S TRETCHING G ROWING C HANGING Grow Masters – Al Penner and Marvin Wastell

K EEPING O PTIMIST C LUBS V IABLE IN T ODAY ’ S C HANGING W ORLD

R ECRUIT N EW M EMBERS

C OFFEE R ECRUITMENT P ROGRAM

“W OULD YOU LIKE TO GET A CUP OF COFFEE ?”

W HAT IF … If person does not drink coffee, suggest: Tea Wine Beer Meal

A ROMA OF COFFEE, FRESH BREAD, WIRELESS INTERNET PROVIDES SETTING FOR : Shared interests Information exchange Finding connections

M EETING P LACES Welcoming Surroundings Historically been meeting places for information exchange Setting for learning about improving the community Coffee shops, cafes, bakeries, etc.

S TEPS TO THE C OFFEE M EETING Invite and pay for coffee Engage – build relationship by asking questions Listen Find common interest Listen to learn: Contact information Person’s interests Likes and dislikes

Invite Avoid asking to join right away Match project and/or event with person’s interest Ask “Can you help me Help the Kids “

KEY IS B UILD R ELATIONSHIP Time to sit and build relationships With right setting people are more open to new ideas and possibilities Conversation - guide to helping kids through Optimist Club activities Start with friendly gesture Give opportunity to show interest Match interest with club activity

R ELATIONSHIP B UILDING T AKES T IME AND D EDICATION Results Strong relationship between members Stronger Optimist Club

U TILIZE N EW C OMMUNICATION Social Networking, facebook, etc. Twitter Personalized web site

R EMEMBER P ERSONAL C ONTACT Face to Face conversation Telephone Personal notes Personal letters

T HINK OUTSIDE THE BOX !!!

A DJUST CLUB STRUCTURE TO ATTRACT NEW MEMBERS TO HELP KIDS PLUS PROVIDE COMMUNITY SERVICE

J OINING Joining is not just signing the on the line Purpose of joining? Need to join? Sense of belonging? Prestigious to be a member? Committees present kids need?

F OCUS ON ACTIVITIES THAT HELP KIDS Music lessons for Foster kids Bicycle safety Car seat safety Oratorical Essay Punt, Pass, and Kick Pitch, Hit, and Run Soap Box Derby Academic Decathlon Gun Safety

M EMBER I NVOLVEMENT Involve new members in activities Match new member with mentors Review committees to expand and improve Organize interesting meetings Recognize changing needs of club members

I MPROVE C OMMUNICATION Excellent communicator listens more that he/she speaks Concerned about feedback Keeps messages simple, concise and clear Makes personal contacts Communicates in caring tones Uses current communication media, i.e. Facebook, Twitter, s

G ROUP S UCCESS Group climate Interesting meetings Meetings start and end on time Members interact with caring attitudes Committees conduct activities with defined objectives

R EFOCUS Reach out to members at the meeting and contact absent members Host social events to welcome new members Host thank you activities: casino night, spa night, attend sporting event, etc. Speed Connection – membership style: 4 minutes to share hobbies, special interests, important events, needs, activities Community needs assessment tour Meet in a circle Some things are out of your control - That’s OK Disarm excuses

N UMBERS Numbers Matter as much as unplanted Seeds It is What’s behind the Numbers that Count Club success Quality of community activities Quality of club meetings Emphasize quality and numbers will increase Capture, express and share excitement of being an Optimist – helping kids and fellow members Your passionate project will make a difference in the lives of others

N UMBERS ( CONTINUED ) Start with your favorite projects/activities for which you have a passion. Passion changes your philosophy and physiology People notice your passion and excitement – you will make a difference in others lives BECOME A TRUE OPTIMIST DO THE RIGHT THING!