If you are anything like me, the most exciting step of running for board, except for actually running, is creating a platform. A platform is a guide to all you want to accomplish in the coming term and explains why you are the best candidate for the position you are running for. I have made many platforms over the years, and here is my guide to making the best one possible.

Step 1: Choosing a theme.

Once you have declared that you will be running for the board, it is time to start creating a platform. This all starts with your theme. The theme is the central idea or a fun motif you will use throughout the platform and possibly in your speech. There are so many different themes to choose from, some fun that might not necessarily relate to your position and some more serious that dive deep into the position you are running for. Some examples of more fun ones are; Hannah MAZtana, Baking, and Keeping up with "your chapter" (Like keeping up with the Kardashians). Some more serious ones may be, Growth, Siblinghood and leaving your legacy. The website http://fisherplatformdatabase.weebly.com/  is an excellent resource for finding ideas for your platform.

Step 2: The layout.

In some regions, like mine, North Texas Oklahoma, we fold our platforms, but in others, they are single sheets without folds. Either way, spacing, and layout are essential. If you are folding your platform, one of my tips is to find an old platform with folds you like and unfold it completely. Then, look at the different sections, and roughly copy the spacing onto a website like Canva. If you have lined all the sections up correctly, you should be able to fold it all back together like the original platform.

In any platform, there are a few key components: your name, the position you are running for, a letter to the chapter, your qualifications, and your goals and ideas. Although these are the main components of a platform, they are not set in stone. I often like to add a programming timeline, say if you were running for sig or how you will work with each board member. Make sure to make your platform your own and include what is essential to you.

Step 3: Writing

Now that you have planned out the basic outline of your platform, it is time to write it all down. Create a separate doc to jot down all your ideas. If you are ever stuck and need more help, you can look at other people's platforms for inspiration or talk to your chapter presidents; they are always here to help. Once you have all your ideas written down, it is time to move them over to your actual platform. Copy and paste everything from your doc onto your platform outline and ensure everything is spaced out correctly. Feel free to add any final touches now. Once you are happy with the final draft, it is time to print. If your region or chapter allows, you can print on colorful paper to bring it to the next level.

Congratulations, you have just made a stellar platform. Remember to be confident because your work is incredible. And while a good platform isn't all it takes to win an election, it certainly helps. Now go out and rock your elections, and even if you don't win, you should be proud because you know how to make a fantastic platform!