Social Change

As I become more involved in Alpha Omicron Pi, I have developed motivations to work for social change.  The officers introduced new opportunities to be a leader this year by implementing several new offices, including class representatives.  I pushed to have class reps because I have spoken to those who feel marginalized in the chapter and have seen that they feel as though their opinions do not matter.  I saw class reps as being a great opportunity to eliminate this marginality because it would give them a chance to share their opinions and the opinions of others who feel marginalized.  I also try to specifically speak to those who I know feel marginalized so I can try and make their ideas happen because first as an officer and now as President, I am in a position to do so.

When I introduce these ideas to other officers, the creators of the ideas respect me and support me because I am taking the time to listen to them.  I am also showing respect for their opinions which in turn makes them respect mine.  These girls will then be more likely to speak to me about more ideas as opposed to feeling like they are unimportant.  This is shaping me as a leader by showing to the chapter that I respect all people's opinions and I will work to make sure everyone gets their desired experience out of the chapter.  This is also shaping me as a leader by making me aware of the views of other members in the chapter, not just fellow officers' ideas.  Sometimes officers live in a bubble because we are so involved through our office that we fail to see the chapter in the way less-involved members do.  Seeing the chapter from different perspectives allows me to find different ideas and solutions, as well as reveal problems that the officers are unaware of.  In turn, this will help me leave my mark on the chapter.