From tolenut at comcast.net Sun May 11 20:50:27 2008 From: tolenut at comcast.net (Kay Simkins) Date: Sun, 11 May 2008 20:50:27 -0400 Subject: [D-plan-net] Bowsprit Award Refocus Message-ID: <012701c8b3ca$2fe52050$6401a8c0@kayscomputer> District Planning Network Message May 2008 TO: District Planning Committee Chairmen Cc: District Commanders As you know, D-Plan-Net was established as a forum for district planning committees to discuss and share ideas and concerns in the interest of providing benefit to USPS members. If you are no longer on the district planning committee, please forward this to the new chair. We welcome the new members to our network. Recently there has been concern with regard to the Bowsprit Program and associated award. Although the criteria for earning a Bowsprit Award has changed from time to time, recent discussion has centered on the value of the program as a management tool that helps squadrons, and therefore districts, focus on priority issues. Attached is a Power Point proposal as submitted to the National Planning Committee by District 33 Commander Jose Rivera, AP. This Power Point presentation outlines one proposal for restructuring the Bowsprit Award. The National Planning Committee, with the support of the Bowsprit Program Administrator, P/D/C Brian Logan, SN, is interested in your thoughts and ideas concerning this proposal and the Bowsprit program in general. We encourage you to join in the discussion and offer your comments, ideas, and suggestions. Respond by replying to d-plan-net at usps.org before I June 2008. As you are aware, the Bowsprit program, which focuses on the cumulative efforts of squadrons, does not report on the individual achievements of a district's squadrons. Forgoing any further developments that may change the Bowsprit program as it currently operates, districts might consider creating your own District Bowsprit Award for their squadrons. Several districts are doing just that. All the data that is sent to HQ is also collected at the district level. A district could choose the same categories for the award or tailor the categories to fit the areas of greatest concern. Squadrons would be challenged to outperform their own achievements from the previous year. In this fashion they are only competing with themselves. This simplified version makes for easy accounting without complex formulas. Squadrons either did better or worse in any given category for the commander's entire year. The primary importance of the program is to create awareness of the activities and each squadron's progress and to identify the areas where squadrons and/or the district may better focus its efforts. Awards can be determined locally with Honor Roll status, etc. If a single "top" squadron is necessary, the percentages of all the categories could be averaged and compared. Some districts have developed a "Star Program" that may be a bit more complicated. The purpose of these programs enables district personnel to better assess and address the needs of their squadrons when studied and applied by squadron and district personnel. Several district personnel would be tasked to communicate and collect data from their squadron counterparts. We always encourage this type communication. Goals and action plans can then be developed from these studies to assist squadrons. The Planning Committee Manual, found at our Web site, has information on developing these types of strategies. Another important issue concerns the qualifications of district personnel. The Planning Committee tries not to enter into local "politics." It is our belief that many governance issues, such as the qualifications of commanders, should be handled at the local levels whether squadron or district. The requirements for the district commander or other positions should be compatible with their bylaws or, in some cases, the "Policy Manual" that provides guidance. The local Nominating Committee should be following the policies and bylaws of their local unit. We suggest that the local planning committee or rules committee prepare a proposal that would satisfy the concerns within your district. Resolutions from the districts go to the Governing Board and are then assigned to a national committee for further study. Resolutions do help by making desired changes. Remember, we would like hear from you and get your feedback on the District 33 proposal by 1 June 2008. The information will then be summarized and reported on the d-plan-net and sent to various involved committees. Thank you. We are listening. National Planning Committee d-plan-net at usps.org -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.usps.org/pipermail/d-plan-net/attachments/20080511/2aa8152e/attachment-0001.html -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: Refocus.ppt Type: application/vnd.ms-powerpoint Size: 9965568 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://www.usps.org/pipermail/d-plan-net/attachments/20080511/2aa8152e/attachment-0001.ppt From jbbecker at comcast.net Wed May 14 13:37:52 2008 From: jbbecker at comcast.net (Brian Becker) Date: Wed, 14 May 2008 13:37:52 -0400 Subject: [D-plan-net] FW: Bowsprit Award Refocus Message-ID: <001101c8b5e9$3eed5dd0$6601a8c0@Brian> Forwarded "...Proud to be District 5..." b -----Original Message----- From: Brian Becker [mailto:jbbecker at comcast.net] Sent: Wednesday, May 14, 2008 12:41 PM To: 'Kay Simkins' Subject: RE: [D-plan-net] Bowsprit Award Refocus Ms Kay -- This is quite an ambitious proposal. The first thing it would accomplish is to elect the District Commander by default, if I read it correctly. Squadron Commanders come in all sizes. Many by default, most because they enjoy the USPS and their friends. Based on the makeup of these folks, the numbers attained and their ranking just might turn many of them off. The job is not a competitive one. The job is a measure of dedication, and there is no way to apply straight mathematics to that asset. In lieu of another management tool to evaluate the Squadron Commanders, the priorities should be in simplifying what the Squadron Commanders are expected to accomplish in this arena off diminishing assets. The top priority at USPS should be a real campaign to sell the United States Power Squadrons. Thank heavens that name change dialogue is gone from the PSML. I suggest we take our new Marketing Director out of the inventory business and put him to work devising something better than Olive Oil and Popeye ( that shouldn't be too hard.. "...Proud to be District 5..." b -----Original Message----- From: Kay Simkins [mailto:tolenut at comcast.net] Sent: Monday, May 12, 2008 9:25 PM To: Brian Becker Subject: Re: [D-plan-net] Bowsprit Award Refocus Brian see if you can open this Adobe copy. Kay ----- Original Message ----- From: Brian Becker To: 'Kay Simkins' Sent: Monday, May 12, 2008 8:53 PM Subject: RE: [D-plan-net] Bowsprit Award Refocus Greetings. It has been a while since we have been in touch. I have read the message, but I cannot comment on the ppt because I cannot open it. No clue as to why, it just says "it can't open it". "...Proud to be District 5..." b -----Original Message----- From: d-plan-net-bounces at usps.org [mailto:d-plan-net-bounces at usps.org] On Behalf Of Kay Simkins Sent: Sunday, May 11, 2008 8:50 PM To: d-plan-net at usps.org Subject: [D-plan-net] Bowsprit Award Refocus District Planning Network Message May 2008 TO: District Planning Committee Chairmen Cc: District Commanders As you know, D-Plan-Net was established as a forum for district planning committees to discuss and share ideas and concerns in the interest of providing benefit to USPS members. If you are no longer on the district planning committee, please forward this to the new chair. We welcome the new members to our network. Recently there has been concern with regard to the Bowsprit Program and associated award. Although the criteria for earning a Bowsprit Award has changed from time to time, recent discussion has centered on the value of the program as a management tool that helps squadrons, and therefore districts, focus on priority issues. Attached is a Power Point proposal as submitted to the National Planning Committee by District 33 Commander Jose Rivera, AP. This Power Point presentation outlines one proposal for restructuring the Bowsprit Award. The National Planning Committee, with the support of the Bowsprit Program Administrator, P/D/C Brian Logan, SN, is interested in your thoughts and ideas concerning this proposal and the Bowsprit program in general. We encourage you to join in the discussion and offer your comments, ideas, and suggestions. Respond by replying to d-plan-net at usps.org before I June 2008. As you are aware, the Bowsprit program, which focuses on the cumulative efforts of squadrons, does not report on the individual achievements of a district's squadrons. Forgoing any further developments that may change the Bowsprit program as it currently operates, districts might consider creating your own District Bowsprit Award for their squadrons. Several districts are doing just that. All the data that is sent to HQ is also collected at the district level. A district could choose the same categories for the award or tailor the categories to fit the areas of greatest concern. Squadrons would be challenged to outperform their own achievements from the previous year. In this fashion they are only competing with themselves. This simplified version makes for easy accounting without complex formulas. Squadrons either did better or worse in any given category for the commander's entire year. The primary importance of the program is to create awareness of the activities and each squadron's progress and to identify the areas where squadrons and/or the district may better focus its efforts. Awards can be determined locally with Honor Roll status, etc. If a single "top" squadron is necessary, the percentages of all the categories could be averaged and compared. Some districts have developed a "Star Program" that may be a bit more complicated. The purpose of these programs enables district personnel to better assess and address the needs of their squadrons when studied and applied by squadron and district personnel. Several district personnel would be tasked to communicate and collect data from their squadron counterparts. We always encourage this type communication. Goals and action plans can then be developed from these studies to assist squadrons. The Planning Committee Manual, found at our Web site, has information on developing these types of strategies. Another important issue concerns the qualifications of district personnel. The Planning Committee tries not to enter into local "politics." It is our belief that many governance issues, such as the qualifications of commanders, should be handled at the local levels whether squadron or district. The requirements for the district commander or other positions should be compatible with their bylaws or, in some cases, the "Policy Manual" that provides guidance. The local Nominating Committee should be following the policies and bylaws of their local unit. We suggest that the local planning committee or rules committee prepare a proposal that would satisfy the concerns within your district. Resolutions from the districts go to the Governing Board and are then assigned to a national committee for further study. Resolutions do help by making desired changes. Remember, we would like hear from you and get your feedback on the District 33 proposal by 1 June 2008. The information will then be summarized and reported on the d-plan-net and sent to various involved committees. Thank you. We are listening. National Planning Committee d-plan-net at usps.org -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.usps.org/pipermail/d-plan-net/attachments/20080514/f62a9aad/attachment-0001.html From tolenut at comcast.net Fri May 23 11:04:31 2008 From: tolenut at comcast.net (Kay Simkins) Date: Fri, 23 May 2008 11:04:31 -0400 Subject: [D-plan-net] Fw: Bowsprit Award Message-ID: <03ee01c8bce6$51d8c5c0$6601a8c0@kayscomputer> TO: District Planning Committee Chairmen cc to: District Commanders From: National Planning Committee Not too long ago you received a proposal from D/C Rivera of D33 pertaining to the Bowsprit Award. Now that you have had some time to read the proposal the National Planning Committee needs your thoughts, concerns and ideas. In addition, we would appreciate your taking a moment and answering the following questions pertaining to Bowsprit: Do you use the data sent to you included in the Bowsprit reports? Is there additional information that would be more helpful to you?" Has your district earned Bowsprit? Is Bowsprit something you are interested in or does your district ignore the reports and award? If so why? Please respond by sending your answers and comments back on the d-plan-net at usps.org. within a week of receipt. Thank you National Planning Committee United States Power Squadrons Boating is fun.we'll show you how -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.usps.org/pipermail/d-plan-net/attachments/20080523/629cf3b9/attachment.html -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: image/jpeg Size: 1834 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://www.usps.org/pipermail/d-plan-net/attachments/20080523/629cf3b9/attachment.jpe From damnrich at wavecable.com Fri May 23 12:23:14 2008 From: damnrich at wavecable.com (MARK RICHEY) Date: Fri, 23 May 2008 09:23:14 -0700 Subject: [D-plan-net] Fw: Bowsprit Award In-Reply-To: <03ee01c8bce6$51d8c5c0$6601a8c0@kayscomputer> References: <03ee01c8bce6$51d8c5c0$6601a8c0@kayscomputer> Message-ID: Hello Kay, Just some comments from the DC. Hopefully the Planning Chair will answer. We look at the Bowsprit data but the membership reports tend to be more important to us. We are using the "Commanders Challenge" to determine squadron level activity. This is a take off from the "Star Program" and is facilitated for our district by Frank Dvorak. It sets measurable goals and allows the squadrons to compete with each other to exceed the goals. D/C Mark Richey, JN District 16 On Fri, 23 May 2008 11:04:31 -0400 "Kay Simkins" wrote: > > > > > > TO: District Planning Committee Chairmen > cc to: District Commanders >From: National Planning Committee > > Not too long ago you received a proposal from D/C Rivera >of D33 pertaining to the Bowsprit Award. Now that you >have had some time to read the proposal the National >Planning Committee needs your thoughts, concerns and >ideas. In addition, we would appreciate your taking a >moment and answering the following questions pertaining >to Bowsprit: > Do you use the data sent to you included in the Bowsprit >reports? > Is there additional information that would be more >helpful to you?" Has your district earned Bowsprit? > Is Bowsprit something you are interested in or does your >district ignore the reports and award? If so why? > > Please respond by sending your answers and comments back >on the d-plan-net at usps.org. within a week of receipt. > > Thank you > National Planning Committee > > United States > > Power Squadrons > > > > Boating is fun.we'll show you how From tonyrive at caribe.net Sat May 24 00:55:41 2008 From: tonyrive at caribe.net (Tony Rivera) Date: Sat, 24 May 2008 00:55:41 -0400 Subject: [D-plan-net] Fw: Bowsprit Award In-Reply-To: <03ee01c8bce6$51d8c5c0$6601a8c0@kayscomputer> Message-ID: <6tm66h$19hlhpr@avas5.coqui.net> Hi OK Kay, so I'm biased. The Bowsprit is many times more useful to the squadron commanders as the management tool described in Refocus. The changes to achieve that transformation are recognizably difficult if done manually every month, It therefore may require a very close look with an eye to get it done. It' probable much easier to have this change accomplished by reprogramming the computer software. The resulting management tool envisioned here will make the difference between day and night for any squadron commander planning strategies. Rivera D33 _____ From: d-plan-net-bounces at usps.org [mailto:d-plan-net-bounces at usps.org] On Behalf Of Kay Simkins Sent: Friday, May 23, 2008 11:05 AM To: d-plan-net at usps.org Subject: [D-plan-net] Fw: Bowsprit Award TO: District Planning Committee Chairmen cc to: District Commanders From: National Planning Committee Not too long ago you received a proposal from D/C Rivera of D33 pertaining to the Bowsprit Award. Now that you have had some time to read the proposal the National Planning Committee needs your thoughts, concerns and ideas. In addition, we would appreciate your taking a moment and answering the following questions pertaining to Bowsprit: Do you use the data sent to you included in the Bowsprit reports? Is there additional information that would be more helpful to you?" Has your district earned Bowsprit? Is Bowsprit something you are interested in or does your district ignore the reports and award? If so why? Please respond by sending your answers and comments back on the d-plan-net at usps.org. within a week of receipt. Thank you National Planning Committee United States Power Squadrons Boating is fun.we'll show you how -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.usps.org/pipermail/d-plan-net/attachments/20080524/ed8a36fe/attachment-0001.html -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: image/jpeg Size: 1834 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://www.usps.org/pipermail/d-plan-net/attachments/20080524/ed8a36fe/attachment-0001.jpe From sewell3 at juno.com Thu May 29 16:49:12 2008 From: sewell3 at juno.com (Marion E Sewell) Date: Thu, 29 May 2008 16:49:12 -0400 Subject: [D-plan-net] Bow Sprit Message-ID: <20080529.164912.2812.1.Sewell3@juno.com> If we look at the information it is not correct. It does not have up to date info because of timing problems. In addition the current commander is credited for the work that the previous commander did. D/7 has its own Commanders Award program. Doug ____________________________________________________________ When you don't have health insurance is when you'll need it the most. Click here to get insured. http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL2141/fc/Ioyw6i3mJgFnsBvbgPPfMGkQ75plPUPykuBOh3795XkXWBZFrJ7Eeb/ From glenn111 at bellsouth.net Thu May 29 18:47:46 2008 From: glenn111 at bellsouth.net (glenn111 at bellsouth.net) Date: Thu, 29 May 2008 17:47:46 -0500 Subject: [D-plan-net] Bow Sprit References: <20080529.164912.2812.1.Sewell3@juno.com> Message-ID: <004b01c8c1de$0412f1b0$6b01a8c0@Glenn111> Would be interested in see that plan. Can you send me a copy. Glenn Roy D15 Cdr. ----- Original Message ----- From: "Marion E Sewell" To: Sent: Thursday, May 29, 2008 3:49 PM Subject: [D-plan-net] Bow Sprit > If we look at the information it is not correct. It does not have up to > date info because of timing problems. In addition the current commander > is credited for the work that the previous commander did. D/7 has its own > Commanders Award program. Doug > ____________________________________________________________ > When you don't have health insurance is when you'll need it the most. > Click here to get insured. > http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL2141/fc/Ioyw6i3mJgFnsBvbgPPfMGkQ75plPUPykuBOh3795XkXWBZFrJ7Eeb/ > _______________________________________________ > D-Plan-Net mailing list > D-Plan-Net at usps.org > http://www.usps.org/mailman/listinfo/d-plan-net > From tonyrive at caribe.net Thu May 29 21:54:56 2008 From: tonyrive at caribe.net (Tony Rivera) Date: Thu, 29 May 2008 21:54:56 -0400 Subject: [D-plan-net] FW: Bow Sprit Message-ID: <6tm2ae$17121ir@avas3.coqui.net> Hi Glenn Under "Refocus" we not only have continuous online updates to eliminate timing problems, but we can also change cutoff dates for SC yearly accountability. -----Original Message----- From: d-plan-net-bounces at usps.org [mailto:d-plan-net-bounces at usps.org] On Behalf Of glenn111 at bellsouth.net Sent: Thursday, May 29, 2008 6:48 PM To: Planning-related communication forum for district and nationalplanningcommittee members and other interested parties. Subject: Re: [D-plan-net] Bow Sprit Would be interested in see that plan. Can you send me a copy. Glenn Roy D15 Cdr. ----- Original Message ----- From: "Marion E Sewell" To: Sent: Thursday, May 29, 2008 3:49 PM Subject: [D-plan-net] Bow Sprit > If we look at the information it is not correct. It does not have up to > date info because of timing problems. In addition the current commander > is credited for the work that the previous commander did. D/7 has its own > Commanders Award program. Doug > ____________________________________________________________ > When you don't have health insurance is when you'll need it the most. > Click here to get insured. > http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL2141/fc/Ioyw6i3mJgFnsBvbgPPfMGkQ75plPUPy kuBOh3795XkXWBZFrJ7Eeb/ > _______________________________________________ > D-Plan-Net mailing list > D-Plan-Net at usps.org > http://www.usps.org/mailman/listinfo/d-plan-net > _______________________________________________ D-Plan-Net mailing list D-Plan-Net at usps.org http://www.usps.org/mailman/listinfo/d-plan-net -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: Refocus.ppt Type: application/vnd.ms-powerpoint Size: 9965568 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://www.usps.org/pipermail/d-plan-net/attachments/20080529/ca6acfd8/attachment-0001.ppt From d2brooks at comcast.net Fri May 30 14:01:22 2008 From: d2brooks at comcast.net (Dave & Denise Brooks) Date: Fri, 30 May 2008 14:01:22 -0400 Subject: [D-plan-net] FW: Bow Sprit In-Reply-To: <6tm2ae$17121ir@avas3.coqui.net> Message-ID: <200805301811.m4UIBLIW015778@usps.usps.org> Maybe the starting point is to do an inventory of districts and, if they have their own award systems, create an overview of what they are, what the measures are, how they operate and include notes on the things that do and don't work. It would be a great tool for districts that would like to create a system. It could also support discussion at the national level. Is there interest? I already have the information from two districts who are represented on PlanCom and was planning to make some calls and/or emails to do some of this work anyway over the next month or so to lay the groundwork for a system to propose for our district. I figure it doesn't make sense to reinvent the wheel and there are a lot of people out there with tons of experience. If your district has an award system other than Bowsprit that measures overall squadron accomplishment in some way would you please send me your overview/description or a link to where I can find the information on your website? Your comments on what works and what doesn't would be appreciated as well. I'll be happy to put the information together in a spreadsheet that can then be sent back out for review and/or discussion. Who knows, even districts that have effective programs may find new ideas! Denise Brooks D-9 Cdr and member PlanCom -----Original Message----- From: d-plan-net-bounces at usps.org [mailto:d-plan-net-bounces at usps.org] On Behalf Of Tony Rivera Sent: Thursday, May 29, 2008 9:55 PM To: d-plan-net at usps.org Cc: glenn111 at bellsouth.net; 'Marion E Sewell' Subject: [D-plan-net] FW: Bow Sprit Hi Glenn Under "Refocus" we not only have continuous online updates to eliminate timing problems, but we can also change cutoff dates for SC yearly accountability. -----Original Message----- From: d-plan-net-bounces at usps.org [mailto:d-plan-net-bounces at usps.org] On Behalf Of glenn111 at bellsouth.net Sent: Thursday, May 29, 2008 6:48 PM To: Planning-related communication forum for district and nationalplanningcommittee members and other interested parties. Subject: Re: [D-plan-net] Bow Sprit Would be interested in see that plan. Can you send me a copy. Glenn Roy D15 Cdr. ----- Original Message ----- From: "Marion E Sewell" To: Sent: Thursday, May 29, 2008 3:49 PM Subject: [D-plan-net] Bow Sprit > If we look at the information it is not correct. It does not have up to > date info because of timing problems. In addition the current commander > is credited for the work that the previous commander did. D/7 has its own > Commanders Award program. Doug > ____________________________________________________________ > When you don't have health insurance is when you'll need it the most. > Click here to get insured. > http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL2141/fc/Ioyw6i3mJgFnsBvbgPPfMGkQ75plPUPy kuBOh3795XkXWBZFrJ7Eeb/ > _______________________________________________ > D-Plan-Net mailing list > D-Plan-Net at usps.org > http://www.usps.org/mailman/listinfo/d-plan-net > _______________________________________________ D-Plan-Net mailing list D-Plan-Net at usps.org http://www.usps.org/mailman/listinfo/d-plan-net From jlhamilton at marathonoil.com Fri May 30 18:13:11 2008 From: jlhamilton at marathonoil.com (Hamilton, Jean) Date: Fri, 30 May 2008 17:13:11 -0500 Subject: [D-plan-net] Bowsprit Award Refocus References: <012701c8b3ca$2fe52050$6401a8c0@kayscomputer> Message-ID: Kay: I'm currently waaaaay out on the Outer Banks with very intermittent internet (where I've been since 16 May).. I have a lot of comments re: both Bowsprit & the D/33 proposal. Some of my thoughts are organized, some not yet...I will be sending you some comments mid-week if you will allow me to miss the deadline by a couple of days. I'll be in route home this weekend. I think the Bowsprit Program is a very top-down approach with little or no impact or motivation at the district or squadron level and have some alternate suggestions. The current program and the revised proposal leave out a lot of USPS activities. I'm also sure we discussed some of the proposals (especially the D/C requirements) with negative feedback at the Dallas DC-DXO meeting. Don't any of you remember that? regards, Jean R/C Jean L. Hamilton, SN United States Power Squadrons Assistant National Secretary District 21 Commander Houston Sail & Power Squadron. -----Original Message----- From: d-plan-net-bounces at usps.org on behalf of Kay Simkins Sent: Sun 5/11/2008 7:50 PM To: d-plan-net at usps.org Subject: [D-plan-net] Bowsprit Award Refocus District Planning Network Message May 2008 TO: District Planning Committee Chairmen Cc: District Commanders As you know, D-Plan-Net was established as a forum for district planning committees to discuss and share ideas and concerns in the interest of providing benefit to USPS members. If you are no longer on the district planning committee, please forward this to the new chair. We welcome the new members to our network. Recently there has been concern with regard to the Bowsprit Program and associated award. Although the criteria for earning a Bowsprit Award has changed from time to time, recent discussion has centered on the value of the program as a management tool that helps squadrons, and therefore districts, focus on priority issues. Attached is a Power Point proposal as submitted to the National Planning Committee by District 33 Commander Jose Rivera, AP. This Power Point presentation outlines one proposal for restructuring the Bowsprit Award. The National Planning Committee, with the support of the Bowsprit Program Administrator, P/D/C Brian Logan, SN, is interested in your thoughts and ideas concerning this proposal and the Bowsprit program in general. We encourage you to join in the discussion and offer your comments, ideas, and suggestions. Respond by replying to d-plan-net at usps.org before I June 2008. As you are aware, the Bowsprit program, which focuses on the cumulative efforts of squadrons, does not report on the individual achievements of a district's squadrons. Forgoing any further developments that may change the Bowsprit program as it currently operates, districts might consider creating your own District Bowsprit Award for their squadrons. Several districts are doing just that. All the data that is sent to HQ is also collected at the district level. A district could choose the same categories for the award or tailor the categories to fit the areas of greatest concern. Squadrons would be challenged to outperform their own achievements from the previous year. In this fashion they are only competing with themselves. This simplified version makes for easy accounting without complex formulas. Squadrons either did better or worse in any given category for the commander's entire year. The primary importance of the program is to create awareness of the activities and each squadron's progress and to identify the areas where squadrons and/or the district may better focus its efforts. Awards can be determined locally with Honor Roll status, etc. If a single "top" squadron is necessary, the percentages of all the categories could be averaged and compared. Some districts have developed a "Star Program" that may be a bit more complicated. The purpose of these programs enables district personnel to better assess and address the needs of their squadrons when studied and applied by squadron and district personnel. Several district personnel would be tasked to communicate and collect data from their squadron counterparts. We always encourage this type communication. Goals and action plans can then be developed from these studies to assist squadrons. The Planning Committee Manual, found at our Web site, has information on developing these types of strategies. Another important issue concerns the qualifications of district personnel. The Planning Committee tries not to enter into local "politics." It is our belief that many governance issues, such as the qualifications of commanders, should be handled at the local levels whether squadron or district. The requirements for the district commander or other positions should be compatible with their bylaws or, in some cases, the "Policy Manual" that provides guidance. The local Nominating Committee should be following the policies and bylaws of their local unit. We suggest that the local planning committee or rules committee prepare a proposal that would satisfy the concerns within your district. Resolutions from the districts go to the Governing Board and are then assigned to a national committee for further study. Resolutions do help by making desired changes. Remember, we would like hear from you and get your feedback on the District 33 proposal by 1 June 2008. The information will then be summarized and reported on the d-plan-net and sent to various involved committees. Thank you. We are listening. National Planning Committee d-plan-net at usps.org -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.usps.org/pipermail/d-plan-net/attachments/20080530/82811af0/attachment.html From ludlowlady at gnrac.net Fri May 30 18:48:50 2008 From: ludlowlady at gnrac.net (Carolyn) Date: Fri, 30 May 2008 15:48:50 -0700 Subject: [D-plan-net] Bowsprit Award Refocus References: <012701c8b3ca$2fe52050$6401a8c0@kayscomputer> Message-ID: <001301c8c2a7$54250b60$d79a7118@wavecable.com> RE: [D-plan-net] Bowsprit Award RefocusHi, This is the junior Past District Commander from Distric 16. We have had a very successful "Commanders Challenge", very similar to the "Star" program. It is spearheaded by V/C Frank Dovorak, SN from one of our squadrons (Bellevue, WA). Over the past few years, we (the District Bridge) have included more and more of the squadron bridge members in the information phase of the program, feeling that more who know will mean more participate. With the numbers increasing (membership and participation), I feel it is a great way to have more and more people get involved. V/C Frank has been open to our requests and concerns and has been very helpful in implementing new a different things each year. It must be a "bottom-up" rather than a "top-down" program. Get people involved and they will make it their own, not just the bridge members. Thanks for listening, P/D/C Carolyn Black, AP District 16 ----- Original Message ----- From: Hamilton, Jean To: Kay Simkins ; d-plan-net at usps.org Sent: Friday, May 30, 2008 3:13 PM Subject: Re: [D-plan-net] Bowsprit Award Refocus Kay: I'm currently waaaaay out on the Outer Banks with very intermittent internet (where I've been since 16 May).. I have a lot of comments re: both Bowsprit & the D/33 proposal. Some of my thoughts are organized, some not yet...I will be sending you some comments mid-week if you will allow me to miss the deadline by a couple of days. I'll be in route home this weekend. I think the Bowsprit Program is a very top-down approach with little or no impact or motivation at the district or squadron level and have some alternate suggestions. The current program and the revised proposal leave out a lot of USPS activities. I'm also sure we discussed some of the proposals (especially the D/C requirements) with negative feedback at the Dallas DC-DXO meeting. Don't any of you remember that? regards, Jean R/C Jean L. Hamilton, SN United States Power Squadrons Assistant National Secretary District 21 Commander Houston Sail & Power Squadron. -----Original Message----- From: d-plan-net-bounces at usps.org on behalf of Kay Simkins Sent: Sun 5/11/2008 7:50 PM To: d-plan-net at usps.org Subject: [D-plan-net] Bowsprit Award Refocus District Planning Network Message May 2008 TO: District Planning Committee Chairmen Cc: District Commanders As you know, D-Plan-Net was established as a forum for district planning committees to discuss and share ideas and concerns in the interest of providing benefit to USPS members. If you are no longer on the district planning committee, please forward this to the new chair. We welcome the new members to our network. Recently there has been concern with regard to the Bowsprit Program and associated award. Although the criteria for earning a Bowsprit Award has changed from time to time, recent discussion has centered on the value of the program as a management tool that helps squadrons, and therefore districts, focus on priority issues. Attached is a Power Point proposal as submitted to the National Planning Committee by District 33 Commander Jose Rivera, AP. This Power Point presentation outlines one proposal for restructuring the Bowsprit Award. The National Planning Committee, with the support of the Bowsprit Program Administrator, P/D/C Brian Logan, SN, is interested in your thoughts and ideas concerning this proposal and the Bowsprit program in general. We encourage you to join in the discussion and offer your comments, ideas, and suggestions. Respond by replying to d-plan-net at usps.org before I June 2008. As you are aware, the Bowsprit program, which focuses on the cumulative efforts of squadrons, does not report on the individual achievements of a district's squadrons. Forgoing any further developments that may change the Bowsprit program as it currently operates, districts might consider creating your own District Bowsprit Award for their squadrons. Several districts are doing just that. All the data that is sent to HQ is also collected at the district level. A district could choose the same categories for the award or tailor the categories to fit the areas of greatest concern. Squadrons would be challenged to outperform their own achievements from the previous year. In this fashion they are only competing with themselves. This simplified version makes for easy accounting without complex formulas. Squadrons either did better or worse in any given category for the commander's entire year. The primary importance of the program is to create awareness of the activities and each squadron's progress and to identify the areas where squadrons and/or the district may better focus its efforts. Awards can be determined locally with Honor Roll status, etc. If a single "top" squadron is necessary, the percentages of all the categories could be averaged and compared. Some districts have developed a "Star Program" that may be a bit more complicated. The purpose of these programs enables district personnel to better assess and address the needs of their squadrons when studied and applied by squadron and district personnel. Several district personnel would be tasked to communicate and collect data from their squadron counterparts. We always encourage this type communication. Goals and action plans can then be developed from these studies to assist squadrons. The Planning Committee Manual, found at our Web site, has information on developing these types of strategies. Another important issue concerns the qualifications of district personnel. The Planning Committee tries not to enter into local "politics." It is our belief that many governance issues, such as the qualifications of commanders, should be handled at the local levels whether squadron or district. The requirements for the district commander or other positions should be compatible with their bylaws or, in some cases, the "Policy Manual" that provides guidance. The local Nominating Committee should be following the policies and bylaws of their local unit. We suggest that the local planning committee or rules committee prepare a proposal that would satisfy the concerns within your district. Resolutions from the districts go to the Governing Board and are then assigned to a national committee for further study. Resolutions do help by making desired changes. Remember, we would like hear from you and get your feedback on the District 33 proposal by 1 June 2008. The information will then be summarized and reported on the d-plan-net and sent to various involved committees. Thank you. We are listening. National Planning Committee d-plan-net at usps.org ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ _______________________________________________ D-Plan-Net mailing list D-Plan-Net at usps.org http://www.usps.org/mailman/listinfo/d-plan-net -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.usps.org/pipermail/d-plan-net/attachments/20080530/42c00922/attachment-0001.html -------------- next part -------------- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG. Version: 7.5.524 / Virus Database: 269.24.3/1472 - Release Date: 5/29/08 7:27 AM From tolenut at comcast.net Fri May 30 18:44:42 2008 From: tolenut at comcast.net (Kay Simkins) Date: Fri, 30 May 2008 18:44:42 -0400 Subject: [D-plan-net] Bowsprit Award Refocus References: <012701c8b3ca$2fe52050$6401a8c0@kayscomputer> Message-ID: <00ed01c8c2a6$c1eccb20$6601a8c0@kayscomputer> RE: [D-plan-net] Bowsprit Award RefocusRe deadline/response Jean-enjoy the Outer Banks. I am envious. The deadline is really a guide. We welcome responses whether they are a day or week or more after the deadline. The purpose for this one was to have time to study responses and prepare for Board of Directors meetings. Be assured that we look forward to your response and the thoughts/comments from other districts that have not, as yet, replied. Regards, Kay Kay Simkins, AP P/D/C National Planning Committee tolenut at comcast.net 410-394-0359 ----- Original Message ----- From: Hamilton, Jean To: Kay Simkins ; d-plan-net at usps.org Sent: Friday, May 30, 2008 6:13 PM Subject: RE: [D-plan-net] Bowsprit Award Refocus Kay: I'm currently waaaaay out on the Outer Banks with very intermittent internet (where I've been since 16 May).. I have a lot of comments re: both Bowsprit & the D/33 proposal. Some of my thoughts are organized, some not yet...I will be sending you some comments mid-week if you will allow me to miss the deadline by a couple of days. I'll be in route home this weekend. I think the Bowsprit Program is a very top-down approach with little or no impact or motivation at the district or squadron level and have some alternate suggestions. The current program and the revised proposal leave out a lot of USPS activities. I'm also sure we discussed some of the proposals (especially the D/C requirements) with negative feedback at the Dallas DC-DXO meeting. Don't any of you remember that? regards, Jean R/C Jean L. Hamilton, SN United States Power Squadrons Assistant National Secretary District 21 Commander Houston Sail & Power Squadron. -----Original Message----- From: d-plan-net-bounces at usps.org on behalf of Kay Simkins Sent: Sun 5/11/2008 7:50 PM To: d-plan-net at usps.org Subject: [D-plan-net] Bowsprit Award Refocus District Planning Network Message May 2008 TO: District Planning Committee Chairmen Cc: District Commanders As you know, D-Plan-Net was established as a forum for district planning committees to discuss and share ideas and concerns in the interest of providing benefit to USPS members. If you are no longer on the district planning committee, please forward this to the new chair. We welcome the new members to our network. Recently there has been concern with regard to the Bowsprit Program and associated award. Although the criteria for earning a Bowsprit Award has changed from time to time, recent discussion has centered on the value of the program as a management tool that helps squadrons, and therefore districts, focus on priority issues. Attached is a Power Point proposal as submitted to the National Planning Committee by District 33 Commander Jose Rivera, AP. This Power Point presentation outlines one proposal for restructuring the Bowsprit Award. The National Planning Committee, with the support of the Bowsprit Program Administrator, P/D/C Brian Logan, SN, is interested in your thoughts and ideas concerning this proposal and the Bowsprit program in general. We encourage you to join in the discussion and offer your comments, ideas, and suggestions. Respond by replying to d-plan-net at usps.org before I June 2008. As you are aware, the Bowsprit program, which focuses on the cumulative efforts of squadrons, does not report on the individual achievements of a district's squadrons. Forgoing any further developments that may change the Bowsprit program as it currently operates, districts might consider creating your own District Bowsprit Award for their squadrons. Several districts are doing just that. All the data that is sent to HQ is also collected at the district level. A district could choose the same categories for the award or tailor the categories to fit the areas of greatest concern. Squadrons would be challenged to outperform their own achievements from the previous year. In this fashion they are only competing with themselves. This simplified version makes for easy accounting without complex formulas. Squadrons either did better or worse in any given category for the commander's entire year. The primary importance of the program is to create awareness of the activities and each squadron's progress and to identify the areas where squadrons and/or the district may better focus its efforts. Awards can be determined locally with Honor Roll status, etc. If a single "top" squadron is necessary, the percentages of all the categories could be averaged and compared. Some districts have developed a "Star Program" that may be a bit more complicated. The purpose of these programs enables district personnel to better assess and address the needs of their squadrons when studied and applied by squadron and district personnel. Several district personnel would be tasked to communicate and collect data from their squadron counterparts. We always encourage this type communication. Goals and action plans can then be developed from these studies to assist squadrons. The Planning Committee Manual, found at our Web site, has information on developing these types of strategies. Another important issue concerns the qualifications of district personnel. The Planning Committee tries not to enter into local "politics." It is our belief that many governance issues, such as the qualifications of commanders, should be handled at the local levels whether squadron or district. The requirements for the district commander or other positions should be compatible with their bylaws or, in some cases, the "Policy Manual" that provides guidance. The local Nominating Committee should be following the policies and bylaws of their local unit. We suggest that the local planning committee or rules committee prepare a proposal that would satisfy the concerns within your district. Resolutions from the districts go to the Governing Board and are then assigned to a national committee for further study. Resolutions do help by making desired changes. Remember, we would like hear from you and get your feedback on the District 33 proposal by 1 June 2008. The information will then be summarized and reported on the d-plan-net and sent to various involved committees. Thank you. We are listening. National Planning Committee d-plan-net at usps.org -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.usps.org/pipermail/d-plan-net/attachments/20080530/d91925c0/attachment.html From hhaag at verizon.net Sat May 31 09:28:41 2008 From: hhaag at verizon.net (Harvey Haag) Date: Sat, 31 May 2008 09:28:41 -0400 Subject: [D-plan-net] Fw: Bowsprit Award References: <03ee01c8bce6$51d8c5c0$6601a8c0@kayscomputer> Message-ID: <006c01c8c322$3eb087c0$c601a8c0@tarzan> Kay, The D33 proposal to include squadron data may be helpful. Currently, the data does not really mean a thing to any of the squadrons. Putting more constraints on the DC is not going to solve the USPS membership problems. Since 9-11-01, people in general have reassessed their priorities towards family and things that they want to do. Service to others does not seem to have as high of a priority. I know this from being on the boards of several organizations and we are all facing the same problems. Personally, the structure of USPS is so regulated, that the free spirited person does not want to get involved. Also, National needs to promote its own organization. People still ask "What is the USPS?" . Many of our squadron members have quit to join the Coast Guard Aux where they feel their efforts are more recognized. Harvey Haag Cdr D11 ----- Original Message ----- From: Kay Simkins To: d-plan-net at usps.org Sent: Friday, May 23, 2008 11:04 AM Subject: [D-plan-net] Fw: Bowsprit Award TO: District Planning Committee Chairmen cc to: District Commanders From: National Planning Committee Not too long ago you received a proposal from D/C Rivera of D33 pertaining to the Bowsprit Award. Now that you have had some time to read the proposal the National Planning Committee needs your thoughts, concerns and ideas. In addition, we would appreciate your taking a moment and answering the following questions pertaining to Bowsprit: Do you use the data sent to you included in the Bowsprit reports? Is there additional information that would be more helpful to you?" Has your district earned Bowsprit? Is Bowsprit something you are interested in or does your district ignore the reports and award? If so why? Please respond by sending your answers and comments back on the d-plan-net at usps.org. within a week of receipt. Thank you National Planning Committee United States Power Squadrons Boating is fun.we'll show you how ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ _______________________________________________ D-Plan-Net mailing list D-Plan-Net at usps.org http://www.usps.org/mailman/listinfo/d-plan-net -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... 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