Election Etiquette: Some Things to Remember

Summer in Masonic Youth Groups is the season of conventions, elections and pageants.  All the young ladies are trying to put their best foot forward to take a position in the coming year.  Sometimes though, it can be hard to be part of an organization that elects it's officers and leaders.  Every girl has their own goals and priorities, some they talk about, some are kept private.  When more than one person in the organization wants a specific position it's important to remember that the group is about more than one person, and that you are all there together to support your organization for it's greater good. We at Sweetheart Social thought we'd offer a few gentle reminders for this emotional journey.

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DON'T

1) Don't throw a fit in public if you don't get the placing you want. It's normal to be disappointed and upset, but try to go somewhere private if you need to cry, swear, etc. There is a time and a place for everything, at the meeting or event is not the place for your meltdown.

2) Never, ever, EVER say anything disparaging about another girl, another group, or advisor. You don't really know everything going on in their life, and should try to a kind point of view.  People in foul moods usually have a fairly good reason, and everyone needs a friend.

3) Don't speculate about cheating, unfair scoring, etc. there is most likely nothing funny going on.  Don't let your imagination get the best of you.  If you think something is off, see if you can bring it up discreetly.

DO

1) Compliment people on their outfit! Everyone likes a compliment, as long as it's made sincerely and at an appropriate time.  We're girls, we all like to be told that we look pretty.

2) Listen to and respect the your advisors, they know what needs to be done during an election or pageant.  If you have a question, be sure to ask nicely.  Don't argue with them if they are saying something that you don't like.

3) Respect other people's space and belongings. If it doesn't belong to you, you shouldn't be touching it.  Girls and their parents often spend hundreds of dollars on dresses and accessories when running for an office or participating in a pageant.  Respect their belongings just as you wish them to respect yours.

4) If elections include speeches, clap for the other girls when they are finished.  It's not easy to create an organizational plan and then get up and talk about it.  Everyone should feel supported.

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If you are not placed to the position you would like to be it's okay to be sad, but don't take to long to dwell on it.  Talk to your new leader about her goals and figure out how you can best support the organization within her plan.  Most of all remember that you're both on the same side in wanting to make the group better.  You can always run again next year.