Contributing to a cause will not only make you a better contestant, but also a better person.
By Meredith Boyd
FINDING HER CALLING: Miss Alabama USA Haleigh Stidham phones the Make a Wish Foundation, an organization she has supported since before her crowning.
As a contestant, you may be wondering, “Do I need a pageant platform?” We’re not talking about shoes here, ladies, nor a speaker’s platform. We’re talking about an issue or cause you care about. Without a doubt, the answer to your question is “yes!” Whether you are entering a scholarship-based pageant like Miss America or wish to focus on social causes to become a more effective interviewer, a well-developed pageant platform can lead your way to the crown.
Don’t let the word “platform” scare you, even if you are new to service and community-outreach efforts. Having a platform simply requires that you have taken interest in one particular cause that means the most to you. It is best to choose an issue for which you have a strong personal commitment, involvement, or conviction. You may already be involved in an organization or want to work with one in the near future by serving as a member, volunteer, representative, or spokesperson. The key is to become active before your pageant.
During the Top 5 final question round at a state Miss USA pageant last year, a client of mine was asked, “What is an important lesson you’ve learned about working as a volunteer in Honduras?” She answered: “The most important lesson I’ve learned is that we are so blessed, and the people who have the least teach you the most. It was the most incredible experience. I went to serve and in turn, I was served in Honduras. It was amazing, I’d go back in a heartbeat!” That is the type powerful and straight-from-the-heart answer that comes from devoting yourself to a worthy cause. Working in a community service setting not only can help you become a more well rounded contestant; it can also change your life at the same time.
How often do you hear contestants, when asked why they think they should be crowned, answer, “I want to go out and speak to schools and the community about my platform and, as a role model, reach out to those who need help.” Some do just that, while others fade into the background, never to be seen again. Having a pageant platform takes work, and oftentimes it isn’t glamorous. But by adopting a solid working platform before going into a competition, a woman has the chance to become a true humanitarian for her community, with the power to bring smiles to children and comfort to the needy, as well as influence public opinion about important causes.
For the complete behind-the-scenes story and all the details on this and other exciting competitive events from across America, as well as a wealth of advice to improve your chances of victory, be sure to order Pageantry today.
