Illinois Association of Junior High Student Councils

IAJHSC

The Road to Leadership: Advisors' Workshop 2007

View 2007 Advisors' Workshop Photo Album

Download printer-friendly version (PDF)

The annual Advisors’ Workshop was held on September 27-28 at The Chateau Hotel and Conference Center in Bloomington. Reminding us of our job as advisors, the theme of the workshop was “The Road to Leadership.” Seventy advisors from fifty-one schools attended the workshop.

As we packed our cars and got ready to roll, participants received a newly designed IAJHSC canvas tote bag containing snacks for the trip and our itinerary. The program began with Mr. Bob Hayes, Assistant Executive Director and workshop co-coordinator, getting us “On the Road Again” with a mixer using Burma Shave signs and advertising jingles.

Our consultant, David Cronkite, led the Thursday evening activities as we fueled up for the trip. Dave led a number of get acquainted and group dynamics activities. Many of the activities had us laughing hysterically as we got to know one another again and learned to solve problems and work together. Following these activities Dave reviewed some of the basic council planning tools such as brainstorming. Thursday evening ended with a story read by Mrs. Dean Rodkin, IAJHSC Workshop Coordinator.

After a complimentary breakfast at The Chateau, we got back on the road Friday morning as we moved into the featured part of the program. Fourteen advisors answer the call to be a presenter for our Sightseeing Opportunities. Presented in three sessions the 30 minute breakouts covered such subjects as: Leadership Camp, elections, sharing of some of the best projects, group dynamics, information for new advisors, using a cabinet to help run student council, in-school workshops, mapping the months, showing your appreciation to council members, using music to inspire, and making an impact with student council advisory activities. The Association showed its appreciation to the presenters by giving each a “big kiss” (Hershey’s) and an honor point for their work in preparing such a wide variety of outstanding presentations.

On Thursday evening advisors were given the opportunity to “Share the Ride” by submitting a question they would like answered by a panel of student council experts. On Friday we attempted to answer as many of these questions as possible. Our panel of seventy experts did a great job sharing their answers for the problems and questions posed.

Following a delicious lunch and sumptuous dessert the District Representatives introduced the 2007-2008 theme “Climb the Mountain of Leadership.” Advisors then had the opportunity to attend district meetings to conduct business for their district. Finally, each school received a CD disk of energizers, get acquainted, and ice breaker activities to pack for their ride home.

The evaluation of the workshop showed that we were “on target” with what advisors wanted for the workshop. Make plans now to attend next year’s workshop at The Chateau in Bloomington on September 26-27, 2008.

Back to top