1. Get on Board: Entraining Volunteers
Ben Woelk
Chair, Community Affairs Committee
December 10, 2013
I’ve found volunteering in leadership in my local chapter (Rochester) to be one of the most rewarding experiences of my professional career. Volunteering has stretched me and equipped me as a better leader. I don’t have a magic formula. However, STC Rochester fills 8-10 council positions each year. That’s more than 10% of the community engaged in leadership.

2. The Community Leader as Ticket Agent
Get to know your members (and potential members)
Gather testimonials (
Meet prospects individually
Volunteers are the heart of the community. They enable us to offer meaningful services to our members. However, getting volunteers can be challenging. Issuing a cattle call doesn’t usually lead to good results. Baby Boomers, Gen X, Gen Y all have different priorities that you must consider when recruiting them.

3. Identifying Likely Passengers
Who’s hanging out at the station? (regular attendees)
Who wants be a conductor or engineer? (leadership-related program)
Who are the business travelers? (companies that support STC)
Who are the frequent travelers? (former/current volunteers)

4. Buying a Ticket to Ride
Where’s this train going? (vision for the community)
What’s expected along the way? (council meetings and other obligations)
Am I in for the long haul? (time, responsibilities)
Will it be an adventure? (leadership experience, fun)
Can I get a discount ticket? (students)
streamlinermemories.info
Where’s this train going? (vision for the community)
What’s expected along the way? (council meetings and other obligations)
What’s my commitment? (time, responsibilities)
What’s in it for me? (leadership experience, fun)
Can I get a discount? (students)

5. Providing First Class Accommodations
Who will make sure I’m comfortable? (mentoring)
Is there a rewards program? (recognition)

6. Commissary
Leadership resources
Checklists
Leadership Webinars
Outreach Team Reps
Community Affairs Committee

7. Railway Post Office Ben Woelk
@benwoelk
Community Affairs