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Apply now for the Public Affairs Week 2010 Planning Committee.

Please return your completed application to the Office of Student Activities (PSU 101) or through campus mail to Mary Ann Wood, Public Affairs Support Office (MCCE 309) by 5:00 p.m., Friday November 20, 2009. Interviews will be the first week of December.

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If you have always wanted to take part in the planning of a major event on campus, here is your chance. Applications are now being accepted for the planning committee for Public Affairs Week, September 13-17. The University-wide Public Affairs theme for the 2010-2011 academic year will be Leadership in a Global Society. Public Affairs Week will help kick off the annual theme for the year with events and activities highlighting this theme. This event requires a time commitment of approximately 6-8 hours a week during the spring, summer and a few weeks in September. Stipends will be awarded to the overall chair ($800) and the four committee chairs ($400 each) to be paid at the conclusion of Public Affairs Week.

An advisory board will assist the committee in planning and navigating the university system. There is a budget available for programming, but some funding may need to be identified through outside sources.

If you are interested in helping to plan this event, complete the application form no later than 5:00 p.m., Friday, November 20, 2009. Return the form to either the Student Activities Office (PSU 101) or through campus mail to Mary Ann Wood, Public Affairs Support Office (MCCE 309). For questions, call Mary Ann at 836-5073.

About the theme:Leadership in a Global Society

Leadership in a Global Society is a call to action for students, faculty and staff of Missouri State University. The issues we are facing today, and will be facing from this point forward, are global issues (poverty, hunger, health care, educating our children, environment, etc.) This theme requires us as members of the Missouri State community, and as part of a global society, to be action oriented in dealing with these problems. Leadership in a Global Society will allow exploration into ways we can “think globally and act locally” in order to address global issues.

The PAW committee will work within the three essential components of the Missouri State University Public Affairs Mission to meet the goals of Public Affairs Week. These three components are: Ethical Leadership, Cultural Competency and Community Engagement.

Missouri State University’s Mission—Public Affairs

(Adopted from the SOAR Orientation Handbook)

Missouri State University’s Public Affairs mission guides the University as it develops its students into citizens aware of public issues and committed to contributing their knowledge and resources to improving the world around them. The public affairs mission includes three aspects: community engagement, cultural competency, and ethical leadership. Let’s explore each aspect.

Community Engagement

More than ever, citizens are asked to form connections with the communities around them and actively contribute to their growth and progress. Everyone can invest his or her time, energy, talents and knowledge to help better their communities; examples include rallying people around a worthy cause, raising funds for life-saving research, or organizing volunteer efforts for an election campaign.

Missouri State will help students foster those skills and talents, such as communication skills, consensus building, and the ability to collaborate with others, that can create positive change. Activities such as Citizenship and Service-Learning courses, student organization projects, and volunteer work provide real-world opportunities to both strengthen these skills and benefit your community immediately.

The personal benefits of being engaged in your community are clear; employers look for potential employees who are interested in building relationships with others and give their time and talent beyond bare minimum requirements. Beyond the career interest, you will find deep satisfaction in being part of something that is bigger than yourself.

Cultural Competence

Our world is increasingly connected, interdependent, and complex. In this global community, successful students and graduates must be able to effectively communicate, collaborate, and utilize critical thinking skills in problem solving and consensus building to meet the challenges they encounter.

The cultural competencies component of the public affairs mission supports, encourages, and challenges students to better understand and relate to different cultures, as well as to develop relationships outside their specific culture in order to gain an enhanced understanding and appreciation of the different points of view that may be represented by other cultures and perspectives.

Missouri State students will have opportunities to connect with communities, populations and individuals different from themselves; numerous campus events, classroom activities, study away programs, exchange programs and cultural awareness endeavors help broaden our students’ perspectives. A culturally competent student’s skills are enhanced and improved intellectually, socially, and educationally through the public affairs orientation. Such students are also better equipped with the necessary skills required to effectively, yet sensitively, compete and relate as productive global citizens in an increasingly complex and diverse society.

Ethical Leadership

Ethical leadership is an essential component of Missouri State’s public affairs mission. Students and graduates will find both leadership skills and strength of moral character necessary as they help their communities grow in a socially-responsible manner and inspire others to contribute their time and talents.

While most think leadership is a position that only a few can hold, Missouri State believes that leadership is an action that everyone can choose to take. By making the decision and effort to use the influence they have to impact their communities in a positive way, students will become ethical leaders regardless of their titles or status.  Specific academic classes, participation in student organizations, and experiences with faculty and peers here at Missouri State will help students cultivate those ethical leadership skills and prepare them to use their influence more effectively.

There are several reasons why ethical leadership will be invaluable to students and graduates. Employers are drawn to student leaders who take on responsibility, inspire and motivate others, make ethical decisions, and create innovative solutions to problems. Through the development of their own leadership skills, students also gain a sense of moral integrity and self-confidence that they find personally fulfilling. All students at Missouri State University are challenged to accept the responsibility of becoming leaders who model honesty and ethical behavior as they work to make a difference in their communities.

About the Committee Chair positions:

Overall Chair: The Overall Chair coordinates the activities of the whole planning process. All chairs and committee members will report to the Overall Chair. The Overall Chair must be willing and able to dedicate large amounts of time to the project and be available to committee members and advisory board. This will include some summer availability. He/she will help each Chair with planning and direct the planning committee in tying the events to the University Public Affairs theme for the year. The Overall Chair will be responsible for managing the budget and insuring that costs stay within the budget parameters. Past planning experiences preferred.

Public Relations Chair/Student Activities Liaison: This Chair works directly under the Overall Chair and supports all the other committee chairs.  This person will serve as the public liaison for PAW, including but not limited to: Student Activities Council, Student Government, the campus community and the Springfield community.  He/she must have exceptional communication, writing and organizational skills.  Must be able to meet deadlines and work with the other chairs to promote the activities of the week. Knowledge of webpage design is helpful. Past public relations work is greatly desired.

Ethical Leadership/Citizenship Chair: Works to increase awareness of being better citizens through leadership and making a positive impact on the community. This person is responsible for Constitution Day events (Sept. 17). Past examples include Legislative Appreciation events, speaker panels, and voter registration drives.

Community Engagement Chair: Works to promote community service in all parts of the community. May work with Springfield community organizations to solicit involvement as appropriate. Will be responsible for coordinating kickoff event. Past examples include community art walks, local community booths, elementary school essay contests, a carnival, campus-wide service project/competition, food/clothing drive, and speakers.

Cultural Competency/Diversity Chair -- Works with diverse groups to offer different perspectives on world cultures. Past examples include an Avenue of Flags processional, a global Market Village, and a benefit concert for world issues.

To apply:

Please return your completed application to the Office of Student Activities (PSU 101) or through campus mail to Mary Ann Wood, Public Affairs Support Office (MCCE 309) by 5:00 .p.m, Friday November 20, 2009. Interviews will be the first week of December.