Gold Wing Road Riders Association Membership Enhancement Program Couple of the Year Program Updated: December 2010

History Instituted in 1988 Successor to selecting a Wing Ding Queen Began as a way to honor Couples on the local level Evolved into a useful tool for identifying and helping a Couple prepare for leadership positions within GWRRA

Purpose Provides an opportunity for local Chapters to recognize and honor a Couple each year Establishes a process for identifying outstanding Couples It is acceptable to seek information outside of your Chapter, District or Region regarding the Couple of the Year Program

Honor or Responsibility Chapter Level –Honor District - Region - International Level –Responsibility –Commitment

Chapter Couple of the Year Requirements –Couple consists of one male and one female –Both must have an Individual or Family Membership in GWRRA –Associate Members are eligible to participate at the Chapter Level only –Membership must be valid through the term of the Couple of the Year position

Chapter Couple of the Year –A Couple must have completed at least one year Membership prior to being honored as Chapter Couple of the Year –A Chapter Couple of the Year may not serve more than two consecutive years as a Chapter Couple of the Year

Chapter Couple of the Year Selection –The Chapter Couple of the Year should be enthusiastic about GWRRA The Chapter Eager to assist whenever needed

Chapter Couple of the Year –No consideration should be given to whether or not a Couple might participate in the District Selection process –The Selection of a Chapter Couple of the Year is for the SOLE purpose of honoring a Couple

Chapter Couple of the Year –The Chapter Director may appoint a Couple of the Year Coordinator to oversee the Selection –Many Chapter establish a committee to identify candidates –The Chapter Couple of the Year must serve a minimum of three months prior to participating in the District Selection Process.

Chapter Couple of the Year Make a “Big Deal” when announcing the Chapter Couple of the Year –Some Chapters announce the Couple of the Year at: A Christmas Party A Picnic A Fun Day A regular Chapter Gathering

Chapter Couple of the Year Awards & Recognition Based on what a Chapter can afford Should be meaningful and lasting Recommend the Couple of the Year be featured in the next Chapter Newsletter

Chapter Couple of the Year Awards suggestions: –Plaque or certificate –Flowers –Crowns –Couple of the Year pins with Chapter hangar bars –Chapter Couple of the Year name tags

Chapter Couple of the Year Awards suggestions (continued): –Personalized shirts with GWRRA 10” logo on the back and “Chapter _____ Couple of the Year” –Chapter Couple of the Year Rockers for their vests –Registration (and lodging if affordable) at the District event if participating in the Selection Process

Chapter Couple of the Year The Couple of the Year becomes part of the Chapter Team The Couple of the Year should always be recognized at ALL Chapter functions Place an article in the local newspaper about them becoming the Couple of the Year

Chapter Couple of the Year Chapter Couple of the Year is an HONOR Some suggestions on involvement are: –Assist Chapter Membership Enhancement or Public Relations Coordinator –Serve as Greeters –Sit with and introduce first-time guests –Conduct 50/50 sales

Chapter Couple of the Year –Serve as Membership Enhancement Coordinator contacting New or Perspective Members –Assist at registration desk or “goodie” table at events –Assist at Mall Shows –Submit articles to Chapter Newsletter –Maintain a history of the Chapter and/or Chapter Couple of the Year –Visit other Chapters

Chapter Couple of the Year Places for Public Relations work: –Speaking at Clubs, Associations and Civic Organizations Suggested Programs –Couple of the Year Program –Motorist Awareness –History of GWRRA

District/Region/International Couple of the Year Requirements –Couple consists of one male & one female –Both must have a full Individual or Family Membership in GWRRA –Associate Members are eligible to participate at the Chapter level only –Membership must be valid through the term of the Couple of the Year position

–Couple must be a current or immediate-past Couple of the Year at the level preceding the position the are seeking –The Couple must server a minimum of three months prior to the selection process They must have adequate time to prepare Attend Conventions or Events Get to know other Couples of the Year District/Region/International Couple of the Year

–A Chapter Couple of the Year may participate in the District Couple of the Year Selection Process not more than two consecutive years –A Chapter may only have one Couple of the Year participate in the District Selection Process each year –A Couple may not participate in the Region or International Selection Process in consecutive years Back-to-back years District/Region/International Couple of the Year

Participation in the District Selection Process is a commitment to GWRRA –Couple should review all Manual Instructions –If selected as District Couple of the Year, you must be willing to attend the Region Selection Process –If selected as Region Couple of the Year, you must be willing to attend the International Selection Process District/Region/International Couple of the Year

The Couple must never have been an International Couple of the Year If selected as District, Region or International Couple of the Year, the Couple must be able to assume the responsibilities of the position District/Region/International Couple of the Year

Selection –One Chapter Couple is selected to represent their District –One District Couple is selected to represent their Region –Couple cannot serve as a District or Region Couple in consecutive years (back to back) –One Region Couple is selected as International Couple of the Year for GWRRA District/Region/International Couple of the Year

Couples interested in pursuing the District, Region or International Couple of the Year status: –Submit a five page resume using existing format –Present a five minute presentation –Music, props or other special effects are not permitted during the Selection Process –Answer one or two questions at the Selection Process –The Event is open to all GWRRA Members District/Region/International Couple of the Year

The selection is judged: –40% - GWRRA Commitment & Involvement –26% - Oral Presentation –30% - Interview & Presentation –4% - Appearance District/Region/International Couple of the Year

To ensure a successful Couple of the Year process the following is IMPERATIVE: –A Couple of the Year Coordinator should be appointed at the District and Region level –The District and Region Coordinator oversees the entire Process –Communications with all parties Before During After the Selection Process District/Region/International Couple of the Year

Before the Selection Process –Three or Four months prior the, Coordinator should provide the Directors and the Membership Enhancement Coordinators with: A timeline for the Selection Process A copy of the score sheet and resume Either a copy of the Manual or instructions for accessing online Any other important information related to the selection of Couple of the Year District/Region/International Couple of the Year

The Coordinator should send a congratulatory letter to all participating in the Couple of the Year at least two months prior to the Selection Process District/Region/International Couple of the Year

The letter should include: –Name of the Event the Selection Process will take place –Time and place of the Selection Process –Description of the Selection Process –An explanation of the duties of the Couple of the Year will have during the Event –A current sample score sheet –A current copy of the resume format –Instructions on returning the resume District/Region/International Couple of the Year

A panel of impartial judges will be identified –District Level Judges should be from another District (4 is suggested) –Region Level Recommend that District Directors within the Region (or designee) –International Level Region Directors (or designee) District/Region/International Couple of the Year

Prior to the Event, the Coordinator will: –Send a final notice to all participating couples Notifying them of last minute changes Remind them of specific dates and times Name and affiliations of other participating couples A list of judges and position titles District/Region/International Couple of the Year

Once the resume is submitted to the Coordinator: –It cannot altered in any way –It must be completed according to Manual Instructions to be accepted –It is forwarded to the judges in the form it was received, if accepted –Resumes should be in hands of the Couple of the Year Coordinator at least four weeks prior to the Selection Process District/Region/International Couple of the Year

–Resumes will be scored The Coordinator will forward to the judges: –Resumes (as soon as feasible, but not less than two weeks prior to the Event) –A current score sheet –Any specific instructions pertaining to the Event District/Region/International Couple of the Year

As questions arise prior to the Selection Process they should be forwarded to all involved: –Couples of the Year –Directors –Membership Enhancement Coordinators Communications - Communications District/Region/International Couple of the Year

At the Selection Process: –It is suggest that a reception or informal Gathering be held –Attending Couple of the Year Candidates Judges Current Couples of the Year District, Region and International Teams District/Region/International Couple of the Year

If possible: –An opportunity for judges to meet minutes with each Couple –This is done at Wing Ding (providing this setting at the District and Region would help prepare the Couples for what’s ahead) –Judges should consider the information gathered during the minute meeting when scoring the Interview and Question section of the score sheet District/Region/International Couple of the Year

Prior to the Selection Process –Each couple draws a number to determine the order of the presentations –Numbers can be placed on a memento that may be kept by the Couples District/Region/International Couple of the Year

During the Selection Process –The Selection Process is open to all Members –Should be Fun and exciting –Show your Chapter, District or Region spirit This helps the Couples relax District/Region/International Couple of the Year

Each Couple when it’s their turn: –Is asked to do a “four-point-turn” –Makes an oral presentation - no more than five minutes No music, props or other special effects Not necessary to recite all activities Show your sense of humor Comfort level (spontaneity and personality) Knowledge and involvement in GWRRA District/Region/International Couple of the Year

Following the oral presentation –Couples will be asked one or two questions –Each person should spend about the same time answering Most important thing –Answer the questions! –Do not go off on a tangent –Look at the judges District/Region/International Couple of the Year

Judges will not score their own Couple of the Year Coordinator (or designee) will tally the results –It is suggested that two or more individuals tally so that scores can be double checked All scores are kept confidential District/Region/International Couple of the Year

Announcement of the Couple of the Year –As soon as feasible at an assembly of the Members at the event –The International Couple of the Year is selected the day before Wing Ding begins The International Couple of the Year is announced during Opening Ceremonies at Wing Ding District/Region/International Couple of the Year

Awards and Recognition –Should be based on: What the District, Region or International entity can afford Meaningful and lasting District/Region/International Couple of the Year

Some suggestions –Certificate of appreciation to all participants –Corsages and boutonnieres to all participants –Silver or crystal piece, plaque or clock, appropriately engraved –Vest of jacket with GWRRA 10” back patch and “Couple of the Year” imprinted –Couple of the Year belt buckles –District, Region, International hanger bars District/Region/International Couple of the Year

Some suggestions (continued) –Name tags with Couple of the Year title –Business Cards –Help with expenses GWRRA Home Office provides complimentary Wing Ding registrations and when possible hotel accommodations for all Region Couples participating in the Selection Process at Wing Ding District/Region/International Couple of the Year

Responsibilities –Possible responsibilities Assist Membership Enhancement and/or Public Relations Coordinator with media events Speak at non-GWRRA Events/clubs about GWRRA Present Couple of the Year seminars at Conventions, workshops and other Events District/Region/International Couple of the Year

Serve as greeters at Conventions Work the information booth or GWRRA “goodie” table or other duties as assigned Handle 50/50 sales Judge talent shows, etc Maintain contact with other Couples of the Year in your “class” providing encouragement and guidance District/Region/International Couple of the Year

Participate in –Conventions –Winter events –Chapter Kick-offs –Other Chapter Events whenever possible Serve as a mentor to future Couples of the Year District/Region/International Couple of the Year

Write articles for newsletters or Wing World International Couple of the Year may be asked to assist with the Couple of the Year Selection at Wing Ding. District/Region/International Couple of the Year

Thank You