CANDIDATENAME: Isaac Lara           

SCHOOL/YEAR:     Columbia College/2011

EMAIL/CONTACT#: igl2101@columbia.edu/ (201)681-0946

WHAT CAN & DOES AN ABC REP DO?

ABC Reps help groups navigate the Columbiabureaucracy, aid groups in event & financial planning and support thedevelopment of student life on campus. Reps are advocates for the groups theyoversee and are crucial in identifying areas in which ABC, the administration,and other student leaders can help improve students' experiences at Columbia.

The Rep sits on the Activities Board, whichconsists of 20 members. Throughout the year, the ABC votes on the allocation offunds, recognition of student groups, the granting of appeals and has a vitalrole in determining the agenda for the Activities Board. We are seeking 13highly motivated and passionate individuals to apply for these positions. Thisis a great place to learn more about student groups and funding, to gainleadership experience and to make an impact on campus.

1.     ABC Website: http://cuactivitiesboard.org

2.     ABC Funding Guidelines: http://www.cuactivitiesboard.org/FundingGuidelines.doc

3.     ABC Clubs: http://www.cuactivitiesboard.org/Public/ourclubs.php

CandidateStatement:

Allcandidate statements will be put up on the ABC website in the order they arereceived.It is to your advantage to submit early as your candidate statement willappear before the others are up. In your candidate statement, please explainyour interest/qualifications/ideas for the position of ABC rep, making sure toanswer the questions below. You may either give separate responses to each orjust address them all in one statement. Please also attach a photo with your application.

EachABC rep represents one of the following 13 general groups:

CulturalGroups (4)

SpecialInterest (i.e. Culinary Society) (2)

Competition(1)

Publications(1)

Scienceand Engineering (1)

Academicor Pre-Professional (1)

Performance:Dance (1)

Performance:Instrumental/Vocal (1)

Performance:Theater (1)

1)Why do you want to be an ABC rep?

Eventhough I joined in the middle of the second semester, I have learned a lotabout ABC and its functions. I have come away with newfound appreciation forthe role this committee has in organizations’ programming. A lot of the eventswe enjoy every year are taken for granted, and we neglect those who have helpedorganize or fund these activities. During my tenure as a member of thecommittee, I have observed how budgets and allocations are debated, discussed,and compromised on. I think these are useful skills that can help me in thefuture. Likewise, I would like to offer my experience and feedback as an activemember of the Columbia community on other extracurricular activities. Much ofmy experience has been grounded in cultural groups, and I feel that I cancontribute to play a part in the dialogue between all the various groups oncampus.

2)As an ABC Rep, which groups would you be most interested in representing?Explain your interest in those groups as well as any prior experience withthose groups or other related qualifications.

I have been an ABC Rep since the middle of the second semester. I thoroughlyenjoy representing the Special Interest Groups because they are fun, creative,and unique. They have devised very interesting programming for me to consider,and I would like to continue cooperating with them in the future. The CulinarySociety, for instance, puts on an erotic cake competition once a year, and theAnime Club continues to grow. I would like to stick around to continue ourworking relationships next year. Also, during my tenure, I have forged valuablerapport with a lot of these groups’ executive board members, which definitelyhas helped open dialogue between us. I think this type of working relationshipis essential for good communication between a representative and his/her groups,and I wish to continue doing this in the future.

3) Namesome changes that you believe would positively impact ABC?

Ithink we should have rotating committee selections. I don’t feel that being onone committee throughout the entire year provides much experience for those ofus who may have more experience on other committees. For example, a person whohad been appeals committee member during the fall semester should be on adifferent committee (e.g. policy) in order to gain more experience in otheraspects of ABC.

Also,and I will restate this from my last application, but I feel that ABC shouldwork to foster better working relationships between representatives and theirgroups. There should be an activity that ties a representative to their group.As a current committee member, I have noticed there to be a rift between what arepresentative knows about their groups, and what the groups actually do. Toomany of us are disconnected with our groups, and I feel that the new executiveboard should work towards promoting better relations between the two, whetherit is through ice breakers, a social, or invitations to attend their ownprogramming events.

Ialso think greater transparency is necessary. I propose that ABC adaptopen-door meetings in order to ensure that representatives are voicing theinterests of their groups appropriately.

4)Name 1-3 policy initiatives that you think ABC should pursue next year.

1)   Mandatorywalk-in hours 2x a week instead of 1x

a.    Ithink this would help lessen the disconnect between a representative andhis/her groups, paving the way for better communication between the two.

2)  ABC representativesshould attend treasury meetings with their representatives at the end of theyear

a.    This way there isless confusion about the approval of an EAF or appeal.

3)  Remove the cap onheritage months

a.    It’s in my opinionthat heritage months are an essential part of the Columbia community. They helpbring attention to a particular cultural identity on campus, while at the sametime espousing tolerance and appreciation for underrepresented groups. Thesekinds of initiatives should be priorities for ABC instead of items that wecommittee members seek to cut down on. That said, a meeting should be made withheritage month chairmen/chairwomen in order to caution them against rampantspending and excessive budgeting. I don’t think, however, that forming aceiling on their expenditures is necessary after this meeting is conducted.

Past& Current Activities at Columbia:
Pleasedetail your involvement at Columbia (you may attach a resume).

Iam involved in the Student Organization of Latinos, which meets once a week atLerner and is responsible for many of the cultural organizations on campus.Aside from this, I am a sales associate at Banana Republic in midtown duringthe weekends.

Ialso once worked at the Columbia Law School and Build-a-Bear in midtown.

Commitments for 2009-2010:
Pleasedetail your commitment to other club positions, jobs, internships,responsibilities (i.e. RA) for 09-10.

Iam involved in Student Organization of Latinos, which meets only once a week,and I am also a sales associate at Banana Republic during the weekends. Bothjobs are incredibly flexible with hours. So far I believe I have done a goodjob ensuring that my commitment to ABC is a top priority.

Deadline:Sunday, April 26, 2009 by 11:59pm to abc@columbia.edu.