10 Hot Tips:
1) Squadron should join the local Chamber of Commerce. Send a Squadron rep to every meeting. Volunteer to offer safety afloat seminars at a meeting.
2) Request to have your squadron name and web address posted on your community website under Safety or Homeland Security.
3) Apply for a grant from West Marine Foundation for life jackets and give them away at a community event or boat show.
4) Sponsor fishing seminars to the
general public with a well-known angler presenting. Make it fun and teach them
about USPS at the same time.
Note: The professional angler can donate his time and gain advertisement
for his business by displaying his business cards and brochures.
5) Present a Youth Boating Safety Program at local schools to promote the Poster Contest. Use the Youth Boating and Water Safety CD-ROM for heightened interest.
6) Work with local service clubs to take the kids fishing, Boy Scout troops to earn merit badges, play Santa Claus for needy families at Christmas time.
7) Set up a cooperative fund raiser with the local Maritime Museum or Sailing Association. Follow up with scheduling a boating class at their site.
8) Establish a “special interest
group” within the squadron. Set up a Sail Club, Coop Charting Club or Fishing
Club for members.
Note:
Guests are welcome but need to be members of the squadron before they can “join
the club.” USPS insurance may be voided if this
rule is not followed.
9) Collect soda can tabs for the Ronald McDonald House at all social events. Take a photo of the delivery of the tabs and submit to area newspaper. Let others know you care about your neighbors and their children.
10) Volunteer to beta-test the WaterSmart Program with after school/daycare programs. This is the computerized game that teaches boating safety using three scenarios and four levels of difficulty.
Reach Out into your Community and Involve your Members too!
Stf/C Roberta L. Dougherty, AP
Community Outreach Programs ~ Youth
Retention – Member/Involvement Initiatives