Leadership Opportunities
VSCA has many different opportunities for students to develop their leadership with our organization beyond attending a conference.
Awards & Recognition
Student leaders, councils, advisers, and administrators are recognized annually through several recognition and award programs.
Convention & Workshops
Regional leadership workshops and the annual state convention provide opportunities for networking and training for both students and advisers.
VSCA to Host National Activity Advisor Clinic
Veteran student council advisors know that one of the things that keeps them going year after year is a support network of other like-minded activity advisors. Sharing ideas, reaching out when issues arise, and just the camaraderie of people who know the importance of developing student leaders through activity participation all contribute to longevity in their positions. One more opportunity to build that network and learn some new skills to get the school year off to a good start is the National Activity Advisors Clinic (NAAC), which will be hosted this year by the Virginia Student Councils Association on Saturday, August 5.
To keep the experience affordable and allow participation for advisors from across the country, the clinic will be held virtually from 11:30 am to 4:30 pm Eastern time. With sessions that appeal to all types of activity advisors—clubs, class council, student council, leadership class, and more—attending this clinic is a great way to SPARK a successful start to the school year for both veterans and beginners. It will be a great opportunity to bring a team of advisors from your school who perhaps don't have an organization like VSCA to help them develop their advising skills. For registration information, visit the National Association for Student Activities. Registration opens May 15.
VSCA is looking for presenters to showcase the best of Virginia student activities! Presenters will offer a 30-minute breakout group on topics for both beginner and veteran advisors. Consider those listed here or suggest your own:
- Setting up for a successful year
- Goal setting and calendar planning
- Leadership strategies to build an officer team
- Culturally responsive student activities
- Project planning bootcamp
- Communicating with members & others
- Teambuilding tips & tricks
- Group development and conflict resolution
- Leadership development
- Meeting management
- Useful tech tips for running an organization
- Working with community partners
- Family and community engagement
- Creating support among faculty & staff
- Hands on leadership lessons
- Evaluating events to maximize success
- Service projects
- Developing/maintaining a positive school culture
- Fundraising
- Developing district-wide programs
- Recognition and appreciation ideas
If you are interested in presenting, either alone or with a partner, please reach out to VSCA Director Lyn Fiscus at LFiscus@scaleader.org.
Transitioning the Officer Team
By Lyn Fiscus
With the end of the school year looming on the horizon, thoughts inevitably turn to the future. As it sinks in that seniors soon will be leaving and eighth graders will be moving up to high school, student activity advisers realize that their clubs and organizations will be without the capable leadership of the officers and veteran members on whom they have come to depend. Instead of wailing "What will we do without them?" some careful preparation on the part of the adviser and officers before the end of the year will leave your organization primed to start over in a new school year. [Click here for more.]
Some careful preparation on the part of the adviser and officers before the end of the year will leave your organization primed to start over in a new school year
Leadership and Citizenship
The VSCA is a leadership learning organization of the Virginia Association of Secondary School Principals (VASSP) that serves student leaders from private and public schools throughout the Commonwealth.
The VSCA provides opportunities to practice the citizenship skills necessary for effective participation in our democratic society. Our organization encourages the formation, development and expansion of student councils in all schools in Virginia and among all students in grades kindergarten through high school.
Take a second look!
If you haven't been part of VSCA for a while, take a second look and discover all the great programs and resources we offer. Check out this website then complete the membership application for the 2023-24 school year and get involved in our programs!
