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!