CABINET APPLICATION - Junior State of America...Soon enough, your cabinet application may transform into an internship with a grassroots organization or even to discover a passion

CABINET APPLICATION

MID-ATLANTIC STATE 2018–2019

THE MID-ATLANTIC STATE OF THE

JUNIOR STATE OF AMERICA

Mid-Atlantic State Governor: Dev Patel

[email protected]

Mid-Atlantic State Lieutenant Governor: Neha Nandiwada [email protected]

South Atlantic Executive: Rebecca Weiss [email protected]

New Jersey Region Mayor: Michael Murphy [email protected]

New Jersey Region Vice Mayor: Pole Lee [email protected]

Mid-Atlantic State Program Director: Elizabeth Ventura [email protected]

Table of Contents

● Application Requirements and General Questions: Page 3 ● General Application Form: Page 5 ● List of All Positions: Page 6 ● Letter from your Mid-Atlantic State Elected Officials: Page 7 ● Special Applications (MAS Gubernatorial Cabinet): Pages 8-10 ● Special Applications (MAS Lt. Gubernatorial Cabinet): Pages 11-14 ● Special Applications (NJR Mayoral Cabinet): Pages 15-17 ● Special Applications (NJR Vice Mayoral Cabinet): Pages 18-21 ● Mid-Atlantic State Questionnaire: Page 22-23

2 Mid-Atlantic State Cabinet Application

Application Requirements and General Questions

Here are the five components to a complete cabinet application:

1. The general application on the next page (page 5).

2. A brief essay responding to each of the following prompts:

a. What is your motivation to participate in JSA, and what are your reasons for applying to cabinet?

b. What qualities make you a unique leader?

c. What are 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. What are you passionate about this issue, and what is your view?

3. A list of all other extracurricular activities in which you partake. Please note any leadership position and the amount of time per week dedicated to each activity.

4. The special application for the position of your top choice, found at the end of each position’s description.

○ Only submit a special application for your top choice. For example, if your top choice is MAS Director of Activism and your second choice is NJR Director of Debate, only complete the special application for MAS Director of Activism.

5. The mandatory Mid-Atlantic State Questionnaire, found on pages 23 and 24.

All applications are due by July 10th, 2018 (Chief of Staff applications will be due early by July 1, 2018), emailed to [email protected]

● Format of the subject line: [Last Name], [First Name], [State/Region preferred position] Cabinet Application

o Ex: Patel, Dev, MAS Director of Expansion Cabinet Application

● Compile your application as a single document, except if your application includes any supplemental sample work (such as those for Convention Coordinators or the Director of Graphic Design).

● Alternatively, send your application via US mail to:

Junior State of America Attn: MAS Cabinet Application 2001 S St. NW, Suite 510 Washington, DC 20009

Some things to keep in mind:

● We are here to help! Do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions, including questions about the role of the cabinets or cabinet as a whole as well as the responsibilities of each position.

● If you are selected to cabinet, you must attend the MAS/NES Cabinet Retreat, to be held in Stamford, Connecticut, during one of the last weeks of August (estimated cost: $85-$95).

● Cabinet applicants are strongly encouraged to attend the New Jersey Institute on Leadership and Politics, located at Princeton University, from August 8 to August 11. The Institute will allow cabinet


mailto:[email protected]


members to meet one another and even work together on assignments.

o Contact Governor Dev Patel 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 (202) 489-5539 if you would like to attend.

● If you would like to apply to National Cabinet, contact Governor Dev Patel directly. Applications are by request or suggestion only.



General Application Form

Name: ____________________________________________________________________________________ Address: __________________________________________________________________________________ City: _____________________________ State: _____ Zip Code: ____________ Cell Phone: (____)__________ Email Address: ___________________________________________________ Graduation Year: ____________ Chapter: _______________________________________________________ Insert Headshot:

Desired cabinet positions (in order of preference, specifying 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 If yes, specify here: _____________________________________________ Will you attend the New Jersey Institute on Leadership and Politics at Princeton University from August 8-11? YES NO Are you willing to be a main speaker at every JSA Convention next year? YES NO What will you do as a cabinet member next year to mentor younger students? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ What will you do to be an active and engaged member throughout the entirety of conventions? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Do not forget to complete the mandatory Mid-Atlantic State Questionnaire (pages 20-21).


List of All Positions MAS Gubernatorial Cabinet Contact Governor Dev Patel ([email protected]) with any questions Chief of Staff (DUE EARLY BY JULY 1st) Convention Coordinator Assistant Convention Coordinator Director of Debate Director of Communications Director of Expansion and Expansion Agents Director of Special and Nighttime Activities MAS Lieutenant Gubernatorial Cabinet Contact Lt. Governor Neha Nandiwada ([email protected]) with any questions Chief of Staff (DUE EARLY BY JULY 1st) President Pro Tempore of the State Assembly Director of Fundraising and Fundraising Agents Director of Activism Editor-in-Chief of the MAS Liberty Director of Summer School Promotion Director of Technology and Data Analytics Director of Graphic Design South Atlantic Cabinet: Contact South Atlantic Executive Rebecca Weiss ([email protected]) with any questions Chief of Staff (DUE EARLY BY JULY 1st) Director of Chapter Relations - Keystone-Diamond District Director of Chapter Relations - Capital District Director of Chapter Relations - Carolina District NJR Mayoral Cabinet Contact Mayor Michael Murphy([email protected]) with any questions Chief of Staff (DUE EARLY BY JULY 1st) Conference Coordinator Director of Debate Director of Public Relations Director of Activism NJR Vice Mayoral Cabinet Contact Vice Mayor Pole Lee ([email protected]) with any questions Chief of Staff (DUE EARLY BY JULY 1st) Chapter Internal Affairs Agents







Director of Fundraising Director of Chapter Conferences Director of Technology and Data Analytics Director of Graphic Design

Letter from Your Mid-Atlantic State Elected Officials

Dear Applicant, We commend you on taking the initiative to apply to JSA Cabinet. Having all been in your shoes, the five of us can unanimously agree that applying to cabinet has been the most rewarding experience of our JSA experience. Being on the frontline of all of the action provides you with opportunities to grow your passions in JSA and beyond. Whether you’re a politician at heart, a leader of social change through service, or simply impassioned about debate, being on cabinet will allow you to make an impact on not only the JSA organization, but your local community, your state, and our country. As the youth of tomorrow, we are responsible for organizing perspective-changing debates, holding political candidates of all parties accountable, and so much more. This is your opportunity to generate a meaningful impact in making this organization the best possible outlet for JSA members to reform our country little by little. Soon enough, your cabinet application may transform into an internship with a grassroots organization or even to discover a passion in a STEM field with the intent to make a difference. Do not be discouraged if this is your first time applying to cabinet. As daunting as it may seem to apply for a position responsible for an entire region or state, we are here to read and listen to your passions and motivations for change, instead of simply judging a resumé. We are seeking individuals that are willing, daring and innovative enough to go beyond the traditional limitations of a position’s responsibility, and you may very well be that individual. While we are driven to provide you with the opportunities available by being on cabinet, we are just as hopeful that you will have the power to unlock the passions of your potential fellow cabinet members and elected officials. We are always available for any questions that you may have, and we wish you the best of luck throughout the cabinet application process. Warmly, Dev Patel, MAS Governor Neha Nandiwada, MAS Lieutenant Governor Rebecca Weiss, South Atlantic Executive Michael Murphy, NJR Mayor Pole Lee, NJR Vice Mayor


MAS Gubernatorial Cabinet CHIEF OF STAFF (DUE EARLY BY 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 CONVENTION COORDINATOR 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 2018 theme, "Building Bridges: The Road to Compromise". 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 2018 theme "Building Bridges: The Road to Compromise". 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 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 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 play an integral role in communicating with companies to develop Corporate Partnerships in order to expand JSA’s reach and opportunities for students (i.e. internships, shadow-programs, etc). 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 2018 theme "Building Bridges: The Road to Compromise". 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 using 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 branding 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 EXPANSION and EXPANSION AGENTS The Director of Expansion will manage all efforts throughout the Mid-Atlantic State to grow into new schools and start new chapters. The Director of Expansion will coordinate all expansion activities by writing scripts for expansion calls, assigning specific expansion contacts to Expansion Agents, and promoting JSA to school administrators. He/she will also work with agents to target JSA recruitment material within the Mid-Atlantic to assure the promotion of JSA to a variety of demographics. The Director of Expansion will ensure that all chapters are progressing according to plan and will move chapters to CIA upon meeting specific criteria. The Expansion Agents will work under the Director to facilitate expansion by contacting new contacts and following up regularly so as to not lose chapters. Expansion is often very difficult, but it can also be extremely rewarding to see new chapters flourish and burgeon; applicants should be knowledgeable about the intricacies JSA and be passionate about sharing the JSA experience with new schools and new delegates. Special Application:

● What experience do you have with chapter affairs in JSA, and how will that help you in this position?


● What unique perspective will you bring to Expansion? Identify one new idea you have for Expansion. ● An expansion contact is having issues starting a chapter. How would you help in each of these situations?

o My school already has a strong Model UN, Model Congress, Mock Trial, or Forensics program, and/or my administration is not interested in starting a JSA chapter because it is too similar.

o I am having difficulties finding a teacher advisor for the club. o My school has no available funding for more extracurricular organizations. o How can I participate in JSA, even if I cannot start a chapter at my school?

● Choose one of the following questions to answer (or answer both if you’d like): o How would you incorporate technology and social media into your expansion efforts? Discuss how

would you use JoinJSA.com to sell JSA to schools without chapters, and identify something that JoinJSA.com does not currently include that you feel should be included for a specific reason.

o What specific steps would you take to address stagnant chapter growth in the South Atlantic? Draft a sample call script that you would use with a South Atlantic chapter; be sure to have answers to common concerns in the South Atlantic.

● List 12 to 15 schools to target for expansion, listing all contacts you may have at each school. Include at least five from the South Atlantic. Why these schools in particular?

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.


MAS Lieutenant Gubernatorial Cabinet CHIEF OF STAFF (DUE EARLY BY JULY 1) The Chief of Staff will serve as the key link of communication between the Lieutenant Governor and the cabinet, assisting the Lieutenant Governor in carrying out essential tasks and facilitating the delegation of duties to other members of the cabinet. The Chief of Staff will aid the Lieutenant Governor in making sure all members of cabinet are performing duties on time and to a high standard. The Chief of Staff should be organized, reliable, and punctual, and must be willing to communicate extensively with the elected officials, and the rest of the cabinet, as well as take on any responsibility if necessary. Cabinet experience is not mandatory but highly recommended. Special Application

● Describe your experience, qualities, and skills that will allow you to be a successful leader of the cabinet. How do you collaborate during stressful situations to create positive outcomes? How do you strike the balance of being demanding and setting high expectations while also creating a supportive environment?

● What will you do if a cabinet member fails to do his or her job properly and punctually? ● Outline one improvement for each area of the Lieutenant Gubernatorial cabinet, including the State

Assembly, Fundraising, Activism, Expansion, the MAS Liberty, Summer School Promotion, and intra-cabinet relations.

● What will set you apart as Chief of Staff, compared to other applicants? PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE OF THE STATE ASSEMBLY The job of the President Pro Tempore of the State Assembly is to lead the State Assembly, together with the Lieutenant Governor. The President Pro Tempore must understand the intricacies of JSA law to properly format, distribute, and debate legislation that appears before the State Assembly. The President Pro Tempore must serve as a resource to all State Assembly Representatives, helping them to put their ideas onto paper in the proper format used by the State Assembly. Applicants must be willing to debate bills when no debate would otherwise occur. Special Application

● How would you handle an unruly meeting, when representatives are not behaving with decorum? ● 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 this position is right for you? ● What do you think should be (1) the balance of roles between the Lieutenant Governor and the President

Pro Tempore during meetings and (2) the role of elected officials and Program Director during the meetings?

● How will you encourage chapters who are new, small, or less active in the State Assembly to sponsor bills, submit legislation, and get involved in the State Assembly?

● State Assembly meetings are open to any delegate, even those who aren’t State Assembly Representatives, but this is a little-known fact. How will you encourage all delegates to attend State Assembly meetings?

● What is needed to meet quorum in the MAS State Assembly? DIRECTOR OF FUNDRAISING and FUNDRAISING AGENTS The Director of Fundraising is in charge of making sure that the Mid-Atlantic State Scholarship Fund is able to provide scholarships for delegates to attend conventions throughout the year. This job entails soliciting donations from individuals, corporations, charitable foundations, and universities to raise several thousand dollars, as well as


assisting chapters with their own fundraising efforts. The Director of Fundraising will also plan and execute fundraising initiatives at conventions. Fundraising Agents will regularly contact potential donors to seek funding and assist in all other fundraising efforts undertaken by the department. Applicants for Director or Agent should complete the questions below. Special Application

● Discuss how your background and experience in fundraising will facilitate your success in this position. ● What new ideas do you have for the Fundraising Department and what specific steps will you take to

implement your ideas? ● What aspects of JSA would you use to appeal to individuals or organizations for donations? Draft (1) a

sample letter and (2) a sample call script, both of which you would potentially use to solicit donations. ● Choose one of the following questions to answer (or answer both if you’d like):

o What specific improvements would you make to convention fundraising initiatives this year? Provide 2 to 3 unique, creative ideas or initiatives that you would like to pursue.

o How would you help chapter presidents fundraise for conventions, and what tools and resources would you provide to assist them? Provide 2 to 3 creative ideas that you would help CPs pursue.

● List 12 to 15 individuals, organizations, corporations, or universities (preferably ones with which you have contacts) that would be potential donors. Briefly discuss why you think these entities would donate to JSA.

DIRECTOR OF ACTIVISM The Director of Activism will identify political issues for JSA delegates to get involved in and organize the Mid-Atlantic State's social and political activism efforts. The Director will organize convention activism activities surrounding these issues, including the political fair at Winter Congress, and encourage chapters to undertake their own initiatives throughout the year. The Director will communicate regularly with chapters regarding statewide and national activism initiatives as well as inform the CIA department of these initiatives. Applicants must be particularly engaged and passionate about political and social involvement and should have a strong background in community service and volunteer causes. Special Application

● Discuss your background in political activism and volunteer work. What causes are you passionate about? ● Identify one social activism initiative and one political activism initiative that would would the MAS to target

this year, and outline the outline the specific steps you would like to take to promote these causes. Be sure to address how you would (1) incorporate technology throughout the year to pursue these causes and (2) promote these initiatives at an overnight convention.

● What specific improvements would you make to the Winter Congress political fair? Include examples of 12 to 15 organizations you would like to see represented at the fair and a brief description why for each.

● What steps would you take to promote grassroots activism at the chapter level and encourage chapters who are not involved in activism to pursue their own initiatives?

● Why is social and political activism important? Why are you passionate about activism? ● What 2018 election activities do you think the MAS should promote to chapters? ● How do you think we can consistently keep track of the activism initiatives being taken by chapters in the

MAS? ● What will you do to ensure that all MAS chapters participate in Fight Apathy>

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OF THE MAS LIBERTY The MAS Liberty 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 an issue of the MAS Liberty. Include two articles with a cover and back page. One article should be regarding current JSA news and another should be on a political topic.

● Imagine that it is three days before a convention when a new issue of the MAS Liberty must be released and one of the staff writers has not completed their article that must be submitted immediately. You have persistently asked them to send in their long overdue assignment, but they are not responding. How will you handle this situation and ensure that the newsletter issue gets released at the convention with all articles included?

● Describe any prior experiences with publication. ● List three article topics or formats that you would include to catch and keep the reader's' attention. What

creative ideas would you like to add to the MAS Liberty? ● How will you ensure the MAS Liberty is politically balanced?

DIRECTOR OF SUMMER SCHOOL PROMOTION The Director of Summer School Promotion is responsible for advertising JSA Summer Schools and Institutes at conferences and conventions. The Director will lead summer school information sessions at all conventions and conferences and disseminate promotional material via social media and other technological means. Applicants should ideally be summer school graduates and be able to eloquently and informatively persuade others to attend Summer School. Applicants must also be familiar with the admissions process and fundraising procedure. Special Application

● What lessons did you take away from your time at summer school and how did it affect your personal growth? What was your favorite part of Summer School and why?

● How would you organize summer school information sessions at conventions? What new methods would you use to educate students about summer school's value, both during conventions and the school year?

● If someone tells you that they would like to attend summer school but can't afford the cost, what would you say? How would you assist others in raising money to attend summer school?

● Someone tells you that they are not interested in Summer School because the "admissions process for summer school isn't competitive" or "it won't help me for college admissions." How would you respond?

DIRECTOR OF TECHNOLOGY AND DATA ANALYTICS The Director of Technology and Data Analytics will have the chief responsibility of overseeing all web-based activity of the Mid- Atlantic State. Not only will the Director of Technology and Data Analytics 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. In addition, the Director of Technology and Data Analytics will represent the Mid-Atlantic State on the National Council of Technologists, working to expand the Junior State’s web and technology programs across the nation. An additional responsibility of the Director of Technology and Data Analytics is to track and analyze data to gain insights regarding the attendance and engagement across various JSA demographics, in order to augment the state’s targeted expansion strategy. This position requires a proficiency in WordPress, the G Suite (Sheets, Docs, Slides), as well as expertise in editing videos/pictures. 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. 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.

● Provide ideas around how you will leverage data from chapter, regional, and state conference attendance to present insights for improving engagement and improving efficiency of expansion strategy.

● What initiatives would you take to ensure that relevant data is consistently collected and stored in a readable manner? (Be sure to include what platform(s) you would use to create a database for this data)

DIRECTOR OF GRAPHIC DESIGN The Director of Graphic Design will aid the Director of Technology and Data Analytics in adding visual appeal to the MAS Website, work with the Editor-In-Chief of the MAS Liberty 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

● What specific experience do you have in the field of graphic design that would make you qualified for this position? What software do you have access to and are well versed in using that will aid you this position? What are examples of publications you have previously created? Include links, if available.

● Design a flyer for chapter presidents to use to recruit members. Be sure your flyer can appeal to students at crowded club fairs, where many other organizations are there to compete for similar prospective members.

● Design 1) a Facebook banner and agenda cover for Fall State 2017 OR 2) a flyer for chapters to advertise their fundraising initiatives OR 3) a poster/flyer to advertise an activism initiative of your choice.

● What is one new idea for graphic design that you wish to implement across the state this year?


South Atlantic Executive Cabinet CHIEF OF STAFF (DUE EARLY BY JULY 1) The Chief of Staff fulfills an essential role on the South Atlantic cabinet serving as the key link between the South Atlantic Executive and the cabinet. He/she will assist the South Atlantic Executive in carrying out tasks, delegating responsibilities to members on cabinet, and promoting collaboration. More specifically, the Chief of Staff will manage the Directors of Chapter Relations, oversee activism in the South Atlantic, and communicate directly with the Department of Expansion. He/she must have the ability to overcome adversity to achieve goals, perform tasks whenever necessary, and effectively problem-solve. Cabinet experience is not mandatory but highly recommended. Special Application

● What past experience, both in and out of JSA, and personal characteristics make you uniquely qualified to be Chief of Staff?

● How would you improve the following areas of South Atlantic Executive cabinet: chapter engagement, chapter relations with other chapters, and, expansion.

● Outline how you would utilize the unique geographic location of the region to improve activism in the South Atlantic?

● Communication is an essential part of the Chief of Staff’s job. What methods of communication will you use within the South Atlantic cabinet to promote collaboration and with the Department of Expansion to effectively collaborate on South Atlantic Expansion?

SOUTH ATLANTIC DIRECTORS OF CHAPTER RELATIONS

● Director(s) of Chapter Relations - Keystone-Diamond District: Pennsylvania, Delaware ● Director(s) of Chapter Relations - Capital District: Maryland, District of Columbia, Virginia ● Director(s) of Chapter Relations - Carolina District: North Carolina

The South Atlantic Directors of Chapter Relations are tasked with communicating with chapter presidents in the South Atlantic all necessary information from cabinet. Each Director of 7 Relations will be assigned specific chapter presidents whom they will call on a regular basis to discuss matters as outlined by regular call agendas, recording proceedings of the call for executives to review. Directors must have strong problem-solving capabilities when their chapters come across various issues ranging from member recruitment to convention transportation to payment of taxes. Please complete the general questions below (labeled "all districts") as well as the special question corresponding to the specific district in which you reside. Special Application (all districts)

● Discuss your experience in JSA, whether within your chapter or on cabinet. How will your past experience will assist you in your efforts as a Director of Chapter Relations?

● Discuss one or more problems that exist(s) in the South Atlantic. What will you do to resolve them? ● 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? ● Directors of Chapter Relations will provide chapters in their district with local political news to foster

activism and discussion. Identify an important local political issue in your district, explain why that issue is significant, and discuss how you will promote that initiative within your chapters.


● Name 15 schools in your district that could start a JSA chapter and list any contacts you have at each. Special Application (answer the question specific to your district)

● Keystone-Diamond District: There are currently no active chapters in the Delaware/Diamond area. What are your ideas to promote JSA outside of just Pennsylvania?

● Capital District: The Capital District covers the geographic majority of the Mid-Atlantic State. What steps would you take to promote unity between your chapters despite the distance.

● Carolina District: What specific steps would you take to keep chapters in the Carolina District thriving, in spite of their relative isolation from the rest of the state?


NJR Mayoral Cabinet CHIEF OF STAFF (DUE EARLY BY JULY 1) 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

● Including examples of previous projects, specifically noting how you collaborate, motivate others, and motivate yourself, how would you describe your work style?

● 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.

● Determine what you believe to be the main incentives for students to get involved in JSA and non-JSA activism opportunities, as well as how you believe JSA can provide opportunities beyond conferences.

● 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, all while incentivizing JSA members to get involved and perform to the top of their abilities. 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.

● Describe your event planning experience for JSA or outside events and the skills you have picked up from your experiences. Which skill is the most important for this job?

● 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?

● Design a sample agenda for Fall One Day 2018. Include a cover based on the theme, “Race for Congress: Going Beyond Party Lines in the Midterms”. Additionally, include an Agenda at a Glance, twelve resolutions, and two blurbs. For two resolutions include a section of information on both the pro and the con side. 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

● Write fifteen 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) ● Going beyond gavels, how would you work towards incentivizing debate engagement and maintaining a

high level of interest in the topic. ● Describe what political and civic views or experiences differentiate you from others? (What interests you

about the news? How do you analyze fact from fiction in the news? etc.)

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 2017 and list seven newspapers and five online news sources to which you would send it.

● 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?

● How do you plan to increase publicity for activism events at One Days and on a chapter level?

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? ● How do you plan on promoting both political and social activism at One Days? How would you get people

to follow up with groups represented at the fair? ● If given the opportunity to host a New Jersey Activism Day separate from a One Day, describe what would

be your main objective of the event and how would you work to provide students with real-life opportunities?

● Describe how you will ensure that the NJR gets involved in the 2018 Congressional Midterm elections (both at the Fall One-Day Conference and independently within chapters). Be as detailed as possible.


NJR Vice Mayoral Cabinet CHIEF OF STAFF (DUE EARLY BY JULY 1) The Chief of Staff is an essential part of the structure of the New Jersey Region, both expediting the flow of information from the Vice Mayor to his cabinet and overseeing communications between respective chapter leadership and elected officials. More specifically, he/she will keep track of CIA Agents, manage other cabinet members, assist chapters, attend Joint Council of Chapter Presidents meetings, and more. To take on this significant responsibility, the Chief of Staff must be diligent, organized, and adaptable, to contribute to a productive cabinet dynamic and ensure the realization of long-term regional goals. As relevant leadership experience is preferred, previous cabinet experience is strongly recommended for this position. Special Application

● Outline the relevant skills, executive experience, and character qualities you possess that qualifies you most for this position and sets you apart from other candidates. How will you facilitate an efficient and devoted cabinet dynamic? What speaks to your ability to manage people effectively, while maintaining a supportive environment? Use examples from your prior experience.

● Describe your leadership style briefly. Do you believe in leading by example, by delegating authority, by a hands-off approach, or other ways?

● Create 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, remember to remind them that taxes need to be paid.

● Name an initiative you wish to undertake regarding the development of one of the following Vice Mayoral responsibilities - the usage of technology, the efficiency of communication, the promulgation of chapter conferences, or the return on fundraising - and outline a plan on how you will achieve this goal.

CHAPTER INTERNAL AFFAIRS AGENT The responsibilities of the CIA Agent serves as one of the most crucial components of the organization, as their primary job is keeping chapters updated and organized by supplying them with vital information pertaining to taxes, convention registration, and advice for chapter leadership. This is accomplished through regularly scheduled phone calls throughout the year, as well as other open lines of communication between the agents and chapter leadership to assist them if any problems arise. Logging/reporting calls in a timely manner is critical for this position, so elected officials and the program director are kept constantly updated. Additionally, CIA agents must attend all of the year’s Joint Council of Chapter Presidents meetings, and generally be very involved at all levels of the organization. Special Application

● Why do you want to be a CIA Agent and how do you believe you can assist chapters? ● Every CIA Agent is provided with an agenda prior to making calls about upcoming events and chapter

affairs. What additional questions would you ask chapter leaders to further benefit their chapters in the long-run?

● With recent budget cuts, a chapter has lost administrative support and their teacher advisor. What actions will you take 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 will you take to help this chapter logistically?

● One of your assigned Chapter Presidents is not responding to any forms of communication. How will you ensure that their chapter receives the information necessary for the upcoming state convention?


DIRECTOR OF FUNDRAISING The NJR Director of Fundraising oversees fundraising at both the chapter level and at One-Day Conferences, in his/her dual mandate to ensure the solvency and success of each chapter through continual assistance, and contribute to the Mid-Atlantic State Scholarship Fund through planning and executing fundraising initiatives at regional events. Additionally, he/she must be able to creatively and competently plan an out-of-conference fundraiser, as well as solicit donations from individuals/outside organizations to augment progress made by the MAS Director of Fundraising. Special Application

● Outline your relevant experience and background in fundraising, and explain how this will facilitate your success in this position.

● *How will you encourage individual JSAers to be actively engaged in StayClassy fundraising, and to participate in regional/state fundraisers?

● Explain how you will assist chapter leadership in planning and executing fundraising initiatives for conventions/events. What resources do you plan to provide? What will you do in regards to motivating chapters to meet fundraising goals?

● Describe three unique and practical fundraising ideas/improvements that can be introduced at the New Jersey Region’s One-Day conventions and outline your plans of implementation for each of them.

DIRECTOR OF CHAPTER CONFERENCES The Director of Chapter Conferences primarily coordinates and promotes chapter conferences, by having an active role in assisting chapter leadership. He/she keeps track of and organizes the chapter conference schedule, working in conjunction with CIA Agents to communicate with chapter leaders. The DoCC also aids chapters by guiding them through the process of hosting a conference - with the help of other cabinet members - such as coming up with a unique theme, writing quality debate resolutions, implementing effective fundraisers, and more. Additionally, the DoCC is responsible for publicizing chapter conferences throughout the region, and acting as a mediator for coordinating joint chapter conferences between smaller chapters. The DoCC should be willing and able to attend all chapter conferences throughout the year. Special Application

● List five possible themes for a chapter conference (make sure they have not been used in the past two or three years) and explain any aspects of the chapter conference planning that should be changed in order to make the events more professional.

● What are your ideas for increasing attendance and quality of Chapter Conferences this year? ● Chapters typically host chapter conferences during the second half of the year during campaign season

because it provides an incentive for people to attend, which raises attendance. What ideas do you have to encourage chapter presidents to organize their conferences during the first semester to evenly spread out the events throughout the year?

● 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?

● It's important that each Director of Chapter Conferences has an organized system where they can keep track of each detail regarding all of the chapter conferences. and set up a timeline for themselves and the chapter presidents. What type of system will you use to be as efficient and effective as possible?


DIRECTOR OF TECHNOLOGY AND DATA ANALYTICS The Director of Technology has the chief responsibility of overseeing all technology-based activity of the New Jersey Region, such as managing the New Jersey Region’s section of the Mid-Atlantic State website (states.jsa.org/midatlantic/about-us/new-jersey-region/), taking high-quality photographs and videos at One-Day events and chapter conferences, and developing/updating social media. Additionally, they will have the important role of analyzing data/web traffic to track attendance and engagement for various JSA demographics, to augment the state’s targeted expansion strategy. This position requires proficiency in WordPress and across G Suite (Sheets, Docs, Slides), as well as expertise in editing videos/pictures. Special Application

● What would you include in an end-of-the-year JSA recap video? How would you ensure that this video is created?

● Describe any tech-based enhancements you can bring to the Mid-Atlantic State website to increase engagement and interactivity. How will you ensure the implementation of this? Include links to any websites you have designed in the past (if applicable).

● 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.

● Describe any experience with photography and videography, including links to any published work, and any equipment/software you will have access to capture moments during events.

● Provide ideas around how you will leverage data from chapter, regional, and state conference attendance to present insights for improving engagement and improving efficiency of expansion strategy.

● What initiatives would you take to ensure that relevant data is consistently collected and stored in a readable manner? (Be sure to include what platform(s) you would use to create a database for this data)

DIRECTOR OF GRAPHIC DESIGN The Director of Graphic Design will have the significant responsibility of adding visual appeal to nearly every aspect of JSA. He/she will be working with the Director of Technology to add visual appeal to the NJR website, the Editor-In-Chief of the MAS Liberty to enhance the publication through creative layouts, Convention Coordinators to create visuals for conference agendas, Chapter Presidents to design promotional infographics for fundraising initiatives/chapter conferences, and more. As a keystone of JSA promotion, this position requires extensive experience in design. Special Application

● What specific experience do you have in the field of graphic design that would make you qualified for this position? What software do you have that you are proficient in using that will aid you in this position? What are examples of publications you have previously created? Include links, if available.

● Design a physical flyer for chapter presidents to use to promote their chapter conference. Be sure to incorporate a theme of your choosing, and include all pertinent information.

● Design a unique Facebook banner and themed agenda cover for Spring One Day 2018 - The Transition of Power: Generation to Generation.

● Design a poster to advertise the “Fight Apathy” activism initiative at regional/state conferences. ● Describe one new idea for graphic design that you wish to implement across the state this year.


http://states.jsa.org/midatlantic/about-us/new-jersey-region/

Mid-Atlantic State Questionnaire I. General Questions

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 and especially your Chapter President when answering these questions. Please note that responses to these questions will in no way, shape, or form 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 2017-2018? 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?

II. Expansion Survey

Completion is mandatory, unless you completed the special application for either MAS Director of Expansion or Expansion Agent OR any of the South Atlantic Directors of Chapter Relations. Failure to complete this survey will be a poor reflection of your application and may hurt your chances of being selected. List at least three schools in which you think you know somebody who is interested in starting a JSA Chapter. _______________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________ III. Fundraising Survey

Completion is mandatory, unless you filled out the special application for MAS Director of Fundraising or Fundraising Agent. Failure to complete this survey will be a poor reflection of your application and may hurt your chances of being selected. 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 every company from which you or somebody you know might be able to assist in securing a donation for the fund:


o Alcoa o Safeway o UPS o Bank of America/

Merrill Lynch o State Farm Insurance o Kroger (Littman

Jewelers) o MetLife o Target o M&T Bank

o Nationwide o The Dow Chemical Company o Wells Fargo o Walmart o Chevron Corporation o Goldman Sachs o Exxon Mobil Corporation o JP Morgan Chase & Company o General Electric (GE) o Morgan Stanley o Hess

o Prudential Financial o Wakefern Food

Corporation (ShopRite) o Coca-Cola o Citigroup o Johnson & Johnson o PepsiCo o IBM o United Airlines o Home Depot o Lowe’s

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. Specifically, please note any small or medium-sized businesses that may be able to help, as they are often more likely to donate. Also explain any other way you think you can help. _______________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________


Thank you for applying to cabinet! You can expect to be notified of decisions by late July at the latest.

We look forward to reading your application.


Documents

CABINET APPLICATION - Junior State of America...Soon enough, your cabinet application may transform into an internship with a grassroots organization or even to discover a passion