The Resident President

1. How is this club important to you?
It’s very important because there are many things the student body can do to better the environment of our community. 

2. Why did you decide to run for president?
Last year the leadership was not very great.  Rather than just standing aside and letting the club go the same direction, I decided to take the lead and I knew that there was a lot of potential because students are really excited about the environment.  Also, I had a multitude of feasible ideas and was really excited about getting them started in AHS/

3. What made you want to join the club?
I have always been active in the environment, and I eventually became a Sierra Student community organizer.  All my experiences with combating the issue of global warming inspired me to join my club.  I also realized that although this is an international issue, the solutions are rooted in the local communities. 

4. What are your duties as president?
I remind all the members of the upcoming events.  Additionally, I organize our calendar and any major activities we want to take part in.  Even though it seems like a lot, the members of the club are really passionate, so they make my job much easier by heading projects themselves, and finding out about great events around our area.

5. What is the best part about being a part and the leader of club?
The best part is having a chance to not just focus on one single aspect of an event, I have to make sure that I am aware of all the events and how they are progressing.  I also enjoy working with the other officers and committee leaders. 

6. What activities does your club do? What has your club done so far this school year?
Our club takes part in local clean-ups, for example, we took part in cleaning a Lake Accotink creek in September.  We also try to raise awareness on the different facets of Global Warming.  Also, our main focus for now is trying to get students to use the recycling bins, especially the new ones in the cafeteria.  So far, we have been able to work with the administration to put the new can and bottle recycling bins in place, with the help of the County.  Additionally, we have a couple of plantings (which is when we go and plant trees and plants) and clean-ups planned for the month of October.      
 
7. How much time/effort do you put into this club? Does it require you a lot of after school meetings, etc?
It really is not that much effort because we have so many members and people are always willing to take a leading role in a particular event.  Most of my work involves planning and organizing our events and informing our members about any new event.  Overall, I think its worth the couple of hours I put in a week.

7. How do you feel/ work with other officers of the club?
The other officers are fantastic.  I work really closely with the Vice President, Tien Nguyen and Samantha, who is the Treasurer.  Most people like to work alone on things, but I really like work well in a group situation, so I have no problems sharing my work load with the officers, and they are always ready to take on a challenge.
 
10. Have you previously been an officer? (If yes, Which ones?)
No.
 
11. Currently, are you an officer in any other clubs? Which ones?
I am Vice President for the Young Democrats, I lead a little activity a group of girls and I are apart of called Girls Helping Girls, and am an editor for the A-blast.  I am also Parliamentarian for the National Honors Society. 

12. What has been your best experience for you in this club? And the worst?
The best experience has been when we complete a clean-up or succeed in a goal.  It feels great when you know that you made a significant difference for the better.  As it is the beginning of the year, we really have not had many “bad” experiences.   
 
13. Why should people join your club?
Because Global Warming is a major issue that cannot be mitigated unless students and world citizens take action.  Also, the club does not have mandatory activities; students can do as much as they have time for.  The work is rewarding and we have lots of events and activities.  
 
14. What changes do you want to make to the club?
I would like to have more people involved by creating a system in which students have an incentive to work.  Students have a lot of things going on, and I really want to make the club easy to join and a practical addition to a person’s schedule.
 
15. How do you plan to increase participation in the club?
We want to have lunch activities, start a new Go Green campaign in the winter, and we will hopefully get a website up, and update our announcements frequently. 
 
16. How many members are there in your club?
As of now, we have over 700 members in the club.
 
17. So far, do you enjoy being a leader? Explain
I really enjoy it because I love watching everyone get excited about events and getting a chance to work with students that are really passionate.  This year, I really think the club has lots of potential, and I am optimistic about the many things we will accomplish.

18. What arguments have you faced within the club members?
None

19. Are there any requirements in order to be in the club? If yes, what are they?
No, all members must pay their $7 dues and fill out an application.  But everyone can be part of the club; we welcome all students to take part in this exciting wave of change!

20. What do you think is the priority in order to be a successful leader?
A successful leader should always be ready to make scarifies and be open to any and all ideas.  

This club meets on Wednesdays at 2:15 in Rm 216.  Feel free to ask Ms. Rudeny or me about the club and joining.