Our Secret to Membership Growth YV Clubs Conference August 2013

Formula for success If only it was that easy! It takes a lot of very hard work.

Agenda Background When is a Plan not a Plan – having a pathway Leadership and Governance Promoting the club Training & Member Development Social interaction and club Amenity Where to now? Key Learnings

Photos of club

The Numbers Club formed in 1958 Currently 242 active members

Growth Profile

Cha-Ching!

When is a Plan not a Plan? drought – club was struggling Good support from YV at the time the planets aligned Lake level increased Families with kids and complementary experiences joined and were motivated to be involved Training was presented as an opportunity A path to success became evident Committee had confidence in the people but no plan Don’t underestimate the value of a clear pathway

Leadership and Governance

Selling the Club How can we capture new members? How to engage in community activities Wodonga Children’s Fair Discover Sailing Day Social Media Good relationships with Local Govt. Engage with other sporting clubs Be relevant in the community

Training – kids are the key started with good intentions and no idea. The potential was there. Significant commitment by club and members before enrolments 19 joined as new members (mostly kids) Plus another 23 family members Most of our membership growth has been a result of training involvement

Member Development Training other than sailing Power Boat Handling 1 st Aid VHF Radio Race Officer Sailability Significant junior involvement Provides a different opportunity for member involvement

Social and Amenities Not everyone wants to sail Weekly social events Engaging with other sporting groups Members must like being at the club Bean bags Wood fired Pizza Oven Camping facilities Playground Well maintained grass area Galley –real coffee, quality food, good pricing

Where are we at? We have a good product that people want. Good membership growth (half way there) Support from Local Government Good relationship with YV and YA Now able to invest in improvements for growth Restructured committee with functional focus Junior membership continues to grow Weekend racing fleet is growing 40% of committee positions now held by women Active social sailing members

Where to now? Invest in assets – club house, boats, etc Engage with schools sailing Club boats for new members to use Expand the use of club Continue membership growth (aim for 400 members) Get an annual event on the sailing calendar Long term strategic plan Develop a sustainable business plan Where to after Gemba??

Lessons and Learnings If it is free it has no value! Gemba and the pathway is a recipe for success Act now while the opportunity is there Costs and revenue must balance (in the long term) Its not just about sailing and racing – diversify activity Aim for balance – age, gender, interests It takes commitment and hard work but it’s worth it.

Questions?? Stuart Richardson AWYC Secretary