STRETCHING GROWING CHANGING Grow Masters – Al Penner and Marvin Wastell
Dec 28, 2015
STRETCHINGGROWING
CHANGING
Grow Masters – Al Penner and Marvin Wastell
KEEPING OPTIMIST CLUBS VIABLE IN
TODAY’S CHANGING WORLD
RECRUIT NEW MEMBERS
COFFEE RECRUITMENT PROGRAM
“WOULD YOU LIKE TO GET A CUP OF
COFFEE?”
WHAT IF…If person does not drink coffee,
suggest:TeaWineBeerMeal
AROMA OF COFFEE, FRESH BREAD, WIRELESS INTERNET PROVIDES SETTING FOR:
Shared interestsInformation exchangeFinding connections
MEETING PLACESWelcoming SurroundingsHistorically been meeting places for
information exchangeSetting for learning about improving
the communityCoffee shops, cafes, bakeries, etc.
STEPS TO THE COFFEE MEETING
Invite and pay for coffee Engage – build relationship by
asking questions Listen Find common interest Listen to learn:
Contact information Person’s interests Likes and dislikes
Invite Avoid asking to join right away Match project and/or event with person’s
interest Ask “Can you help me Help the Kids “
KEY IS BUILD RELATIONSHIPTime to sit and build relationshipsWith right setting people are more open
to new ideas and possibilitiesConversation - guide to helping kids
through Optimist Club activitiesStart with friendly gestureGive opportunity to show interestMatch interest with club activity
RELATIONSHIP BUILDING TAKES TIME AND DEDICATION
ResultsStrong relationship between membersStronger Optimist Club
UTILIZE NEW COMMUNICATION
Social Networking, facebook, etc.TwitterE-mailPersonalized web site
REMEMBER PERSONAL CONTACT Face to Face conversation Telephone Personal notes Personal letters
THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX !!!
ADJUST CLUB STRUCTURE TO ATTRACT NEW MEMBERS TO HELP KIDS PLUS PROVIDE COMMUNITY SERVICE
JOINING
Joining is not just signing the on the line
Purpose of joining?Need to join?Sense of belonging?Prestigious to be a member?Committees present kids need?
FOCUS ON ACTIVITIES THAT HELP KIDS
Music lessons for Foster kids Bicycle safety Car seat safety Oratorical Essay Punt, Pass , and Kick Pitch, Hit, and Run Soap Box Derby Academic Decathlon Gun Safety
MEMBER INVOLVEMENT Involve new members in activities Match new member with mentors Review committees to expand and
improve Organize interesting meetings Recognize changing needs of club
members
IMPROVE COMMUNICATION Excellent communicator listens more
that he/she speaks Concerned about feedback Keeps messages simple, concise and
clear Makes personal contacts Communicates in caring tones Uses current communication media,
i.e. Facebook, Twitter, Emails
GROUP SUCCESS
Group climateInteresting meetingsMeetings start and end on timeMembers interact with caring
attitudesCommittees conduct activities with
defined objectives
REFOCUS Reach out to members at the meeting and
contact absent members Host social events to welcome new members Host thank you activities: casino night, spa
night, attend sporting event, etc. Speed Connection – membership style: 4
minutes to share hobbies, special interests, important events, needs, activities
Community needs assessment tour Meet in a circle Some things are out of your control -That’s OK Disarm excuses
NUMBERS Numbers Matter as much as unplanted Seeds It is What’s behind the Numbers that Count Club success
Quality of community activities Quality of club meetings
Emphasize quality and numbers will increase Capture, express and share excitement of being
an Optimist – helping kids and fellow members Your passionate project will make a difference in
the lives of others
NUMBERS (CONTINUED)
Start with your favorite projects/activities for which you have a passion. Passion changes your philosophy and
physiology People notice your passion and excitement
– you will make a difference in others lives
BECOME A TRUE OPTIMISTDO THE RIGHT THING!