences? How do you plan on contacting these people and
ensuring that they are interested in speaking at the event?
• Write a sample press release about Fall One-Day 2015. Name three media outlets you would forward the
press release to.
• How would you create a positive and strong brand name for JSA? How would you utilize media outlets
before and after Fall One-Day to strengthen this brand name?
• How would you help chapters grow their publicity? How would you collaborate with chapter presidents and
members in this effort?
DIRECTOR OF ACTIVISM
The Director of Activism is charged with overseeing all activism efforts of the region. This includes coordinating
activism fairs at One-Day Conferences and helping chapters execute the national activism initiatives and any other
activism activities they wish to pursue. This this individual must be willing to work closely with chapter presidents in
planning and executing activism initiatives.
Special Application
• What experience do you have with planning political activism initiatives?
• How would you collaborate with the state and national activism directors? How would you help spread the
state and national activism initiatives while still developing your own?
• What new activism initiatives would you incorporate at conferences other than political fairs?
• What steps would you take to make an interesting political fair at One-Day Conferences? How would you
get people to follow up with groups represented at the fair?
• How would you work on the chapter level to both guide chapter presidents doing activism and encourage
chapters which have not done activism to do so?
DIRECTOR OF LOGISTICS
The Director of Logistics is an essential presence at regional events. The Director of Logistics is responsible for
arranging methods of transportation for student delegates who wish to attend regional events, including both OneDay Conferences and chapter conferences since many students do not have school transportation to these events,
as well as creating logistics packets for every regional event. Thus, the Director of Logistics should be familiar with
New Jersey geography or at least, willing to do a lot of map searching to find chapters that are in close proximity to
Mid-Atlantic State Cabinet Application 16
each other. The Director of Logistics must also ensure that student delegates know where to go at One-Day
Conferences by posting directional signs and shepherding students toward McCosh Hall and will help manage the
timing of blocks and activities. The Director of Logistics must also be very well organized and able to perform well
under stressful conditions.
Special Application
• What methods will you use to ensure people do not get lost in the areas in and around McCosh Hall
throughout One-Day conferences? Describe your methods thoroughly.
• A small chapter has delegates that wish to attend the NJR Fall One-Day Conference, but the delegates
cannot find a means of transportation. How will you ensure that the delegates are able to attend the
conference?
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Vice Mayoral Cabinet
CHIEF OF STAFF
The Chief of Staff is a vital part of the New Jersey Region communication system and is the Vice Mayor’s right
hand (wo)man. In the absence of the Vice-Mayor during a regional or state convention, the Chief of Staff will act in
place of her. This person should be willing to devote a large portion of time to the continued success of the New
Jersey Region. He or she will be helping the Vice Mayor keep track of CIA Agents and other Cabinet Members, and
aid fledgling or struggling chapters. This person will be required to attend meetings of the Council of Chapter
Presidents and take notes as the body's secretary.
Special Application
• Make a sample agenda that would be sent to Chapter Presidents upon receiving their first CIA call of the
year. Be sure to include two debate topics, one thought talk, and one special activity. Also remind Chapter
Presidents that taxes should be paid ASAP!
• One of the CIA Agents is MIA and calls are due to me tomorrow. What do you do? Why?
• Why do you think you would make a good Chief of Staff for the Vice Mayor? What executive experience
and organizational qualities do you have that will help you handle the affairs of the Cabinet?
• What is one idea you have to increase the effectiveness of cabinet as well as the communication within
departments? How do you plan to execute this?
CHAPTER INTERNAL AFFAIRS AGENT
The position of CIA Agent is one of the most crucial positions in the State. The primary job of a CIA Agent is to
keep chapters updated and organized, supplying them with vital information pertaining to taxes, registration for
conventions, and any advice the chapter leadership may need. This is accomplished through regularly scheduled
phone calls throughout the year. He/she will have several modes of contact to the chapters as well as the
information for the President and Vice President to help them if problems arise. Additionally, the CIA Agents must
attend all of the year’s JCOCP meetings. Another critical part of this position is logging or reporting calls in a timely
manner so that elected officials and program director are in the loop regarding chapters.
Special Application
• Why do you want to be a CIA Agent and how do you think you can help chapters?
• As every CIA Agent is provided with an agenda prior to making calls about upcoming events and chapter
affairs, what additional questions would you ask them that would benefit their chapters?
• With recent budget cuts, a chapter has lost administrative support and their Teacher Advisor. What do you
do to help this chapter continue to be a part of JSA?
• A chapter in South Jersey wishes to attend a Chapter Conference hosted in North Jersey. What actions do
you take to logistically help the chapter?
• One of your assigned Chapter Presidents is not picking up their phone. How do you ensure that their
chapter receives the information necessary for the upcoming State convention?
DIRECTOR OF FUNDRAISING
This year, the Director of Fundraising is especially necessary for the success of the region. Due to state -wide
budget cuts, many chapters are suffering losses of funding. The Fundraising Director is responsible for being
available for any and all fundraising questions chapters may have throughout the year. The Director of Fundraising
must be able to come up with creative ways to generate revenue at One-Day Conferences and plan an out-ofconference fundraiser.
Special Application
• List three new fundraising ideas that can be introduced at the New Jersey Region’s Fall One-Day and
describe how you would go about implementing them.
• How can the NJR improve the effectiveness of bake sales and other classic fundraisers?
• What experience do you have in terms of fundraising?
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•
How would you help chapters succeed in their own fundraising efforts, either at their schools or at their
chapter conferences?
DIRECTOR OF CHAPTER CONFERENCES
In the past, the NJR Director of Chapter Conferences was solely in charge of keeping track and booking the ChapCon schedule. However, as an increasing number of chapters will need to raise their own money and host their own
events, the DoCC must take a more active role in assisting chapter leadership this year. The DoCC will aid chapters
in any questions they have about hosting a Chap-Con, such as coming up with an imaginative theme, writing quality
debate resolutions, and implementing effective fundraisers. The DoCC is also responsible for publicizing Chap Cons throughout the region and assisting chapters who wish to attend Chap-Cons logistically. Additionally, if two
smaller chapters would like to host a Joint Chapter Conference, the Chap-Con director may help the two chapter
leaders coordinate their efforts. The DoCC should be willing and able to attend most Chap-Cons throughout the
year.
Special Application
• What aspect of chapter conferences do you feel needs improving and how would you address it?
• What are your ideas for increasing attendance at and quality of Chapter Conferences this year?
• How would you entice chapters to host a chapter conference and ensure that planning deadlines are met?
• What event planning experience do you have, and how would you use it to help other chapters with the
"do's" and "dont's" of Chapter Conference planning?
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OF THE NJR STAR
The NJR Star Editor-in-Chief is responsible for 2 issues of the NJR Star newsletter, distributed at the Fall and
Spring One-Day Conferences and The Shooting Star, issued bi-monthly online. The Editor-in-Chief must develop
interesting article concepts based on the theme of the conference and JSA events and find JSAers to write these
articles (not only from Cabinet, but also from NJR chapters). Thus, the Editor must be ready to deal with deadlines
and contact fellow JSAers so that all pertinent JSA news is included and contributing members are reached. For The
Shooting Star the editor must be able to contact chapters to get stories about their meetings and advertise their
events. The Editor must be creative and familiar with layout software and be able to work with JSA members who
volunteer to write articles and editorials. The Editor will be able to select a pool of staff writers. The Editor must
also be willing to write articles and editorials of his/her own.
Special Application
• Create a front-page template for the NJR Star, including two articles written specifically for this assignment.
• Describe three ways in which you hope to legitimize the NJR Star.
• Describe prior experiences with newspaper publication.
• List three article topics or formats that you would include to catch and keep the readers' attention. What
creative ideas would you like to add to the Star?
DIRECTOR OF TECHNOLOGY
The Director of Technology will have the chief responsibility of overseeing all technology based activity of the New
Jersey Region, overseeing the New Jersey Region’s section of the Mid-Atlantic State website,
http://states.jsa.org/midatlantic/njr/, as well as taking photographs at one-days and chapter conferences, as well as
creating promotional materials for events. This position will require the technological know-how to use WordPress
and skill as we hope to shift to using the website as an important means of communication between chapters and
between the chapters and region cabinet.
Special Application
• How can the New Jersey Region section of the MAS website be used as a communication medium? What
ideas would you add to this section in order to increase its appeal?
• Please describe any tech-based enhancements you can bring to the New Jersey Region section of the MAS
website with your skills and expertise in technology. Include links to any websites you have designed in the
past (if applicable).
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What specific experiences do you have in the field of technology that would make you qualified for this
position? Include experience in programming, web design, social media, and multimedia production.
Please describe any experience with photography and videography, including links to any published work,
and any equipment/software you will have access to better capture moments during events.
DIRECTOR OF GRAPHIC DESIGN
The Director of Graphic Design will aid the Director of Technology in adding visual appeal to the NJR Website,
work with the Editor-In-Chief of the NJR Star to enhance the publication through unique layouts. This individual
will be key to the success of Public Relations and Chapter Development within the region, assisting all regional
departments with any design help, and assisting chapters by continually creating innovative and eye appealing
graphics, posters, flyers for their Chapter Conferences, Fundraising efforts, and more.
Special Application
• The South Brunswick HS Chapter will be partaking at their school Club Fair in September where the
Executive Board will recruit underclassmen, competing against the numerous other extracurricular activities
available at the school. Design a flyer, postcard, brochure, and 1 other type of graphic design publication of
your choice to “sell” JSA to incoming members.
• The South Brunswick HS Chapter will be hosting their annual global themed Chapter Conference
“WorldCon 3.0: Think Globally” in January 2015. Design a Facebook Banner for the event page, as well as
an agenda cover.
• What specific experiences do you have in the field of graphic design that would make you qualified for this
position? Include experience in graphic design, including links to any prior work if applicable
• Please describe any software you have access to and are well versed in using that will better aid you in this
position. What ideas do you have to bring Graphic Design and appeal to better aid the New Jersey Region
and its Chapters?
Mid-Atlantic State Cabinet Application 20
Mid Atlantic-State Questionnaire
Your responses to this questionnaire will be an asset to the running of the Mid-Atlantic State next year! The
opinions of all JSAers are essential to a successful year, so it is encouraged for you to confer with chapter members
when answering these questions. Note that responses to these questions will in no way influence or affect the
selection of cabinet members.
1. What was one positive aspect and what was one negative aspect of the Mid-Atlantic State in 2014-2015? What do
you want to see changed in the organization next year?
2. What did you like about conventions and regional events this past year? What would you like to see done
differently next year?
3. How would you rate MAS activism this year? What new things would you like to see this year?
4. How would you rate the debates of this past year? What would you like to in the future regarding debates? What
is one debate style you would like to see implemented further?
5. You are elected governor for a week. What is one aspect of JSA, either nationally or at the state level that you
would work to change during that week?
Mid-Atlantic State Cabinet Application 21
FUNDRAISING SURVEY
Completion is mandatory unless you filled out the special application (applied first choice) for MAS
Director of Fundraising/ Fundraising Agent.
These are a list of companies which have a strong record of charitable donation and may be able to support the
MAS Scholarship Fund—a fund dedicated to assuring that no one is prevented from attending a JSA convention
due to economic circumstances. Check for every company from which you or somebody you know might be able to
assist in securing a donation for the fund.
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
Alcoa
Safeway
UPS
Bank of America/ Merrill
Lynch
State Farm Insurance
Kroger (Littman
Jewelers)
MetLife
Target
Nationwide
The Dow Chemical
Company
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
Wells Fargo
Walmart
Chevron Corporation
Goldman Sachs
Exxon Mobil
Corporation
JP Morgan Chase &
Company
General Electric (GE)
Morgan Stanley
Prudential Financial
Wakefern Food
Corporation (ShopRite)
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
Coco-Cola
Citigroup
Johnson & Johnson
PepsiCo
IBM
United Airlines
Home Depot
Lowe’s
M&T Bank
Hess
If there are any other individuals, corporations, or charitable foundations which you have contacts with and may be
able to help our fund, list them here. If there is any other way you think you can help, explain that as well.
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Mid-Atlantic State Cabinet Application 22
EXPANSION SURVEY
Completion is mandatory unless you filled out the special application (applied first choice) for MAS
Director of Expansion/ Expansion Agent or Keystone/Diamond, Capital, or Carolina District directors.
List any schools here in which you think you know somebody who is interested in starting a JSA Chapter. List at
least three, or more if you feel you can.
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Mid-Atlantic State Cabinet Application 23