Are You Ready to Serve the NJHA?

by Taylor Belle Matheny

When I reflect on my experience running for the National Junior Hereford Association (NJHA) board of directors one quote comes to mind by H. Jackson Brown Jr., “The best preparation for tomorrow is doing your best today.” For many of us, speech contests, competition teams and leadership roles have prepared us to serve a variety of organizations. The preparation to serve NJHA members began the moment our involvement within the Hereford breed started. Each contest at the Junior National Hereford Expo (JNHE) or leadership role has prepared you to continue to grow and serve one of the largest youth breed organizations in our nation. The preparation to serve the NJHA started long before now and as the time gets closer, continuing to prepare will help you do your best.

Leading up to the JNHE, it is important to prepare for the questions you could be asked. As a potential member of the board of directors it is important to be knowledgeable about the Hereford breed, the NJHA and the American Hereford Association (AHA). Read and learn about the industry through the Hereford World, The Advantage junior newsletter and the AHA website. Being familiar with these different areas will help prepare you for the various topics covered during interviews. Delegates will also want to know more about your personal experiences as a leader and your previous involvement with the NJHA. Come prepared to share these things with members and it will help you be your best.

A common question among candidates is; “What should I expect during the JNHE?” The answer is, to expect one of the most unique experiences you will have as a junior. Speaking on behalf of the current board of directors we can all agree it was one of the most memorable experiences we have had. After you arrive in Grand Island, Neb., you will start board candidacy events at 8 a.m., Sunday, July 1. Prepare for various interview situations with current members, NJHA board of directors, AHA staff and board advisors. These interviews are a great way for delegates and others to learn more about you and why you would be able to serve the NJHA. On Tuesday evening at the membership meeting, candidates will be asked to give a short speech to the attendees focusing on your qualifications to serve on the board of directors. The interview and speech process is a great way to meet other members.

Throughout the week at JNHE it is important to find delegates and answer any questions they may have. Board candidates are required to help with facilitating events, but you will have free time to mingle throughout the barn with members. When you have this time, have fun meeting people from all over the nation. This is a great opportunity to network with other members and meet delegates to discuss your campaign.

The 2018 JNHE is drawing closer and that means four new NJHA board of directors will be elected. If you are considering serving the NJHA in this capacity, please apply. The application deadline is June 1. Follow the six steps below to ensure you qualify.

1. Submit a color photograph of yourself. Photo must be high resolution for printing purposes (300 dpi or higher).
2. Design one copy of an 8×10 inch campaign flyer.
3. Obtain at least four letters of recommendation.
4. Write a one-page essay (typewritten, single-space) with the topic “My Goal as an NJHA Director.”
5. State advisor must submit an NJHA Director Nomination Form.
6. Application, photos, letters, essay and flyer MUST be submitted electronically through the online application system by June 1.

If you are looking for a great experience and an opportunity to serve the NJHA, this is the one for you. Preparation in the months leading up to the JNHE will allow you to do your best July 1 7, in Grand Island. The week will be busy with events and networking, but when the week concludes no matter the outcome you will have an experience to look back on very few people do. I encourage anyone who is interested to take the chance and become involved on a larger scale as a member of the NJHA.

This article originally appeared in “The Advantage” – The National Junior Hereford Association Newsletter – Spring 2018. To download this newsletter, click below.