Developing Your Platform

Platforms, platforms, platforms!  If you have been on the pageant circuit for a while, you are well aware of what a platform is.  Some of you may know it as other names, but its essence it is a platform.

What is a platform?  Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary defines a declaration of the principles on which a group of persons stands. Another definition states a means or opportunity to communicate ideas or information to a group of people.  In the pageant world, a platform is a must.  Many pageants require you to have a platform, while others only encourage you to have one.

So, why is it important for you to have a platform?

1.       Connect with your community:

Having a platform or a pageant mission, helps you connect with your community.  To start developing your platform, you need to find your purpose.  What are you wanting to improve?  Maybe you went through something difficult, and you overcame it.  With that knowledge and courage, you gained, you want to share it with others to either help empower others.  Maybe you see a broken system in our community.  Perhaps you have thought of an idea or plan to fix that broken system. 

Beauty pageants have evolved.  We know that our society has evolved and that women have always been powerful.  Modern day pageants want to highlight the hard-working, game-changing, community-improving woman. 

Write down some ideas of how you can change your community.  Even the smallest idea can have a huge impact.  Think about what appeals to you?  Think about projects or programs you can develop to help improve the problem.  Further, think about how your solution can be sustainable.  Having a positive solution that continues to impact your community for days, weeks, or years says that you are on the right track and how can the judges NOT love you?

2.       Connect with your sponsors:

Having a personal cause, pageant mission, or platform can open doors to partner with local businesses in your community.  And sponsors are important to have!  One way to help find sponsors for your pageant is by finding which businesses have the same goals as you do.  Maybe the owner of the business has gone through something like you.  Maybe the owner is in the business of what your platform is based on.  Maybe the owner just thinks you are awesome, and he or she just wants to help you! 

When asking for sponsorship, highlight what you have done for your platform.  Inform them of the goals you set for yourself, how you have accomplished them, and how with his or her help you can accomplish more! Your community wants to help, they just need to know what you are doing and how you are doing it. 

3.       Connect with your judges:

Having a well thought out and successful platform will leave an impression with the judges. Your goal is to inform them of your why and your how.  The judges’ interview is your time to shine! Share how you got started, share what you are doing, and share your goals as the next crowned queen. 

The judges are going to ask you about your platform so, it is important for you to know your platform from front to back.  You want to leave the judges’ room feeling like you just inspired the judges to hop on your bandwagon.  Get excited!  

Whatever your platform is, share the joy that you have for it with everyone.  You never know when you might find a partner or sponsor to help you accomplish your platform goals.  You have it in you!  You have the power to be the best community advocator.  You have the power to be pageant queen!