Team 61 by President Matthew

So you want to run for Team 61? Great! So you’re probably wondering: what’s the first step? Well the very first thing you should do is look through the candidate packet, which can be found under Officers -> Candidate Information. The one for Team 61 isn’t out yet, but you can look at the one for Team 60; the new one shouldn’t be much different. Here, you can find everything that is expected of you during the candidate process, and what is expected of you if you get elected. Make sure you meet all of the requirements to run for office.
 
If you’re still interested after reading through the packet, talk to your advisor. To run for office, you need support from your advisor(s) and your chapter, so get them on board as soon as possible. Once they’ve approved, it’s time for you to fill out the candidate packet! It’s fairly long, so definitely start filling it out as soon as you’re able to, provided the Team 61 packet has been released.
 
Keep in mind that a scanned and physical copy of the completed packet aren’t the only things you need. You’ll also need a professional picture to be used in your campaign ad, and you’ll need a copy of your transcript to mail with your physical copy. Again, get these out of the way sooner rather than later, so you don’t have to scramble. Also, keep in mind that your campaign ad will be due soon after your candidacy is announced, so start working on that as soon as you find out.
 
Just filling out the packet doesn’t make you a candidate though. You also must pass the candidate exam with a 70% or higher. SPEND TIME STUDYING. The exam is fairly difficult, even with preparation, so going in without preparing is setting yourself up for failure. Take a look at the available study guides, found in the same place as the candidate packet. A general rule of thumb for studying for the exam: if information is on the study guide, it is going to be on the exam. Even if you think there’s no way a question could be asked about it, there is. Study.
 
Hopefully you’ll pass the exam, and at that point you’ll officially be a candidate. You’ll need to put together a platform, speech, booth, and giveaways for states. This is a huge and time consuming process so start early. Practice caucusing at least a few times so you get a feel for how they work. Also, don’t forget you cannot announce your candidacy on social media or to anyone outside your district until CDC. In your district, however, consider visiting chapters to gain their support. You are allowed to announce your candidacy within your district.
 
After all of this, the delegates vote, and you’ll hopefully hear your name be called as a Team 61 officer. If not, you grew so much that I’m sure all of your efforts were worth it. And that’s it. You made it; you’re a Team 61 officer. It’s a long road, but it ends in just 5 months. It’s not nearly as far away as it seems. Plan now so you don’t have to stress later. If you have any questions, reach out to me via email (matthew@fldeca.org), social media, or text. Good luck.