Page 24 - 2016 September Voices!
P. 24
An Ideal Year
by John Rodke, DTM
Why is there such a • Arrange the speech contests (2 spring and
hullabaloo over club officer 2 fall, usually run jointly) Pro Tip: Delegate
training? Training matters because it lays the this to your assistants or members who
groundwork for your club to have an ideal year. need to fulfill their CL manual. 4 people
OK, so what does an ideal year look like for can gain credit per event.
a club?
It is one where every member grows, learns, • Run your club Mentorship program. This
and enjoys the process. Here is one proven and is the most beneficial way to retain new
fun structure to accomplish this goal with ease. members and enrich the experience of
I encourage you to take this template, couple it “seasoned” members. If possible, every
with your imagination, and make it your own. person in the club should be a mentor,
and have a mentor. Fun and rewarding
All officers growth ensues.
• Get trained in summer and winter. 4
minimum per club. All 7 is better! • You are in charge of meeting role sign-
• Gather 2 assistants. They help you run ups. Work with the Secretary and your
events and succeed in your role. They are assistants to delegate this vital task and
next year’s potential officers. Delegation gain club buy-in.
empowers people to grow. Give them clear
objectives and support, but let them use VP Membership
their creativity to figure out how to get • Run two membership campaigns per
there. year. Goal: at least 4 new members per
• Achieve at least one educational goal. This campaign. That’s less than a new member
sets the example, and gives you motivation per month!
to thrive in your role. • Welcome visitors and let them know you
• Learn how to navigate the International care. After the meeting, follow up using
website. This includes signing up new the contact information you gathered.
members and submitting awards. Show the benefits and explain the simple
• Study the basics of the Distinguished Club process to let them join enthusiastically.
Program. Submit awards early and make Tap into that enthusiasm as energy for
it a fun to-do list. your club to get excited and grow.
• Reach out to members who haven’t
President attended recently. An unexpected hello
• Go to both Spring and Fall Conferences goes a long way. The easiest members
and Officer Trainings. to recruit are past members. They know
• Be the support for your club. Recognize the benefits and have so much wisdom
members who have achieved awards to share.
and make a positive ruckus about it. Pro
Tip: Have members bring in their paper
certificates for the club to write notes of
encouragement on.
• Delegate. Do not do everything yourself.
This will allow you to enjoy the role.
VP Education
• Track member progress. This can be a
spreadsheet or just check in with them
regularly.
24 Volume 3 Issue 3 - SEPTEMBER 2016
