Recruitment and Training Boot Camp ‘The Network Effect’ November 2011

Goals: 1. Inspire and prepare you to engage others as advocates + 2. Inspire active participation in the You’re the Cure network = 3. Grow the power of the grassroots network

Poll: What inspired you to join You’re the Cure (YTC)?What inspired you to join You’re the Cure (YTC)? What inspired you to be active in your YTC advocacy role?What inspired you to be active in your YTC advocacy role?

Why is the grassroots network important? (Image source: Fractal Julius Tree in color, made with the Fractal Imaginator (Fi) TNI Industry)

YOU are the voice of AHA Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” that ever has.” ― Margaret Mead Image Source Page:

What is advocacy? Act or process of advancing or defeating a cause, policy or proposalAct or process of advancing or defeating a cause, policy or proposal Mobilizes grassroots support to influence and educate decision makersMobilizes grassroots support to influence and educate decision makers What is an advocate? A person or group that defends or promotes a cause or proposalA person or group that defends or promotes a cause or proposal You’re the Cure is a nationwide network of advocates dedicated to improving health, wellness, quality of life through public health policy

Power of the Advocate Recent Successes: Improved systems of care for strokeImproved systems of care for stroke Smoke-free lawsSmoke-free laws Advances in nutrition legislationAdvances in nutrition legislation Physical education in schoolsPhysical education in schools We need more advocates to drive successes like these!

Steps to Turn Your Power On in Recruiting 1. Be able to say why you care: Sixty-Second Story 2. Find out how CVD effects your target audience

Action Item 10 seconds Your Link to AHA/ASA 25 seconds Personal Story 25 seconds

You’re the Cure Recruitment can be a broad or targeted as you choose: – 1 to 1 – 1 to some – Newsletter pitches – Outreach to clubs/orgs – Social media – Employer outreach – More… The more you do it the easier it becomes!

Recruitment by Issue Current state issues can provide unique opportunities to target audiencesCurrent state issues can provide unique opportunities to target audiences –Ex: Parent recruiting other parents to focus on school nutrition policy –Ex: Stroke survivor recruiting others effected by stroke to focus on stroke policy Check with us for Fact Sheets on the issueCheck with us for Fact Sheets on the issue Match issue with your connectionsMatch issue with your connections

Recruitment of Groups YTC Recruitment ToolkitsYTC Recruitment Toolkits –Downloadable: u –Flexible u tailor to audience or opportunity –Customizable u use just what you need –Short or long u from 5 minutes to 20 –Usable with individuals

Heart Disease and Stroke: You’re the Cure! AHA policy saves lives. By opening the door for your connections to participate in You’re the Cure you are expanding your power as an advocate and helping to impact thousands.

Being a successful recruiter is easier than you think! Assignment for those willing to take the challenge: Find Five Visit for full staff contact information and advocate resourceswww.heart.org/YTCEmpowered