How to Be a Good Delegate and Get the Most from Convention
AFTER YOU’VE DECIDED TO ATTEND
Determine what you need and hope to gain from convention.
Write down your objectives for attending so you are clear about your purpose and what you want from convention.
Plan how your time will be spent; design an itinerary that allows flexibility to pursue unexpected learning or networking opportunities.
Be responsible about attending – your PTA is sending you to convention to participate fully – do not use the time away for a chance to play or shop on your PTA’s money.
Be positive about attending. If your reasons for going are not sound and do not stand on their own merits, reconsider going.
PACK YOUR BAGS
Your convention email confirmation, confirmation of any awards you have won that need to be redeemed at convention, PTA membership card and copies of handouts for the workshops you plan on attending or downloads on your smart phone, tablet or computer from (beginning April 20th) or bring your own USB to the PTA booth onsite at convention for a full download of workshop handouts.
Extra room for all the materials you pick up at convention.....If you visit the Exhibit Hall you will be sure to have LOADS of goodies to bring back. You might also win one of the many prizes being given away as well.
WHEN YOU ARRIVE AT CONVENTION
Review the program for changes and updates – revise your itinerary as appropriate.
Dress-Business casual. Comfortable (but no sweats or slippers please). Bring a warm sweater.
Arrive on time for ALL events. Stay at General Meetings until the end to insure you have participated in all of the aspects of the business conducted.
Wear your badge at ALL times....You will need it to enter everything at Convention including the Exhibit Hall.
Attend and participate in ALL general meetings-take notes and take part in discussions and voting (if you are a voting delegate).... You are representing your unit or council so you'll be voting on their behalf.
Vote-voting delegates can participate in the business of the organization – vote on a Legislative platform that will direct our advocacy efforts; Vote on By-Laws changes that will affect the structure of PTA and vote on Resolutions that provide the organization leadership with directions from it’s members on positions of the organization. Establish the priorities to be addressed; participate in the election of future state PTA leaders.
Attend and participate in a variety of workshops where ideas and skills can be learned; hear from experts in fields of PTA concern. Take notes for your report to your unit or council
Fill out evaluations
Visit the exhibit hall and consider the potential of products and services to increase your PTA’s ability to serve its parents and students effectively and efficiently..... grab a few snacks for the General Meeting.
Meet other delegates as well as state and national PTA leaders.
Create helpful lists of PTA contacts.
Celebrate the outstanding work of local unit, council and district PTAs.
Develop leadership skills
Network! Exchange ideas and successes with others – learn from PTAs around the state.
WHILE AT CONVENTION REMEMBER TO:
Have a pleasant disposition... Sometimes lines get long. Please remember that these are all volunteers running the Convention.
Commit and participate.Your unit or council has sent you to represent them. Please take the time and goto all workshopsandGeneral Meetings.
Be courageous andask questions! Especially if this is a first convention for you, please don't be shy. Ask questions and learn as much as you can.
Listen and learn. Be courteous and give attention to the speaker who has the floor. Keep side conversations to a minimum. Turn mobile phones OFF or silence them.
Have an open mind and unlimited enthusiasm!!!
Continually ask, "How can I adapt that information to benefit me and my PTA/PTSA?"
Learn from the experiences of others and share your experiences
Attend the State PTA Event at SEA WORLD with 4th District on Thursday, May 5th. Meet fellow delegates and have fun!Wear your 4th District T-shirt on the bus so we can find each other!
Come by the 4th District PTA Hospitality Suite and meet our Convention Committee, other delegates from Orange County and pick up breakfast or mid-day snacks. All 4th District delegates are welcome; we would love to meet you! The rooms are in Royal Palm Tower and we'll be open on Thursday and Friday morning for breakfast from 7:00 to 8:30 a.m. as well as in daytime Thursday from 12:30 to 3:00 p.m.and Friday from 12:30-1:30 p.m. We will also be hosting a Networking Reception on Friday from 5:00-7:00 p.m. before the State “Free” Dinner Event at the Town and Country Hotel. We will post our room number at the Information area in the Convention Center as well as at the hotel.
HAVE A GOOD TIME!!
WHEN YOU RETURN HOME
Report to your PTA on what you learned and how it can benefit you and your PTA or Council.
Demonstrate that your attendance was well worth the time and expense; show how the benefits outweigh the costs.
Share your notes with others who can make the information work for them – adapt the information to benefit your PTA or Council.
Share your Convention materials with other PTA members.
Distribute press releases to your newspaper and other media.
Follow up with contacts you made and nurture the rapport you established – continue to share ideas and success with others.
Encourage your PTA to send more attendees to future conventions and encourage budgeting for delegates for next year.
Apply the knowledge and skills you acquired immediately so you don’t lose momentum and make your unit/council better!
Most of all....Have a good time!
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