All candidates in the Miss America Organization are required to submit two items for the judges notebooks, your Social Impact Initiative and your Candidate Resume. Refer to the Candidate’s Calendar before each meeting.  Paperwork deadlines are listed as DUE TODAY!!  Each candidate is expected to prepare her own paperwork before arrival.  All paperwork should be printed from a computer on plain white copy paper.  This will be the judges' first impression of you.  Take the time to check for proper spelling and grammar.  Paperwork that is not submitted on time will not be included in the judges books but will be given to the judges  the day of the pageant.  

Choosing Your Social Impact Initiative (SII)

In the Miss America Organization each candidate is required to have a personal platform or what is now called your Social Impact Initiative (SII).  If you have never competed in MAO, here are some things to think about as you make your decision about choosing
​your SII.  

• How can I make a difference in my community?
• What volunteer work or community service have I already been personally involved with?  
• Is this an issue of concern to the American people? 
• Is there an issue that I have a personal connection to?
• Is this platform issue one that is supported by legitimate 501C3 organizations at the local, state, and national levels?  
• Is It of interest to corporations, the news media, and other important audiences?  

The SII is a one-page essay.  Refer to the SII essay tab for complete instructions on formatting. It is suggested that you begin with a brief explanation of your topic and why you selected it, discussion of activities you have been involved with or what is currently happening related to it in your community, and close with what you would like to accomplish in regards to your platform if you are selected the winner.  Be honest with your statements and realistic with your goals in regards to your platform and your year of service.  At the local level the judges want to see that you have a personal commitment to this issue.  It should be clear that you have researched, thought about, and understand your platform and its impact at the local and state level.  If you become Miss Washtenaw County, the issue that you have selected will become your Social Impact Initiative for the Miss Michigan Pageant.  At that point the Miss Washtenaw County Scholarship Program will provide you with additional information, resources, and assistance to support your involvement in this issue.  

It is suggested that you use a copy of your paperwork for your mock interview.  Then after your interview use the judges' critiques to make any final changes.  


Personal Resume
It is important to MAO that candidates competing in the program have their Resume be reflective of their own creativity and style.  They are applying for a job as a titleholder.  You should choose any format that best represents your personality.  The only criteria is the resume must be one page. Providing specific sample resumes would limit the candidate's own personal style.  If you need assistance, Google search and click "images" to see a multitude of styles and formats.