New Delegation

Building a Successful MSL Delegation

Every MSL delegation was once a new delegation. Even if your college had a delegation last year, you might be rebuilding this year and effectively starting from square one.

The steps to form a new delegation are straightforward and easily accomplished with proactive leadership. MSL delegations at other colleges and other student organizations on your campus have done this many times before.

Key areas to focus on:

• Recruiting Delegates

• Securing Funding

• Establishing Your Presence as a Student Organization

• Finding an Adviser (if required)

Every task will be easier if you start by recruiting other delegates to help with everything else. You don't have to begin with a full delegation; a few friends and allies will make the tasks easier. Once you have a core group, you can plan together and share the effort.

Finding Your Place as a Student Organization in MSL

Every MSL delegation is officially attached to its college. The best solution for your delegation depends on your college and its policies. This is a decision for your delegation to make; any of these options are acceptable with MSL.

Options:

1) Affiliate with Your Student Government Association (SGA):

• Benefits: Utilizing the SGA infrastructure (constitution, adviser, etc.), access to budgets for activities related to public policy, governmental processes, and leadership.

Steps: 

• • • Contact someone you know in student government, even if they aren't in a top position.

    • If no existing relationships, reach out to the SGA president or another officer.

Affiliate with an Academic Department:

• Departments to Consider: Political science, history, criminal justice, paralegal, or mass communications.

• Benefits: Assistance with administrative matters, funding, navigating college bureaucracy, and potentially having an adviser provided.

Steps:  

• • • Meet with a professor to discuss the idea and seek advice. Approach a department that could sponsor your delegation or consult with a professor you know for strategy tips.

2) Creating an Independent Campus Organization:

Steps:

• Contact the office of student affairs for guidelines on starting an independent organization.

• Write a constitution that includes:

  • Quorum: Minimum number of people required for an official meeting.

  • Officers: President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer at a minimum. Additional positions could include Second Vice President or Deputy Secretary.

  • Term of Office: Typically one year, with the end of the term specified (e.g., Dec. 31).

  • Election Procedures: Notifying members and setting a time period for elections (December is a common choice to include members active in the previous month).

  • Amendment Procedures: Steps to modify the constitution.

Choosing the right path for your MSL delegation will depend on your specific circumstances and resources. Each option has its benefits and can provide the necessary support to establish a strong and effective delegation.