CABINET APPLICATION
OHIO RIVER VALLEY STATE
2015 – 2016
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Letter from your governor……………………………………………………………………………………………………..2
Elected Officials - Contact Information…………………………………………………………………………………..3
Checklist, Special Dates, and Instructions……………………………………………………………………………...4
Application Form……………………………………………………………………….............................................5
Executive Department…………………………………………………………………………………..…..…………….…6-7
Chief of Staff
Deputy Chief of Staff
Activism Department……………………………………..……………………………………….…………………………….7
Director of Activism
Activism Specialists
Publicity Department…………………………………………………………………………...………………………….8-9
Director of Publicity
Publicity Specialists
Muckraker Editor-In-Chief
Muckraker Copy Editor
Muckraker Writer
Technology Department………………………………………………………………….……………………………..9-10
Director of Technology
Technology Specialists
Convention Department………………………………………………………………...……………………………...10-11
Convention Coordinator
Director of Social Activities
Logistics Coordinator
Debate Department……………………………………………………………………….……………………………….11-12
Director of Debate
Debate Specialists
Director of Moderators
Chapter Internal Affairs Department……………………………………………….…………………………………..12
Director of Chapter Internal Affairs
Fundraising Department…………………………………………………………………….…………………………..12-13
Director of Fundraising
Fundraising Specialists
Expansion Department……………………………………………………………………….…………………………..13-14
Director of Expansion
Expansion Specialists
LETTER FROM YOUR GOVERNOR
My Fellow ORV JSAers,
Welcome to the 2015 - 2016 Ohio River Valley Cabinet Application! Opening the ORV Cabinet
Application is the first step towards a long and rewarding journey in the Junior State of America. I
personally remember the first time I opened the cabinet application my freshman year of high school.
Deciding to apply was one of the best decisions I have ever made. After joining Cabinet, I have made
innumerable friends, fostered my work ethic and passion to better this organization, and improved
my JSA experience as a whole. From having late night meetings to working with people who live all
across the Ohio River Valley, I can confidently say that you will benefit so much from joining the ORV
Cabinet.
When you look through the positions and descriptions, imagine what environment you can see
yourself thriving in and how your skills and talents can be used to benefit the Junior State of America
the most. If you are selected, you will be doing work in this position for the next ten months, so make
sure that the position(s) you apply for are ones you are passionate about. While exemplary work is
required for the ORV Cabinet, also remember to have fun! Everyone in JSA is aspiring to improve
themselves, and cooperation best facilitates that environment. We must all work together and help
each other become better leaders and statesmen and stateswomen.
In addition, remember that being on the Ohio River Valley Cabinet is a huge honor. Even if you do not
get your first choice position, know that every position is vital and valuable to the success of the ORV.
No matter the title or position, we are all working towards the betterment of JSA! And whether or not
you are accepted to be on Cabinet, if you have an idea you would like to implement or see
implemented, don’t hesitate to contact anyone on Cabinet for help or resources. Getting involved in
JSA is not limited to being on Cabinet. Anyone can work to improve this state!
The ORV Cabinet will have extremely high standards this year, so an effective and skilled Cabinet is a
must when it comes to achieving this year’s goals. Thus, make sure that your Cabinet Application is
your best work and truly represents what you want to say. While you are filling out the application,
feel free to ask me or other elected officials any questions about positions, the structure of cabinet, or
anything else.
Thank you so much for reading, and I look forward to reading your application.
Good Luck!
Charles Zhang
Ohio River Valley Governor
ELECTED OFFICIALS - CONTACT INFORMATION
Ohio River Valley Governor
Charles Zhang
[email protected]
(614) 855 - 5530
Ohio River Valley Lieutenant Governor
Isaac Mitchell
[email protected]
(469) 964 - 4726
Ohio River Valley Speaker of the Council of Chapter Presidents
Meredith Karbowsky
[email protected]
(513) 720 - 9654
Central Ohio District Senator
Meredith Whitaker
[email protected]
(614) 633 - 5638
Southwest District Senator
Marcus Meyer
[email protected]
(513) 340 - 8282
Great Lakes District Senator
Billy First
[email protected]
(216) 659 - 0918
Southern Interior District Senator
Sara Barringer
[email protected]
(859) 324 - 2992
CHECKLIST
⃞ Fill out the Application Form
⃞ Answer all General Application Questions
⃞ Answer all Specialized Questions/Tasks that pertain to the positions you are applying for
⃞ Email your final Cabinet Application to [email protected] and [email protected] by July 5th.
SPECIAL DATES
Cabinet Convention……………………………...……………………………………………….....….August 22nd, 2015
Location TBD
Fall State…………………………………………………………………….…………………..November 21st - 22nd, 2015
Cincinnati North Marriott Hotel - West Chester, Ohio
Winter Congress…………………………………………………………………….………….February 12th - 14th, 2016
Doubletree Hotel - Arlington, West Virginia
Spring State………………………………………………………………………………..……………April 23rd - 24th, 2016
Sheraton Hotel at Capitol Square - Columbus, Ohio
*Note: All Cabinet members must attend the Cabinet Convention, Fall State, and Spring State.
All Directors and members of the Executive Department must attend all four conventions.
DOWNLOAD/APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Instructions:
1) Open the file menu at the top of the screen.
2) Open the “Download as” submenu.
3) Select “Microsoft Word” as your format.
4) Open the application in Word and fill it out.
Answer all questions in a typed format, and submit the application as a Word Document or a
PDF(preferably PDF). In your application, please be as detailed and as specific as possible so that we can
get the best idea of what you want to say. You are allowed to answer the specialized questions for any
of your top 5 choices. However, you are only required to answer the specialized questions for your first
choice; if you answer the specialized questions/tasks for more than one position, please make sure to
separate each position so that the application remains clear and organized. E-mail the application by
July 5th to: [email protected] and [email protected]. In the subject line, please put the following:
[Last Name], [First Name], [Position of First Preference] Application
Example: Zhang, Charles, Director of Fundraising Application
NOTE: You cannot apply for both national and state cabinet. please take this into consideration before
you apply. If you are interested in national cabinet, please contact [email protected] for an application.
APPLICATION FORM
Name: __________________________
School: ____________________________
Email: _________________________________
Facebook (mandatory): _____________________________
Phone number: (___) ___-____
Graduation Year: ____________
District (Embolden one): GLD COD SWD GLD
Top 5 choices, in order:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
If you do not get one of your top 5, would you like to be considered for a different position?
(Embolden one) Yes No
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GENERAL APPLICATION QUESTIONS
1. Please answer the following questions honestly, and to the best of your ability.
a. Why are you applying for Cabinet?
b. What experience/qualifications have you had in JSA in the past?
c. What distinguishes you among all other applicants?
d. Describe your JSA journey. How did you get involved, and what have you contributed to
your chapter, district, and/or state?
e. What are three things you would like to accomplish in your potential first position?
Please be as detailed as possible.
f. What other extracurricular activities are you involved in aside from JSA?
g. Do you hold a chapter, district, or state leadership position?
2. Please answer the specialized questions or tasks underneath the position you are applying for.
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT
Chief of Staff
Description:
The Chief of Staff oversees productivity and communication of all state Cabinet departments, as well as
assist state elected officials with other necessary tasks. The Chief of Staff compiles a report on all
departments of Cabinet at least three times a year (once directly after every convention), listing the
concrete and objective accomplishments of each department. The Chief of staff must be able to assess
the work ethic of Cabinet members, and consult the Governor if a Cabinet member must be dismissed.
However, the Chief of Staff must also be encouraging to Cabinet members, and act as a positive,
motivating influence who encourages productivity. As the Chief of Staff, you are expected to be prompt
and to handle a fluctuating workload that some may find to be overbearing. Furthermore, as a member
of Executive Leadership, the Chief of Staff’s presence is expected at all Conventions, Cabinet Meetings,
and Pre-Convention Planning Meetings. In addition to managing Cabinet, the Chief of Staff helps each
department achieve its goals whether it’s through being a helpful adviser or actively working with the
director to finish jobs that need to be done. Finally, the Chief of Staff oversees the Cabinet Expansion
Program, which requires every Cabinet member to expand JSA to one new chapter.
SPECIALIZED QUESTIONS:
● What methods will you use to ensure a productive and efficient Cabinet?
● What management positions or experiences have you had in the past?
● How will you(specifically) promote greater interaction between the Cabinet departments?
● Outline three specific problems you see in the effectiveness and communication of Cabinet.
What exact measures can be taken to fix said problems?
● How easy are you to reach? Give an example.
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Deputy Chief of Staff
Description:
The Deputy Chief of Staff aids the Chief of Staff with any tasks he/she might need. This could involve
managing some departments or creating monthly reports that document the progress of Cabinet. In
addition, the Deputy Chief of Staff works with the Lieutenant Governor in Senatorial and Fair Election
Committee Affairs. Thus, the Deputy Chief of Staff must be extremely flexible with any type of
fluctuating workload that may come about from either the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, or Chief of
Staff.
SPECIALIZED QUESTIONS:
● What management positions or experiences have you had in the past?
● How easy are you to reach? Give an example.
ACTIVISM DEPARTMENT
Director of Activism
Description:
The Director of Activism leads the entire activism department and implements statewide and local
initiatives that bring political awareness and engagement to Ohio River Valley JSAers. The Activism
Director gets to choose and plan the activism initiatives at state conventions(Fall State and Spring State)
and year round. In addition to being able to plan activism initiatives at conventions, the Director of
Activism must be able to create easy to read step-by-step plans for chapters that want to implement
initiatives at the local level. Although other initiatives are up to the discretion of the director, the
Director of Activism must at least plan political fairs at all state conventions and release an activism
handbook at the beginning of the year.
SPECIALIZED QUESTIONS/TASKS:
● Describe five activism initiatives that can be implemented at state conventions. How will you
implement these initiatives and what are their goals?
● Describe three activism initiatives that can be implemented at the local level by chapters. How
will you implement these initiatives and what are their goals?
● What experience do you have in political or social activism?
● If you are chosen as director, how many specialists would you need? How would you delegate
the roles?
Activism Specialist
Description:
The Activism Specialist is responsible for working with the Director of Activism and fellow Activism
Specialists to achieve the goals of the department. In addition, the Activism Specialist helps brainstorm,
create, and implement initiatives throughout the year.
● Describe two activism initiatives that can be implemented at state conventions. How will you
implement these initiatives and what are their goals?
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●
●
Describe two activism initiatives that can be implemented at the local level by chapters. How
will you implement these initiatives and what are their goals?
What experience do you have in political or social activism?
PUBLICITY DEPARTMENT
Director of Publicity
Description:
The Director of Publicity is responsible for maintaining the brand image and marketing of the Ohio River
Valley JSA state. He/she manages the photographers for all conventions and JSA-related events, and
maintains the ORV Flickr, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter Accounts. In addition, the Director of
Publicity is in charge of marketing JSA events to the press and increasing the overall awareness of ORV
JSA. He/she works with the Director of Technology to produce conventions videos and livestream
debates and keep the website up to date.
SPECIALIZED QUESTIONS/TASKS:
● What experience do you have in photography, social media, and marketing?
● Create a one-page length flyer advertising Fall State that goes along with the theme,
“Opportunity and Obstacles: Fulfilling the American Dream.”
● Write an original press release about a JSA event you attended this past year.
● What is your talent (photography, videography, journalism) and experience in that area? Include
or attach samples of your work.
● If you are chosen as the Director of Publicity, how many specialists would you need? How would
you delegate the roles?
Publicity Specialists
Description:
● The Publicity agent is a multi-talented documentarian of JSA events responsible for the
advertisement of conventions, creative dispersal of information, use of social media (facebook,
twitter, tumblr) to enrich the Midwest, and press coverage. Agents are expected to attend as
many conventions, conferences, and JSA activities as possible and to possess basic skills in
writing and photography. They work with their Director and team to attract media attention and
expand the influence of JSA.
SPECIALIZED QUESTIONS/TASK:
● What experience do you have in photography, social media, and marketing?
● Write an original press release about a JSA event you attended this past year.
● What is your talent (photography, videography, journalism) and experience in that area? Include
or attach samples of your work.
Muckraker Editor-In-Chief
Description:
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The Muckraker Editor-In-Chief is responsible for editing articles sent in and delegating work in the
department. The Editor-In-Chief manages all operations of the Muckraker and must have a vision for its
content.
SPECIALIZED QUESTIONS:
● What experience do you have in fields that pertain to being the Muckraker Editor-In-Chief?
● If you are chosen as the Muckraker Editor-In-Chief, how many Muckraker Writers would you
need? Please explain your reasoning.
Muckraker Copy Editor
Description:
The Copy Editor formats everything for the Muckraker. Using InDesign, Microsoft Word, or some other
design software, the Muckraker will be published online this year. There is little work during the periods
between conventions; however, there is a large time commitment during the weeks before conventions.
SPECIALIZED QUESTION:
● Do you have InDesign, or other publication software?
Muckraker Writer
Description:
Muckraker Writers are responsible for writing the majority of the articles for the Muckraker. This
requires excellent writing skills and capable abilities to research and write interesting articles that
pertain to the values of JSA. The content of these articles can range from being interviews of JSA elected
officials, to information about the latest state initiatives. These articles will hopefully be released in the
paper edition of the Muckraker at state conventions.
SPECIALIZED TASK:
● Write a sample article about a JSA event you have attended in the past that can be used for the
Muckraker.
TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT
Director of Technology
Description:
The Director of Technology is responsible for maintaining and updating the ORV website, working on all
technology related activities at conventions such as livestreaming debates and sharing videos, and
producing convention videos that can be released to everyone in the Ohio River Valley state. The
Director of Technology also helps with graphic design, and creating excel spreadsheets. This position
requires basic skills in all of these fields and may not be limited to just these areas listed above.
SPECIALIZED QUESTIONS:
● What software do you have experience with? List your level of skill with each. (i.e. video editing
software, graphic design)
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●
●
●
What are some issues with the current Ohio River Valley website and how do you intend to
improve it?
What experience do you have with video editing(if any)? If possible, include a sample project.
If you are chosen as the Director of Technology, how many technology specialists would you
need? How would you delegate the roles?
Technology Specialists
Description:
Technology specialists are responsible for assisting the Director of Technology with an jobs or activities
that are listed in the “Director of Technology” description.
SPECIALIZED QUESTION:
● What software do you have experience with? List your level of skill with each. (i.e. video editing
software, graphic design)
CONVENTION DEPARTMENT
Convention Coordinator/Assistant Convention Coordinator
Description:
The Convention Coordinator is the backbone of the Junior State during state conventions. The position
will require you to ensure that state conventions are run effectively and efficiently. Your unique and
primary role is to put together all of the details of the agenda, creating the document, and filling it with
information from various departments. You will also be working very closely with the Program Director
to decide debate room assignments, requiring you to have an awareness of room size to topic
popularity. Lastly, you will be assisting chapters in their hosting of Chapter Conferences. This will require
you to set deadlines, follow up with and work with almost every major department in the Junior State.
This includes: Debate, Moderating, Thought Talk, Activism, Logistics, and Social Activities. This position
requires extensive cabinet experience, an assertive attitude and “Pre-Con” experience to make state
conventions run efficiently. A strong work ethic, impeccable organizational skills, and willingness to
commit extensive time are necessary, in addition to proficiency with Microsoft Word. Perfectionism is
the ideal trait for the Convention Coordinator - with hundred of delegates, the agendas and convention
plans must be flawless.
SPECIALIZED QUESTIONS:
● What is your experience with organizing large events? Be specific.
● There is miscommunication and the hotel accidentally forgets to book a debate room for the
weekend. How do you react, and what do you do?
● What changes and additions do you plan to make to JSA conventions in order to improve the
overall experience for delegates?
Director of Social Activities
Description:
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The Director of Social Activities is responsible for organizing evening activities at state conventions and
all social events over the course of the year. These social events can be interchapter parties, gatherings,
etc. The Director of Social Activities must have strong planning skills and an accurate sense of what
JSAers want. The Director of Social Activities should also be charismatic and a fun person in general.
SPECIALIZED QUESTION/TASKS:
● How would you make JSA dances a better experience for all convention attendees?
● List 5 fun evening activities that can be done at conventions. How will you implement each of
them?
● List 3 activities that can be done outside of conventions. How would you implement each of
them? How would you ensure that multiple chapters get involved?
Logistics Coordinator
Description:
The Logistics Coordinator is responsible for helping chapters to plan their transportation routes to and
from conventions. Before conventions, the Logistics Coordinator creates Google forms and recruits
volunteers for the various departments in Cabinet. In addition, the Logistics Coordinator is responsible
for contacting local restaurants before conventions to obtain fundraising deals. This position requires
strong organizational, planning and communication skills. He/she also assists the Convention
Coordinator with any tasks that need to be done during state conventions.
SPECIALIZED QUESTION:
● A chapter that lives outside of Ohio wishes to attend Spring State, which is located in Columbus,
Ohio, but is unable to figure out a transportation route. What are some ways the chapter can
get to the convention(include any costs that may included)?
DEBATE DEPARTMENT
Director of Debate
Description:
The Director of Debate is responsible for making sure all the work regarding debates for
conventions gets done. The Director of Debate generates a list of intriguing debate topics
for conventions and then writes brief summaries (“Briefs”) of the arguments for and against each
side. Knowledge of current events and politics is necessary for this position. The Debate Department is
responsible for the creation of a monthly list of possible debates for chapters; briefs for these would be
preferred. And finally, the Debate Director continues the Unity Initiative, which is a program that allows
chapters to debate each other through video-chat.
SPECIALIZED QUESTIONS/TASK:
● Provide a list of twenty interesting and unique debates that go along with the Fall State 2015
theme, “Opportunity and Obstacles: Fulfilling the American Dream.” Write briefs for five debate
topics of your choosing.
● How would you ensure a greater variety of debate topics?
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●
If you are chosen as the Director of Debate, how many specialists would you need? How would
you delegate the roles?
Debate Specialist
Description:
Debate Specialists aid the Director of Debate with whatever he/she made need. They usually help come
up with debate topics and write debate briefs that are put in the agenda for state conventions.
SPECIALIZED TASK
● Provide a list of 7 interesting and unique debates that go along with the Fall State 2015 theme,
“Opportunity and Obstacles: Fulfilling the American Dream.” Write briefs for three debate topics
of your choosing.
Director of Moderators
Description:
The Director of Moderators is responsible for overseeing the moderators at all state conventions.
He/she is responsible for creating a certification method/test that people must pass in order to
moderate at a convention. Thus, the Director of Moderators serves as a quality control to ensure that all
debates run smoothly and professionally. In addition, he/she runs all moderating workshops and
oversee certification tests during conventions..
SPECIALIZED QUESTION/TASK:
● Create a certification test that can be given to people who are applying to be moderators.
● What experience do you have as a moderator?
CHAPTER INTERNAL AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT
Director of CIA/Deputy Director of CIA
Description:
The Director of Chapter Internal Affairs is responsible for communicating all Cabinet and convention
information to chapter presidents and teacher advisors. This involves sending weekly emails and
messages to chapter presidents about convention registration, debate registration and assignments,
new state and national cabinet initiatives, etc. The Director of CIA also oversees chapter taxes and
member registration. He/she must also maintain chapter contact information and have adequate skills
with spreadsheets.
SPECIALIZED QUESTIONS:
● What communication methods will you use to ensure that chapter presidents will receive all
necessary information?
● How can Cabinet improve relationships with chapters, and what additional forms of support
should we offer? How would you implement this support?
● What experience do you have with the use of spreadsheets?
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FUNDRAISING DEPARTMENT
Director of Fundraising
Description:
The Director of Fundraising is responsible for raising money that is used for convention scholarships. The
methods for raising money is up to the discretion of the Director of Fundraising. In the past, Directors of
Fundraising have predominantly raised money through crowdfunding, designing and selling
merchandise, and holding raffles. The Director of Fundraising is also responsible for helping chapters
with their fundraising success. Finally, the Director of Fundraising is a common resource to all chapter
presidents that need any help with fundraising.
SPECIALIZED QUESTION:
● What are five types of merchandise that can be sold at state conventions? How would you
create the design for the merchandise? What is the cheapest wholesale price for each type of
merchandise(list your source)? How much would you sell them for to make the most profit?
● What are five fundraisers that can be implemented during conventions? How would you
implement these fundraisers? Please be as creative as possible!
● What are five fundraisers that can be implemented during conventions? How would you
implement these fundraisers? Please be as creative as possible!
● What previous experience do you have in fundraising?
● If you are chosen as the Director of Fundraising, how many specialists would you need? How
would you delegate the roles?
Fundraising Specialist
Description:
Fundraising specialists assist the Director of Fundraising with any fundraising initiatives. The time
commitment will most likely occur right before and during state conventions. They help with selling
merchandise, advertising raffles, etc.
SPECIALIZED QUESTION:
● What are three fundraisers that can be implemented during conventions? How would you
implement these fundraisers? Please be as creative as possible!
● What are three fundraisers that can be implemented during conventions? How would you
implement these fundraisers? Please be as creative as possible!
● What previous experience do you have in fundraising?
EXPANSION DEPARTMENT
Director of Expansion
Description:
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The expansion director is charged with the duties of expanding to new schools throughout the ORV and
creating new chapters. To do this, the Director of Expansion must coordinate a department of agents,
maintain up--to--date records of expansion chapters while utilizing not only specialists, but every JSAer
for grassroots expansion. The director must be enthusiastic and easy to communicate with and be able
to explain every aspect of JSA to a new member easily. Furthermore, he/she must stay in constant
communication with the Senators so that when a chapter has paid for at least a certain number of
members, it can be handed off to its district’s Senator.
SPECIALIZED QUESTION/TASK:
● List the steps you would take if you encountered a school that may be interested in starting a
JSA chapter. Please be as specific as possible and include any text you might send to the school for example, your first email to a school faculty member/administrator.
● If you are chosen as the Director of Expansion, how many specialists would you need? How
would you delegate the roles?
Expansion Specialist
Description:
● Expansion Specialists are responsible for contacting new schools for expansion. They also assist
the Director of Expansion with any tasks.
SPECIALIZED QUESTIONS:
● List the steps you will take when you encounter a school that may be interested in starting a
new debate or politics club. Please be as specific as possible and include any text you might send
to the school - for example, your first email to a school faculty member/administrator.
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