Mel Rising Dawn Cordeiro
Managing Editor
Have you ever wondered how school decisions are made or where funding for school events comes from? The answer is simple: Student government. RIC’s student government, also known as Student Community Government Inc., is an important part of the educational experience for many students. SCG provides opportunities for leadership, teamwork, communication, problem-solving and civic engagement as well as benefiting the student body as a whole.
However, not all students are aware of the benefits of being involved in school student government, or how to get involved. Some students are not even aware that there is a student government, or what it is they even do.
Being involved in school student government can have many positive effects on a students’ academic and personal development.
Some of the benefits include:
Developing leadership skills. Students who participate in school student government can learn how to lead others, organize events, manage budgets, delegate tasks and make decisions. These skills can help them succeed in their future careers and roles in society.
Improving communication skills. Students who participate in school student government can improve their verbal and written communication skills by speaking in public, writing proposals, negotiating with others and listening to feedback. These skills can help them express their ideas clearly and persuasively, and build relationships with diverse people.
Enhancing problem-solving skills. Students who participate in school student government can enhance their problem-solving skills by identifying issues, brainstorming solutions, evaluating alternatives and implementing actions. These skills can help them overcome challenges and achieve their goals.
Increasing civic engagement. Students who participate in school student government can increase their civic engagement by representing their peers, advocating for their interests, collaborating with other groups and contributing to their community. These activities can help them develop a sense of responsibility, awareness, and citizenship.
If you are interested in being involved in school student government, here are some tips on how to do so:
Find out the requirements. Different schools may have different requirements for joining or running for school student government. You may need to meet certain academic standards, attend certain meetings, fill out certain forms or collect certain signatures. Make sure you know what the requirements are and how to meet them before you apply or campaign.
Explore your options. Depending on your school, you may have different options for being involved in school student government. You may be able to join a club, a committee, a council or a board. You may also be able to run for a position such as president, vice president, secretary, treasurer or representative. Explore your options and find out what each one entails and what you are interested in.
Seek support. Being involved in school student government can be rewarding but also challenging. You may need support from your teachers, parents, friends, or mentors. Seek support from people who can advise you, encourage you or help you with your tasks. You can also support others who are involved in school student government by giving them feedback, recognition or assistance.
Have fun. Being involved in school student government can be fun as well as educational. You can enjoy meeting new people, learning new things, organizing events, making a difference and having a voice. Have fun with your involvement and make the most of it.
For more information regarding Rhode Island College’s Student Community Government, please email president@ricscg.org, or visit Student Community Government | Rhode Island College (ric.edu).
All of SCG’s bi-weekly parliament meetings take place in Student Union, room 307 and are filmed by Anchor TV.