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NASSS Chapter-Wide Competitions

Competition Overview

The NASSS Chapter-Wide Competitions recognize exceptional chapter achievements in three key areas: Community Engagement, Civic Advocacy, and Club Events. These competitions celebrate chapters that demonstrate outstanding commitment to service, democratic participation, and member engagement beyond standard academic competition preparation. 

Community Engagement Competition

Purpose

To recognize NASSS chapters that demonstrate exceptional commitment to serving their school and local community through meaningful volunteer work, service projects, and partnerships.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Chapter must be in good standing with NASSS

  • Chapter must have been active for at least one full semester

  • All documented activities must have occurred within the current academic year

  • Minimum of 5 active chapter members participating in community service activities

Submission Requirements

Portfolio Components (Maximum 20 pages)

  1. Executive Summary (1 page)
     

    • Brief overview of chapter's community engagement mission

    • Summary of major accomplishments and impact metrics

  2. Service Project Documentation (8-12 pages)
     

    • Detailed descriptions of 3-5 major service projects

    • Clear explanation of community need addressed

    • Timeline and planning process

    • Number of chapter members involved

    • Hours of service contributed (minimum 100 total chapter hours)

    • Quantifiable impact metrics (people served, funds raised, etc.)

  3. Community Partnerships (2-3 pages)
     

    • List of partnering organizations

    • Letters of support from community partners (minimum 2)

    • Description of ongoing relationships and collaborations

  4. Member Engagement (2-3 pages)
     

    • Percentage of chapter members participating in service activities

    • Leadership roles taken by members

    • Member reflection essays (2-3 examples, 250 words each)

  5. Visual Documentation (2-4 pages)
     

    • High-quality photos of service activities

    • Before/after images showing impact

    • Infographics or charts displaying data

Supplementary Materials

  • Video presentation (3-5 minutes) showcasing community impact

  • News articles or media coverage (if applicable)

  • Thank you letters from community members served

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Civic Advocacy Competition

Purpose

To recognize NASSS chapters that excel in promoting democratic participation, civic education, and political engagement within their school and community.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Chapter must be in good standing with NASSS

  • Chapter must demonstrate non-partisan approach to civic engagement

  • All activities must comply with school policies regarding political activities

  • Minimum of 8 active chapter members participating in advocacy activities

Submission Requirements

Portfolio Components (Maximum 20 pages)

  1. Civic Mission Statement (1 page)
     

    • Chapter's approach to promoting democratic participation

    • Core civic values and goals

  2. Voter Education and Registration (4-5 pages)
     

    • Voter registration drives conducted (if applicable)

    • Civic education workshops or presentations

    • Collaboration with school administration on civic initiatives

    • Number of students/community members reached

  3. Democratic Process Education (4-5 pages)
     

    • Mock elections or political simulations organized

    • Candidate forums or debate hosting

    • Government process education (how bills become laws, etc.)

    • Partnerships with local government officials

  4. Advocacy Campaigns (4-5 pages)
     

    • Non-partisan issue advocacy (minimum 2 campaigns)

    • Community awareness initiatives

    • Petition drives or letter-writing campaigns

    • Social media advocacy efforts with engagement metrics

  5. Civic Skill Development (3-4 pages)
     

    • Training sessions on civic processes

    • Public speaking workshops

    • Leadership development through democratic practices

    • Member testimonials on civic growth

  6. Community Impact (2-3 pages)
     

    • Partnerships with civic organizations

    • Recognition from local government or civic groups

    • Media coverage of advocacy efforts

    • Measurable outcomes of advocacy work

Supplementary Materials

  • Video showcasing civic education activities (3-5 minutes)

  • Letters of support from local officials or civic organizations

  • Documentation of media coverage

  • Examples of educational materials created

Club Events Competition

Purpose

To recognize NASSS chapters that demonstrate exceptional creativity, organization, and member engagement through diverse club programming and events.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Chapter must be in good standing with NASSS

  • Chapter must have organized minimum of 6 different types of events during academic year

  • Events must engage both chapter members and broader school/community

  • Minimum of 10 active chapter members

Submission Requirements

Portfolio Components (Maximum 20 pages)

  1. Event Programming Overview (2 pages)
     

    • Annual calendar of events

    • Mission statement for club programming

    • Goals for member engagement and community outreach

  2. Major Event Documentation (10-12 pages)
     

    • Detailed coverage of 4-6 major events including:

      • Educational Events: Field trips, guest speakers, workshops

      • Fundraising Events: Bake sales, charity drives, sponsored activities

      • Social Events: Member bonding, celebration activities

      • Community Events: Public demonstrations, awareness campaigns

      • Competitive Events: Internal competitions, practice sessions

  3. For each event include:
     

    • Planning timeline and process

    • Budget and resource management

    • Attendance numbers and member participation

    • Challenges faced and solutions implemented

    • Outcomes and impact assessment

  4. Innovation and Creativity (2-3 pages)
     

    • Unique or original event concepts

    • Creative problem-solving examples

    • Adaptation of traditional events with new approaches

    • Integration of social science themes into events

  5. Member Leadership and Development (2-3 pages)
     

    • Student leadership roles in event planning

    • Skill development through event management

    • Member testimonials about growth through participation

    • Officer development through event coordination

  6. Financial Management (1-2 pages)
     

    • Budget planning and execution

    • Fundraising success and stewardship

    • Cost-effectiveness of events

    • Revenue generation for chapter sustainability

  7. Community Impact and Engagement (2-3 pages)
     

    • Community attendance at events

    • Partnerships with local businesses or organizations

    • Media coverage or recognition received

    • Feedback from participants and community members

Supplementary Materials

  • Video montage of events throughout the year (3-5 minutes)

  • Photos from each major event (high quality, well-organized)

  • Financial records and budgets

  • Testimonials from participants, community members, school administration

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