<p>It's early, but I'm kind of thinking about running in spring for an officer position of my class for the 09-10 school year. Our current SGA is pretty ineffective and passive, and I'd really like to change that. I have an avid interest in student government and leadership and I would try my best to make a difference in our school. </p>
<p>But... it's kind of risky on my part for several reasons. First of all, no one knows me. My school has a massive population, like 2000-2500 people and each class has 500 people. So that could be a problem, because the girl I would run against (incumbent) is really well-liked and popular. Also I've always been like one of those quiet, invisible people. People have known that I've been a pretty quiet person since elementary school so they would probably hold that against me and think that I am not capable of any leadership. A lot of people may have preconceived notions about me like I am stuck-up because that's what people a lot of times think about quiet people. Additionally there are some other things that could be held against me. For example, I am not popular at all and have like a close knit group of about 10 friends. SGA at my school is pretty much a popularity contest. (But I still want to run!)</p>
<p>I am involved in school affairs on a COUNTY level (appointed positions) and I was wondering if I could talk about those things in my speech? Is there anything PRACTICAL I could do? NOT practical as in becoming really loud and popular in 2 days and making friends with everyone in my grade. Practical as in doing something based on the type of person that I am. </p>
<p>So, would you run for SGA if you were me, based on what I've told you?
Could I in any way stand a chance against this really popular incumbent girl in this 'popularity contest'?
Any advice would be great, thanks.</p>
<p>Alrite, so I have been the student government president for about three consecutive years now. And believe me, it’s almost impossible to win if you are not widely known. Being involved in leadership activities or garnering impressive leadership awards won’t get you far, as elections are always popularity contests. Personally, my advice is that since you have several months before elections, you can become “really loud and popular” in that time frame and you might as well break your bubble and try to become more well known around school. If the incumbent is truly very popular, that might be your only chance of winning.</p>
<p>On the surface, the odds may be against you. But if I were you, I would certainly run. What’s the worst that could happen? You lose? Big deal. If you truly feel the need for change (sorry to reuse Obama’s favorite buzzword), then go for it. I think that being the “popular girl” might work to your advantage. Unless she truly is well-liked by everyone, then you might have a chance. Some people don’t like the popular kids, and they may vote for the underdog. </p>
<p>So go for it. If you lose, that’s alright. It’s not the end of the world. If you win, then you have the opportunity to do what you have desired to do. What year are you? If you won’t be a senior next year, you can become well known and run the next year.</p>
<p>I mean, like you and everyone has said, elections, especially student government elections, are mostly popularity contests. However, I encourage you to run, just to at least say you’ve tried and so that you won’t have any regrets. I’m not going to sugar coat though- even if you prepare yourself for losing, you’ll still be disappointed if you don’t win.</p>
<p>You are thinking about this with plenty of time to do something. As elections are often popularity contests, whether they should be or not, you are going to have to up how many people know you. Start talking to people that you normally don’t. Ask them about county issues or something like that, just start now so that people know who you are by the time spring comes around, and you are not just a name on a ballot. See if you can start going to the SGA meetings, just to sit in to see what they’re like, and so you know how it works (if you aren’t already), so that you have some experience behind you.</p>
<p>Definitely talk about the county stuff. Often, people who are not involved with SGA have no idea what the county SGA does, or even that it exists, and it may seem like you are just name dropping to make yourself more impressive, but I would still do it. I have this problem a lot as I am also involved with county and state SGAs and other things like that, but either way, just show how you are involved and can and will do things with the position you are running for.</p>
<p>Basically, I am saying to run, just try to speak up and get your name out somehow to the students starting now, so people at least have some idea of who you are before the election comes.</p>