2016 Council-Wide Roundtable Recruitment Seminar 2016 Council-Wide Roundtable
Agenda Strategy Best Practices Resources Online Applications Feedback
Strategy Program and recruitment are tied together We have a product parents want The sign-up process needs to be simple Engage parents immediately Do what works for your unit Membership committee is here to support your efforts Well-planned and run programs attract and retain youth their families. Parents whose children participate in great youth programs will recommend the program to their friends. Word of mouth is the still the most meaningful and effective recruitment tool. Alternatively, negative experiences will doubly hurt us.
Best Practices: Timeline August – September Back-to-school events Community events September – October School talks Join Scouting event (“sports-style” sign-up) Parent orientation Outdoor experience October – November Bring-A-Friend Follow-up
Best Practices: Promotion Unit social media presence and website Update BeAScout pin Display cases at schools, rec. centers, libraries chartered organization Yard signs, posters, marquees Marketing & Membership Hub
scoutingwire.org/marketing
Best Practices: Sign-Up Events Focus on education Eliminate the jargon No more field uniforms at sign-ups Station-to-station, open-house style; more like a sports sign-up, not presenter-style Follow-up with first meeting that includes a parent orientation Great first experience Proper program planning is critical to making this happen – is your unit calendar and budget Fall Fest is free for new Cub Scouts
Resources Membership committee Promotional materials Fliers Posters Yard signs Marketing materials Branded pop-up tents Banners colbsa.org District membership chairs and professionals help facilitate school relationships
Online Applications Beta test Front-end access through BeAScout.org Invitation and Application Manager for Unit Key-3 through My.Scouting.org Is your unit pin updated? scouting.org/onlineregistration Preparation checklist Training videos
scouting.org/onlineregistration
Feedback What support do you need? What ideas do you have? membership@colbsa.org