Krafve This is the time of year when new officers take up their responsibilities in clubs and organizations all over East Texas.

One example is the Junior League which, in case you haven’t noticed, is an organization with a reputation for attracting ladies who are awesome at organizing and getting things done.

I missed the Junior League in my younger days, and I am too old to join now, so whenever I have a club etiquette or how-to-organize it question, I consult one of my “league-trained” friends.

I notice they always answer, “Let me look back in my notebook.”

Notebooks, it turns out, are a terrific tool for passing the torch of leadership to the next person whether it’s PTA, Sunday school, or any civic endeavor.

So what exactly goes into a notebook? How do you create one?

Here is a list of tabs and what should follow them:

Contacts: Lists of committee members, general membership, sponsors and donors, vendors, participants, and all mailing lists.

Office/event information: A report from the past chairman (you), including successes and suggestions for changes and a year-long calendar of tasks leading up to any events or responsibilities.

The best way to create a calendar is to simply make a dated note of each task you do as the year goes along. Also include hard copies of any itineraries, lists, or schedules you created this past year.

Office/event history: Programs, agendas, or letters.

Media samples: Press releases and copies of any published articles or ads. Don’t forget to buy ads after events to thank sponsors and keep copies for your notebook.

Meeting notes: Official notes (from the immediately past year only) and any reports by fellow chairmen.

General info: Anything pertaining to other subcommittees that would clarify the responsibilities of the next chairman or make their job easier.

In the pocket of the notebook, be sure to include a disc with any event logos or sponsors’ logos, along with any still pictures or video that could be useful.

Cathy Krafve is a columnist and reporter for the Bullard Banner News.