Has running for the junior board ever crossed your mind? This opportunity is something you can start thinking about at any time. I want to explore and explain beneficial mentalities you can apply when preparing for the process. Setting the goal to be a Green Jacket is a good place to start.

I always knew I wanted a Green Jacket to work the ring with the best cattle and connect with the best young cattlemen in the country. Also, know there is so much that goes on when the jacket is hanging in the closet or is packed for the next trip.

Junior Board members are involved in planning, facilitating and making decisions. Let's take the first steps together if this is something on your mind!

Here is a guide of to-do's in the journey to representing the membership! This is simply a recommendation and resource: 

• Mentor a younger Angus member in your state association
• Get involved in something to learn a new aspect of the NJAA
• Making it a personal goal to run for the National Junior Angus Board of Directors
• Solidify the goal, by writing it down somewhere and revisiting. (I will let you in on a secret...a year before I ran for the Board, I had a repeating monthly notification of all my goals. “NJAB,” was one of the personal goals I would see at the first of every month.
• Understand your purpose for running for the board, what is your impact going to be?
• Practicing being grounded, there is another path for you, if the process does not work out.
• Creating a timeline for your candidacy
• Understand certain deadlines and materials must be submitted in advance
• Planning for your speeches and practicing the interview process makes the week of junior nationals less stressful when running for the board.
• Reflect on your purpose
• You must revisit why you started the process, in my opinion, your purpose will carry you through the rigors of running for the board.
• Be yourself and be proud of how far you have come!  

I am proud of you for taking a step in personal growth. Many times, in the process of running for leadership positions we are looking for permission to pick up the phone, send an email or sit down and have a conversation. Past and present board members want to answer your questions because we are excited for you! Being in the Angus family is all about challenging ourselves to continuously be our best. I hope my small supplementation of a To-do list from my perspective can serve you in the future!