Over twenty years ago, I was in awe at my first CADA Convention, running from workshop to workshop soaking it all in. So many people reached out to me sharing, caring, teaching and listening. I went back to my school “on fire” with a renewed sense of purpose. It is with this fire that I now run for CADA Vice President, to ensure that all those involved in student activities in California continue to enjoy the experiences that first drew me into this organization. I left that first convention with connections, friends, mentors, lesson plans and a heart to reach out to the students and staff on my campus. My life changed because of this organization. I know because of CADA, I have became a better and more prepared Teacher, Class Advisor, Spirit Leader Advisor, Renaissance Teacher, Link Crew Leader, Activities Director and mentor for students.
Reaching Out
1. Reaching out to our School Communities
We are called to instill the feeling of school pride and create a positive climate on our campuses. This culture can be accomplished through the activities we facilitate. We reach out to establish a safe school environment through programs like Teen Truth, Rachel’s Challenge, Character Counts, Gay-Straight Alliance, Link Crew and Web. We enhance sportsmanship through partnering with our leagues and CIF. We help our students reach out by recognizing the importance of philanthropy through motivational words from guest speakers, and clubs such as: Schools for Schools, Best Buddies, Red Cross, Key Club, and Interact. It is essential that students understand the significance of rigor in the classroom through programs like Renaissance, California Scholarship Federation, and National Honor Society. We work alongside our parent groups on campus like PTSA and Booster Clubs. With all the financial struggles in education today, we have begun to form Educational Foundations to meet our financial responsibilities head on. We seek new ways to include our At-Risk Students, our students with Special Needs and the Invisible Students on our campus. We are asked to help raise test scores and prepare for WASC accreditations. We have a huge job and CADA helps us with insights, ideas and ways to reach out to, and improve our school communities.
2. Reaching out to Student Leaders
CADA gives us the avenue to reach out and help train and grow our student leaders. Programs such as the CASL Convention, CADA Leadership Camp, Area Conferences, Leadership Development Days and the STARS Conference help create a foundation of skills in leadership and service. The CADA Standards Handbook is a wonderful curriculum guideline for student achievement. Our student leaders then reach out to one another through social networking on the CASL, CADA Leadership Camp and CADA Facebook pages.
3. Reaching out to Activities Directors
Networking with others in activities helps us define who we are, what we do, and why we do it. Attending the CADA Convention, Advisor sessions at Area Conferences, the CASL Conference and CADA Leadership Camps gives us that time to listen, learn, share, hug, laugh, teach, and grow with each other. The development of our CADA Certification Program, Master Activities Director, helps us each contribute on another professional level. The Internet keeps us connected on a daily basis. Through technology, idea sharing is at our fingertips. CADA Podcasts, YouTube videos, Facebook, and Twitter are but a few examples of how technology can help Activities Directors reach out.
I am very proud to say I am an Activities Director. I am in the classroom everyday and I am helping students become leaders. I understand it. I live it. I LOVE it. I have presented at Area Conferences throughout California, have served on the Area E Council for 15 years, the CADA Leadership Camp staff for 12 years, and the CADA State Board for 4 years. It would be my utmost honor to now serve as your next CADA Vice President. I’m ready to “Reach Out!”
