The first step in running for office is knowing which office you want to run for. Here are descriptions of each role, as well as the skills required to fulfill them. As time goes on, we'll add tips and tricks from current officers, so be sure to check back!
The Consuls shall be chair of the Executive Board and send out meeting agendas, preside at all general sessions at the State Convention, appoint people by application to such positions, appoint and supervise all committees which are subject to the majority approval of other officers, create and send out the newsletter, be are primarily in charge of promoting attendance at the State and National Conventions. The Consuls shall assume split duties between the two, depending on choice.
The Censor shall oversee the constitution and recommend any changes therein, maintain all the meetings according to Censor procedure, coordinate nominations and elections as they, the consuls, and the state chairs see fit, and assume the duties of Consuls in the absence of both.
The Centurion shall be in charge of recruitment and retention of JCL chapters. They shall coordinate with local chapter leaders and sponsors to maintain and grow their membership, as well as work to recruit new chapters into the organization. They are encouraged to work with the Scriptor Historiae to use social media to recruit new members.
The Aedile shall find community service opportunities for local chapters and their members to promote the NJCL’s dedication to service. They shall coordinate activities however they see fit in order to promote state spirit. Before the NJCL Convention, they shall coordinate all aspects of state spirit: t-shirts, costumes, banners, props, cheers, and any other necessary aspects of state spirit.
The Quaestor shall handle monetary affairs of the organization, such as costs, venue, etc, and will organize fundraising and various related events for the state.
The Scriba shall keep accurate minutes of all Executive Board meetings and all the general convention sessions, distribute these minutes to all the officers and chapters, assemble reports of any committee, and send out Executive Board notices.
The Scriptor Historiae shall compile a scrapbook (physical or digital) of the organization’s activities, be responsible for displaying this scrapbook at the National Convention, and encourage state and chapter publications. Will take the duties of the Scriba if not present at Executive Board meetings. They shall also run and manage the NYJCL social media accounts under the guidance of the Consuls and State Chairs. This role may be split in the event that one person desires to do social media and another the scrapbook.
The Magister Nuntiorum will be in charge of organizing, editing, and maintaining the NYJCL publication, the Excelsior, modeled after the NJCL’s Torch. They will encourage submissions, write articles when necessary, and overall coordinate the creation of the Excelsior. They may, at the discretion of the Consuls, appoint other members of the NYJCL to perform various duties for the publication.
The Magister Aranei shall maintain, update, and upkeep the NYJCL’s website, and shall make improvements as they see fit, with the approval of the State Chairs. They shall work with their fellow officers to ensure that any developments in their respective domains are added to the website.
Step One: Qualification
To be a state officer, you must fulfill all of the following:
At least one year of NYJCL membership before taking office
Enrollment in a Latin, Greek, or Classical Studies course throughout the entire term in office, and at least one year prior (exceptions can be made)
Currently a member in good standing of the NJCL and NYJCL
Does not currently hold the desired role (exception for consuls)
Step Two: Nomination
To run for office, you must first be nominated by your chapter's sponsor. As the State Convention approaches, an online form will be sent out to all sponsors for nomination submission, which they must complete by a set deadline. Only one person per school can be nominated, except in special cases.
Step Three: Introduction
Once you're nominated, you'll be required to submit answers to a series of questions, provided by the state officers, about your desire to hold the position and your goals after the election. You will also be required to submit a brief introduction video, serving as your campaign speech. All of this will be posted on the NYJCL website and sent out via newsletter and to sponsors. Now's the time to campaign: reach out to nearby chapters, make an Instagram, or do something new-- just get the word out about your campaign!
Step Four: Convention
All candidates for office are required to attend the state convention. There, you'll have an opportunity to give a speech about your goals during the Plenary Session, and then campaign for votes from all other schools in attendance. Winners will be announced at the same time as awards.