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What are the purposes of an AASG Conference
(Fall or Spring)?
1. AASG's goals are to be reflected in the
activities and structure of the Conferences.
2. Student leadership is developed through
workshops and general sessions presented by both
students and adults. The school hosting the
conference develops significant leadership
skills.
3. Spirit and enthusiasm for student government
is built and new friends are made.
4. Students present, debate, and vote on
issue-related resolutions in general business and
regional meetings. In other ways they may also
participate in the political process.
5. Students elect officers in the fall to serve
on the AASG executive board. Regional
Representatives are elected in the Spring.
6. The general business of AASG is conducted,
including work related to the AASG Constitution and
Bylaws, approval of the program of work, and
announcements and reports which concern member
schools.
7. Awards are presented.
8. Students are exposed to a variety of Alaskan
communities and lifestyles.
9. The Executive Board and AASGA hold their
spring and fall business meetings.
What is a typical schedule I might expect at
an AASG conference?
1. Registration and Orientation: Delegates
arrive on Thursday afternoon, register, and become
oriented to the school. If they are staying at the
school, they will get settled in their rooms.
Dinner is served. Meals and snacks will be provided
throughout the conference.
2. Opening Ceremony: Everyone attends and the
conference kicks off. Expect icebreakers and
activities to "warm up" delegates as well as
information about upcoming events.
3. General Business Meetings: There will be 4-5
sessions of the general meeting for all delegates
and advisors chaired by the AASG President and
presided over by the AASG Executive Board. The
first session will usually include reports from
Region and other Representatives; and the
discussion of the process for resolutions and
election and appointment of officers (fall) and
selection of region representatives (spring). The
first meeting on second day of the conference will
mainly be nominations for officers and work on the
resolutions. The next meeting will include speeches
by candidates and additional resolution work. The
second to the last meeting will include the voting
for new officers at the beginning and announcement
of those elected at end, final discussion on
resolutions; and the conclusion of any unfinished
business. The last meeting will include the
swearing in of the new officers.
4. Region Meetings: Region meetings are
conducted by the student region representatives.
Usually 3 region meetings are scheduled. Students
get to know each other though icebreakers and
developing region cheers, and resolutions and
region business are discussed. Region
representatives are elected in these meetings in
the spring, every other year.
5. Workshops: Workshops are varied, but they are
to promote leadership and developing leadership
skills or promote a community service project. They
may include such diverse things as parliamentary
procedure, Special Olympics Partnerships, and
quick-hitters (activities conducted at some schools
during lunch or at assemblies).
6. Banquet, Closing Ceremony, and Dance: These
are held at the end of the three day conference, on
Saturday night. Awards and thanks are given, and
the conference ends on an enthusiastic note.
7. Other: Most conferences include community
service project, and some have tours of the host
city or attendance of special local events.
8. Advisor Meetings/AASGA: The advisors meeting
during the conference to discuss both AASGA
business and AASG business. The President of AASGA
is selected in the Spring. The State Administrator
and State Director will discuss both formally and
informally with the advisors issues concerning them
and the association.
9. Advisor Breakroom: A breakroom is provided
for advisors to both meet and relax in. Computer,
phone access, and food are available.
As an advisor, what are my responsibilities?
How should I prepare the students?
1. The students are your responsibility at the
conference. You are to attend the business meeting
and keep track of where your kids are. They should
know when and where you expect to meet with them
between meetings and at the end of the day.
2. Throughout the conference, but especially at
the business meeting, you should encourage active
participation and appropriate behavior by all --
and especially your own-- students.
3. During the general business meeting advisors
do not sit with students except for the first
session, however you should be close by and
available to answer questions. Remember our role is
to clarify issues and procedures, not to influence
the students' decisions.
4. Set the tone of their conference by
suggesting a dress code. Although the host school
often sets a tone with their agenda, it is a good
idea to suggest they bring both casual and
"business" dress.
5. Have your students prepare resolutions to
present for consideration at the general business
meeting.
6. Review basic parliamentary procedure with
them.
7. Discuss the awards they may nominate people
for and how to prepare the nomination forms.
8. Explain how they can run or interview for
positions on the AASG Executive Board. Encourage
them to apply if you are also willing to be on the
Steering Committee. Assist them in obtaining the
required signatures before the conference.
What do all of the acronyms stand
for?
1. AASG: Alaska Association of Student
Governments
2. ASAA: Alaska School Activity Association
3. NASC: National Association of Student
Councils
4. AASGA: Alaska Association of Student
Government Advisors
Information on the conference will be mailed to
you. An introductory mailing is sent shortly after
the prior conference, and then subsequent mailings
sent when needed. If you do not receive needed
information, contact the host school. A link to
their web site is available from the AASG.org web
site.
We hope this helps!
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