January 1, 2004
A: FROM MENTOR LESLIE WAITE IN CA
Hi Valkyrie!
Leadership roles are easier than you think to get. Mainly, they are
positions that show you have taken the initiative to be a part of
your community, be it a community at school, work, town, or religious
organization.

Examples of leadership roles include:
Being involved in after-school groups (homecoming committee, math
club, debate team)
playing organized sports at school or for the local park district
holding down a regular part-time job
Being involved in youth groups at your church/synagogue/mosque
Volunteering in the community
Being a member of a civic organization like Junior Achievement,
Future Farmers of America, etc.

Basically, anything that you can do to show that you have outside
interests beyond school studies can be interpreted as a leadership
position, especially if you have taken on an "in-charge role like
captain, committee chair or treasurer.

Good luck in NHS!
Leslie Waite

January 1, 2004
A: FROM MENTOR KAREN PELLETIER IN MA
I realize that obtaining the National Honor Society status is an important milestone at your age and a terrific achievement. When I was your age it was important to me and caused me much distress, as I was not successful in my Junior Year to make National Honor Society. In my high school in order to get into the National Honor Society you needed at least a 90.00 and participate in 3 extra curricular activities. I missed National Honor because my grades were an 89.99. Just imagine that .09 could have been from one question on a test that made the difference. However, I always applied my self and did my best so I have no regrets as an adult. As an adult and looking back one point or one extra curricular activity does not make the person you are, you make the person you are. If leadership is for you than work toward that. If following a leader is what works for you than do that. If you are interested in one thing and do that well than more power to your success. If you are able to do multiple things and juggle all those things and do them each well congratulations. Be happy with yourself because there are many years in front of you, which might provide leadership opportunities to you and your friends at a time when you may be more ready for the experience. Now to your underling question of how do I obtaining leadership experiences by participating in a leadership role. You may do this every day of your life and do not even consider it leadership. There are many forms of leadership like directing, coaching, mentoring, managing, teaching, facilitating and guiding. You might want to make sure you understand exactly what your school means by leadership. Think about what you enjoy doing and see if you can lead an organization or sponsor an event in your area of interest or assist someone who is leading. Here are some ways. 1) If you enjoy sports become volunteer to coach or referee. Maybe there are sports clinics in the area you can volunteer to assist. 2) Many church organizations need assistance. Maybe you could teach a CCD courses or lead a CYO group in running fund raisers, coordinating an activity, or lead an event. 3) Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts always need leaders or assistant leaders. These organizations also provide leadership training. 4) Try leading a service project for your school, community, church, or local hospital. Around the holidays this is always important. Organize a toy drive, book drive, coat drive, food shelter/pantry drive. 5) There are many school events that you could participate in as a leader. Volunteer for a School Play position, Lead a Patrons Drive, or participate in a school government role. 6) Most schools have many activities and clubs that need leaders or club officers. Or start a club. 7) Run a special event at your school like a career day. 8) Many times a high school has an outreach program to a middle school to assist middle school students in transitioning to the high school. Maybe you could adopt a class or mentor a student. 9) Volunteer in an elementary after school program. 10) Many elementary schools need assistance with their Science Fairs, Spelling Bees, Geography Contests, or Math days. See if you can sponsor an event or be a judge. 11) Local Cable Television Stations always need assistance. You could direct a show. 12) Find a local residence center and run an activity like a sewing bee. 13) Host an event for your neighborhood children where the event has a theme that is interesting to you. Maybe it is a game day, an art day, a music day, a multicultural day. 14) Join a state or local organization or social organization and run for a office or start an organization. Organizations might include Police Explorer, Junior Business Man, Toast Masters, Friends of the Library, or Friends of the Arts or political party. Remember you might lead by being an officer such as the treasurer or scribe. 15) Community schools are always looking for someone to teach a class. Wow what a list. Hope this sparks some ideas on how to participate as a leader.