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Fellow Leaders,
For those who have been at the helm of a chapter for a while, this might seem a bit repetitive. Perhaps it is meant to be repetitive, as it is this repetition of good practices what will make us successful. What I want us to do is to stay focused on critical areas. We have set clear priorities for Division 16, and we begin to reap the fruits of that focus. All of us need to keep the focus on a program and system structure that will help us grow. There are so many things that you have to do as Chapter leaders, and believe me I know, but these areas are the ones we need to concentrate (following each topic a mini-strategy...you can be more creative; these are just ideas to support): Recruiting - Make a chapter goal for the month.
- Throw a challenge and reward (First person who recruits 20 gets a dinner for two paid at_____)
- Monthly recruiting drive (minimum once a month)
Retention- Have a goal! We need to support our Div Goal...we're beginning to have negative growth in this area. This is reversible.
- Assign a person to look at the roster. Print those about to expire/expired. Have their friends contact those people, so members renew their memberships (people are more apt to do something when a friend asks them). When no friends are identified (in the council or within your active members in the chapter), have two friendly people make contact via phone (personal touch always work...emails not always...most of the times these emails end in the "Recycle Bin")
Get POCs and Alternates - Private Orgs. Top 3, 5/6 (SSgt/TSgt), Airman Council. The POCs can brief about legislative initiatives, tailored to the audience. This POCs need to go to these meetings regularly. When this happens, those organizations will feel At Ease, knowing that we're not there to compete, but to form an alliance.
- RIGHT START. This is your Base Intro. Never under-estimate the power of being there. This lets the people going into the base know who are players, movers, and shakers. If you're not there, maybe you're not that important. As a minimum, you should have your contact info, booth, or something out there letting everyone know you're out there making things happen. Again, the personal touch is best. Have your POC be there to meet and greet/do chapter change of address and help others with questions.
Get organized- Develop your chapter calendar. Assign a person to update the calendar (bi-weekly).
- Advertise your events/meetings. Assign a person who's main responsibility is to advertise meetings and your bulletins (i,e. The Bullet).
- Events. If you have a small pool of volunteers or membership. Don't try to do everything under the sun. Pareto: 20% of the activities produce 80% of the results. No kidding...this is so true! Think about the activities you're going to be involved and stick to two or three events a year that will yield the highest impact (these events should at a minimum cover Americanisms...POW/MIA, Legislative Awareness Week, Angel Tree, Memorial Day). Assign POCs in advance.
- MEETINGS. Meet every month, but plan for a GRAND MEETING once a qtr. Get guest speakers for these meetings, invite supervisors and commanders, and recognize your Qtrly outstanding members. Assign a POC in advance.
- DO NOT RE-INVENT THE WHEEL. Ask other chapters if they have what you need (POW/MIA Scripts, Promoting Ceremonies, AF Ball, etc). Most likely they do. Get it and make it better!
Get together- One of our AFSA core values is fraternalism. Take the time to meet for an informal going-to-eat-out or BBQ in someone's house (bring the whole family)...you and your exec council need to meet regularly. I've found in my experience that much more is sometimes accomplished this way than having formal exec council meetings every month (don't get me wrong, these are important set agendas you heed to cover, but you also need the creativity that comes with leisure).
Recognize your people- Our members are the foundation of our success. They participate in activities that provide education support, organization and presentation of Americanism events in your organizations and much more service to our communities than we could list here. Recognize that support with a formal letter to the members leaders. Highlight the member's contribution to the chapter and the community. Present certificates at commanders calls. Make the presentation of annual chapter awards a visible event by using the local newspaper. The sky is the limit!
Share- Get involve in your base' private organizations when they need help (Make sure you wear an AFSA shirt on those activities). Help and share your experience with everyone.
Last NoteOne last note. PEOPLE, PEOPLE, PEOPLE...think PEOPLE...no, is not a typo. And no, I'm not getting old (well, maybe I am), but anyways...think PEOPLE. They want to be involved. They want to feel appreciated. They want to contribute. Remember: No involvement, no commitment. If you assign one POC as mentioned above, you will have quite an active chapter, plus those members will get others to help them. Tell those POCs to get an alternate...invite them to all your gatherings (discussed in item 5). Fellow leaders, stay motivated...we're in this together, and I can assure you, your involvement and AFSA experience is a very rewarding experience. Let's do it together. If you find your self puzzled or need ideas, pick up the phone...call me or any of the members of your Division. We're here to help you achieve mighty success! Always motivated, Chief LugoSantiago
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