[Psml] Growing USPS Membership by 2,700

[Craig McConnaughey]

Bob Sweet
ANEO

Bob,

Regarding the 2,700 letters sent to Auxiliarists (who have declined future 
CGAux membership) suggesting they consider USPS membership, some individuals 
will respond to our organization and many others will simply fade away.

I feel that there is still another marketing step to be taken that will 
enhance USPS' chances of capturing the talent of these 2,700 Auxiliarists. 
If CGAux National Commodore, Steve Budar, were to provide C/C Marshburn the 
mailing list, USPS National could segment the list by zip code and forward 
that information to the responsible Districts (further dissemination to 
responsible squadrons) who could then make personal contact with the 
individuals.  I submit that significantly more conversions will take place 
if this next step is taken.

Districts and/or Squadrons might also decide to invite these past 
Auxiliarists to a special informative event where they would meet with local 
USPS members and better evaluate squadron personalities and  the benefits of 
USPS membership.

I believe this is a reasonable request of N/C Steve Budar, if made by C/C 
Marshburn, and something that would further benefit both organizations.

Twenty Seven Hundred experienced and talented new members is indeed a unique 
USPS opportunity that should be pursued aggressively.

P/C Craig McConnaughey
Diablo Squadron, D25
Craig at McConnaughey.com


> R. Sweet wrote:
>> John and All,
>>
>> We have made a conscious move to open USPS to CGAux members.  Most
>> Auxiliarists are experienced boaters who clearly have interest in 
>> offering
>> their services and participating in a boating organization.
>>
>> The Ed Dept has opened the door by accepting certain CGAux Educational
>> programs as meeting the requirements of some of our courses.  In 
>> particular,
>> we will accept the full CGAux BS&S program for our Seamanship; their BCN 
>> for
>> our Piloting; and the ACN for our Advanced Piloting.
>>
>> As to accepting a CGAux member, or any other applicant, that is up to the
>> squadron that the individual applies to.  There is no automatic 
>> acceptance.
>>
>> At the Annual Meeting C/C Marshburn announced that he and Steve Budar,
>> National Commodore of the CGAux, would be sending a letter to those
>> Auxiliarists who recently declined to continue their membership due to 
>> the
>> security requirement imposed by Homeland Security.  That letter would 
>> invite
>> these individuals to apply to USPS for membership.
>>
>> By all rights, we should welcome these folks with open arms.  That is not 
>> to
>> say that we must accept them - that is a local squadron decision.  The
>> security requirement to retain CGAux membership is considered by many to 
>> be
>> quite onerous and intrusive, especially for a volunteer organization. 
>> From
>> the Homeland Security perspective, CGAux members are likely to be exposed 
>> to
>> sensitive information and operations in the performance of their 
>> volunteer
>> duties.  This is not a simple criminal background check, but far more
>> extensive.  Declining to undergo this investigation in no way should be
>> considered a negative statement about the individual.  It's a matter of
>> personal choice.
>>
>> As an organization of boaters, furthering boating and fellowship with
>> boaters, we could probably not find a better group of potential members. 
>> We
>> also want to welcome current and continuing CGAux members as well.  We 
>> are
>> different organizations doing different things - not competitors.  I, for
>> one, welcome dual membership and believe that current and former CGAux
>> members should be welcome and respected in USPS.
>>
>> Regards,
>>
>> Bob Sweet
>> ANEO