Virginia Student Councils Association 84th Annual State Convention

Seminar Descriptions
BOOST IT UP WITH SCHOOL SPIRIT! This session is designed to help motivate students to become proud of their school
and represent the school in a positive way. This session will provide ideas on how to get other students involved in more
activities throughout the school.
EFFECTIVE MEETINGS: OFFICERS, HANDLE YOUR BUSINESS Students will learn ways to hold effective meetings. Students
will be given an overview of the basic rules of Parliamentary Procedure, effective voting methods, and how to handle a
motion. Within this session, role-playing and demonstration will be the catalyst for capturing a true picture of how being
elected or appointed officers/leaders plays a pivotal role in how meetings turn out for your members. (Elementary School
only)
EQUITY AND INCLUSION The session will start with a brief description of equity and inclusion, including their
characteristics. Student leaders will then arrange themselves around the room in groups based on how inclusive and
equitable they perceive their student councils to be. Each small group will discuss why they chose the way they did,
followed by a discussion among the entire group.
FUNDRAISING This session will feature a PowerPoint presentation (with handouts) on fundraising for clubs. Students
will discuss creative new ways to raise money in these difficult economic times.
GET PUMPED UP! ENERGIZERS AND ICE BREAKERS This session, designed for elementary school students only, will teach
and share ideas for ice breakers and energizers.
GET THE RECOGNITION YOUR STUDENT COUNCIL DESERVES This session will provide tips on how to apply for and receive
the VSCA Achievement and NASC Council of Excellence Awards for your Student Council. The goal is to encourage and
support student councils in applying for both awards.
GET YOUR GOAL ON Do you struggle with setting and keeping goals? Are your goals too long-term? Too short-term? Not
reasonable? Is it a challenge to meet your goals? Visit this session to get some tips on making and achieving SMART goals
and leave with a plan on how to achieve your goals.
GREAT IDEA SWAP SHOP If you need some fresh ideas for service projects, or want to share some of your best projects,
join the conversation that will take place at this session.
HELP YOUR SCHOOL “GO GREEN!” This workshop is designed to help your school become more environmentally friendly,
“go green”, by suggesting simple ways to decrease your school’s carbon footprint while enhancing school spirit.
KNOW YOUR ROLE This session will address the different roles and specific duties of VSCA officers and how they can
work together as a team.
LOVE THAT AD A fun and informative PowerPoint presentation will offer ways to build on common and classic advertising
strategies, including announcements, bulletin boards and flyers, among others. This interactive session will conclude
with a hands-on design session in which participants will design a bulletin board/display to implement in their schools.
PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE This session will address Roberts’ Rules of Order Newly Revised and its application to
school student councils as the parliamentary authority. (High School only)
PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE: THE ORDER OF THE MEETING Students will be given notes and a PowerPoint presentation
will be shown to better explain the Parliamentary Procedure. Students will learn how to set an agenda, take minutes,
and give committee reports. This session will include a mock meeting and team building activities. (Middle School only)
RAISING STUDENT VOICE AND PARTICIPATION (RSVP) This session will introduce students to RSVP, a student engagement
program aligned with school reform that can be easily integrated into existing student council programs. By planning and
facilitating a series of Student Summits that engage the entire student body in dialogues, RSVP brings civic education and
service learning to life throughout the student body.
REENERGIZE AND REVITALIZE YOUR SCA Does your SCA get the mid-winter blues? Learn how to combat the loss of
enthusiasm and rejuvenate interest and energy for your SCA. During this session, you will also gain tips on how to plan
and implement a mid-year retreat.
TEAM BUILDING: BLOWING BUBBLES Students will, with a partner, exchange questions about each other’s goals and
ways to work together. Students will work together to construct an object to represent their work. Finally, the
students will share their goals and ways to work together.
TIME FLIES During this session you will learn how to prioritize and organize your schedule for maximum benefit. These
time management strategies are intended to help you become a more productive SCA member.
WHERE ARE THEY NOW? A group of former VSCA leaders will discuss their current leadership activities. This is your
opportunity to ask questions, hear their experiences and be introduced to the benefits of leadership following VSCA!
WORKING WITH THE PRINCIPAL: MISSION POSSIBLE It is critical not to confuse or surprise your principal. This session,
led by a retired principal, will provide practical tips on how to keep things going smoothly between your SCA and your
principal.
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