Is your club fading away? Recipe For a Thriving Club

No Silver Bullet What made your club successful before is not likely what will make your club successful now The sled world has changed and the people who are getting into the sport today are not the ones who created it or understand what it took to get to where we are Be patient and encouraging There is no single thing that will make it work

Location Where do you hold your club meetings? Do you have a venue that is inviting and caters to many different people? Recommendations Find a restaurant or brew house that will allow you to use their space for free and allow you to order off the menu instead of a limited menu Is it family friendly? Is it affordable for a family to attend?

Atmosphere Social Hour – The most important aspect! Are club leaders mingling with new members? Are new members made to feel welcome? Fun and Friendly Introduce new club members to others and invite them to sit together to make them feel included “Clicks” SUCK! 

The Meeting 1 hour total 20 min or less of business updates 30-40 min of fun/informative presentations Various presenters through the season Have a screen or TV to present visual aids Build Power Point presentations (offer help) End on time!

Content Business Update Presentations Business planning and discussions completed at Board meetings Updates on Events / Announcements / Budget / Membership /Etc… Presentations Power Point on a screen or TV Short Video Designed to help riders learn and be engaged Allow others to contribute / ask for guest speakers Ideas Riding areas / Equipment Maintenance / How to get unstuck How to lead a ride / Sled Recovery / Sled Towing / Towing Tips GPS use / First Aid / CPR / Community Guest Speakers / Etc…

Communication/Interaction Social Media Set up an interactive Facebook Page that riders can easily schedule rides and network with others Notifications are proactive engagement/reminders Don’t be afraid of what others will post If you are then set it up so that posts have to be approved Website Have a base structure that is current and useful Resources and information Don’t count on people proactively seeing items here

Rides! Set clear expectations for the club Avalanche Gear / No alcohol Ride Etiquette / “don’t be that guy” Schedule a Monthly Ride – (Why did I join the club) Schedule fun events Steak Ride / Military Ride / Family Day Set up rides based on skill level Beginner / Intermediate / Advanced (set expectations) Group size for each type of ride is important Have a plan that includes a back up ride leader/tail gunner Safety gear required (Set expectations…again )

Have FUN!!! Don’t take yourself or the club too serious Everyone there is a volunteer Make people “WANT” to be there Roll with it / nobody likes a dictator Empower others and encourage Be grateful for everyone’s help (recognition) Take the “meeting” out of the meeting Open up your board meetings to club members The general meeting should be designed to get people interested in the club so that they to want to attend the board meeting to “preserve the fun” This has to happen organically

Thank you Jon Ferrian  Family Man  WSSA Safety Chair/NWAC Board Cascade Drift Skippers/Northwest Glacier Cruisers/Sno-Jammers  Family Man 