427 Tips For Recruiting But Only 1 That You Must Remember!

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Today Discuss Context of Recruiting Tools Role Playing You tell us what works

1 Thing To Remember We Must ASK Families to Join

Research From North Florida Council December 2013 Existing and Prospective Scout Families

Authenticity Gap Respondents AGREE- Scouting offers life changing experiences youth cannot get anywhere else.

Authenticity Gap BUT... Scouting is not for families like mine Scouting is not easy to join BSA lags other organizations in innovation BSA lacks value for the money BSA lacks credible communication

Authenticity Gap Nearly HALF of families said “Nobody ever asked them to join.”

What Parents MUST HAVE To Commit To Your Pack Familiarity Time Commitment Cost

What Parents Also Like To Hear About Will it be fun? Will boys learn how to be on a team? Will boys learn to respect others? Will there be physical activity? Will boys learn new skills? Will boys learn to be better people?

Familiarity with Scouting is the most influential joining factor.

Decision Makers Dad is an Influencer. Mom is the Decision Maker

Barriers to Joining/Staying Family Commitments Financial Resources Unmet Expectations

How To Lose Families Promise Excitement Fun BB Guns Archery Camping Low Cost To Join Deliver Disorganized Boring Lack of Preparation Lack of Parent Engagement No BB Guns, Archery or Camping Low ROI

Expectations vs. Reality Parents Want: Interesting Fun Interactive Current Parents Don’t Want: Arts and Crafts Long Award Ceremonies Disorganization Poor Communication Lack of a Plan

What is Your Job?

Parents Have One Chance To Get It Right You have limited time with your son How does Scouting help you make the most of this limited time?

Develop Simple Statements ① Value Proposition for Your Pack ② What are the Joining Requirements ③ What is the Time Commitment ④ How are Parents Engaged ⑤ What is the Financial Commitment

What To Do ① Design a Pack Program to Exceed Parent and Scout Expectations ② Activities must meet Financial Investment ③ Present an Annual Calendar ④ Build Familiarity with Scouting

ASK

Resources Scouting.org/marketing

Recruiting & Retention Pledges

Round-Up Resource Guide Mecklenburg County Council, Boy Scouts of America 2015 Round-Up Resource Guide

Round-Up Timeline Beginning mid-August: School Open Houses/Meet Your Teacher Events Mid-August: mailing goes out to CMS Students Week of Aug 25: One coordinated Pack Recruitment Night -7:00 pm; Application Turn In site(s) open at each district Early September (14-24): School Nights For Scouting-7:00 pm; District-Announced Application Turn In site(s) September 26: Cub Scout Leader & Committee Training at Scouters’ Success Seminar September 30: DEADLINE to turn in new applications to meet Round-Up Goals October 3: “Trailblazer” Event at Belk Scout Camp October September August

What do we need to do before August? Bring-a-buddy to summer activities Get organized for Fall: – calendar –Determine Pack fees –Identify & train leaders Create/edit handout about your Pack Have parents promote your Pack thru social networking Set a new Scout recruitment goal for Round-Up

Time to Share What Round-Up techniques have worked for your Pack?

After Round Up Review Retention Pledge & check your Pack’s progress at monthly Committee meetings Seek feedback from Scout families Contact families who did not return in the Fall and ask why? COMMUNICATE well and often! Keep reminding Scouts about the Recruiter Strip & Master Recruiter awards Designate several fun events for Scouts to bring a buddy

Time to Share What other methods have worked for your Pack to recruit and retain Scouts throughout the year?