Scott Urbanowski

In Michigan, we elect precinct delegates to two-year terms in the August primary election of each even-numbered year. I was first elected Precinct Delegate in 2006, was re-elected by one vote in 2008, and am running for my third term this year.

Precinct Delegates are the grassroots people in the Democratic Party. We serve as delegates to three conventions: One in August of the even-numbered year (right after we are elected); one in November after the general election; and one the following February. We elect members of the County Party Executive Committee, who in turn elect County Chairs. We also adopt resolutions that are adopted by the County and State Parties. I introduced two resolutions at the February 2009 convention.

This year I will be re-elected, as I am one of two people running for three spots as Precinct Delegate. Because we have an extra spot, my mom is running as a write-in candidate.

Students at Central Michigan University get free access to the on-campus fitness and activities center. So I was a member of a gym, and yes, I used the gym on a somewhat regular basis. Of course, that was when I was a student.

Now that I’ve graduated, I want to find a gym in the Grand Rapids area. Easy enough? Yes. But swimming is one of my favorite forms of exercise, so having a pool is almost a must for whichever gym I join.

I’ll keep you posted!

Earlier this month I was elected Grand Knight of Council 4362 of the Knights of Columbus. This means that on July 1, I will take over as the leader of one of the largest Knights of Columbus councils in the Grand Rapids area. The K of C is a Catholic, family, fraternal service organization.

While I don’t take over until July 1, I have been busy putting things in place, including setting up a date for our annual picnic and getting people to help out with the festival we’re holding in September.

From watching others lead and taking on some leadership roles myself, I’ve already discovered some important lessons on how leaders should act.

1. Act with integrity. Integrity is the foundation on which your leadership abilities rest. If people think that you act with integrity, they will believe you and follow you. Lose that integrity, and you lose your ability to lead.
2. Communicate effectively. This is key, because as a leader you are trying to get your followers to do what you want them to do. How you communicate with them will go far in determining whether or not they will do as you ask.
3. Organize, organize, organize.
4. Delegate as needed. It’s a good trust-builder and helps make your life easier. TIP: It helps to know about people’s strengths and interests so you know what to delegate to whom.
5. Be humble – yes, you are the leader, but you must serve those you lead as much as you lead them. And on that note, don’t take all the credit.
6. Work with others. I’m lucky in that as Grand Knight I will have the backing of a great team of Council officers. I will also be helped by an excellent District Deputy (who serves three or four councils in the area).