NSBE - Winter 2010/2011 - 22

ck R ‘e o th Vote’ N
By Eric Addison
ational Parliamentarian Tasha Zephirin is on a mission. She won’t name names, but Zephirin says some chapter leaders have gotten the wrong idea about one of NSBE’s most powerful positions. “Currently, we’re experiencing a number of issues with regard to the position of NSBE senator, Zephirin says. “In recent years there seems to have been a decline in the number of senators. In addition, some chapters don’t have year-round, dedicated senators, or they’re putting people in the role who don’t fulfill the role or take it seriously.” NSBE’s governing documents give senators, alone, the power to vote for regional and national elected officers and ratify changes to the National Constitution or NSBE’s membership dues, Zephirin explains. In elections, senators are required to inform themselves about the candidates, educate themselves about the jobs the candidates are seeking and consult with other chapter members before voting. Each chapter has two senators, which means small chapters have as much voting power as large chapters. Senators “set the direction of NSBE,” Zephirin says. “They represent their chapter and are the voice of their chapter in elections as well as in regional and national business.” “In my mind, the role of NSBE senator is as important as chapter president or vice president, but right now it’s kind of like an afterthought for some,” she continues. “Looking at NSBE’s studentrun model, it’s very important that it’s the students who are making decisions on things, including the election of the officers who represent our interests on a regional and national level.” With that in mind, the students who make up NSBE’s National Executive Board are actively recruiting dedicated members to serve as senators this year. In spearheading the recruitment campaign, Zephirin admits that being a senator isn’t easy. But she says the position is “no more difficult than other chapter offices.” Senators are required to attend Fall Regional Conferences and Annual Conventions, where the elections take place, and “there should be communication among senators via their Regional Senates between conferences,” as well, she says. At the Annual Conventions, senators are required to attend the candidate Q&A sessions, Senate Meetings, all General Sessions and Regional Meetings and the National Forum. “In recognition of these responsibilities, we offer a discounted registration rate for senators at the Annual Convention, and we try to minimize the time they spend in the meetings,” Zephirin says. But some who have served in the position don’t seem to need the external incentives. Take Albert Miller, senator from NSBE’s Columbia University chapter, for example. “For me, serving as a senator is a

Seeking Members to

relaxing and rewarding experience in NSBE. Within my chapter, I have the freedom to contribute how I see best, and I have the trust of my friends to make informed decisions. As senator, I have a chance to step off the sidelines and get into the game for CU–NSBE,” Miller says. “The selection process for senators is dependent on the chapters,” Zephirin reports. “Whether senators are appointed or elected is up to them. The only requirements we impose nationally are that they’re allowed two senators and that senators must be members, not affiliate members, so they have the power to vote.” For more information about becoming a NSBE senator, contact your Chapter Executive Board or your regional parliamentarian. ■

NSBE SENATE
• Vehicle for the will of NSBE Membership to be expressed and chapters to stay informed on Regional/National Business • Selected group of collegiate members (called Senators), representing their respective collegiate chapters. • Composed of six (6) Regional Senates • Makes informed decisions on behalf of the membership in regional and national business
www.nsbe.org

22 • nsbe magazine • winter 2010/11

NSBE - Winter 2010/2011

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of NSBE - Winter 2010/2011