“Great deeds are usually wrought at great risks.”
—Herodotus
“Making a World of Difference.” Sounds nice, right? It is the Associated Students Federation (ASF) Forum’s theme for the year and I wonder how they intend to make a difference on campus.
Did they choose their theme so they would have something to put on their t-shirts for the year? Probably not. I am sure they have great intentions to improve the campus and ASF events, student awareness, education, school spirit and to meet student’s needs through better communication and support.
I am really excited to watch them live up to their slogan over the course of the year and make a difference in ways that count.
They can accomplish their goals if they do two things; 1) ask themselves, “am I motivated and ready to be creative, unconventional and fair?” And 2) examine their motives for being on ASF.
Every Forum member should ask what made them decide to run for the position (or be appointed). Was it because of a social agenda or a longing to be a part of something? Could it be the need to be popular or was it because of a desire to serve students?
When I began school at ULV I was a typical freshman wanting to meet everyone on campus and have a great time. Thinking the best way to do that would be through student government, I ran for the Freshman Representative position—and won.
I budgeted my schedule so I could attend the lunch-time meetings; I planned and attended events, and I met with my Forum peers almost every week. I went about my business without ever considering my constituents. Completing the tasks at hand was always my goal. I forgot that my duty as a Forum member was to represent the student’s needs on campus.
After the meetings, just as everyone was walking out, Don Morel, ASF adviser, would remind us that we were there for the students.
It took a couple of months before it clicked. Don finally got to me and I realized he was right. ASF’s purpose was defined for me.
It is not just some dumb club that plans Homecoming and offers tickets at a discounted price. The ASF Forum is a vital organization that is a representation of the student population. I urge ASF members to consider that and answer “yes” to the next question.
“Am I motivated and ready to be creative, unconventional and fair?”
ASF should be motivated, creative, unconventional and fair. Be motivated in all that they do. If ASF stays motivated throughout the year, fantastic things can happen. For example, when I helped plan the 1994 Earth Day festivities, I did not give up when I occasionally felt overwhelmed. I moved forward and worked hard on the event for almost six months to finish with excellent results.
ASF should also be creative. Don’t settle for Virtual Reality, the hypnotist or Monte Carlo Night every year. Try new ideas and risk failure. If leaders never take chances they may never succeed or overcome obstacles.
Be unconventional. Challenge students, administration and faculty. Break traditions, take chances and debate relevant issues with classmates. For example, last year’s Forum organized a rally and letter-writing campaign to Congress in protest of cuts in federal financial aid. Students responded positively.
Lastly, I ask that ASF be fair. Take into consideration all possibilities and angles when making a decision. One should not pursue one’s own agenda in student government. Nor should one feel power when making those important decisions.
This year’s Forum is strong and well-equipped to handle their positions and heavy responsibilities. I have the utmost confidence that they will live their motto instead of just throwing it on a cute t-shirt for show.
