1. 2016 Council-Wide Roundtable
Recruitment Seminar
2016 Council-Wide Roundtable

2. Agenda
Strategy
Best Practices
Resources
Online Applications
Feedback

3. Strategy Program and recruitment are tied together
We have a product parents want
The sign-up process needs to be simple
Engage parents immediately
Do what works for your unit
Membership committee is here to support your efforts
Well-planned and run programs attract and retain youth their families. Parents whose children participate in great youth programs will recommend the program to their friends. Word of mouth is the still the most meaningful and effective recruitment tool.
Alternatively, negative experiences will doubly hurt us.

4. Best Practices: Timeline
August – September
Back-to-school events
Community events
September – October
School talks
Join Scouting event (“sports-style” sign-up)
Parent orientation
Outdoor experience
October – November
Bring-A-Friend
Follow-up

5. Best Practices: Promotion
Unit social media presence and website
Update BeAScout pin
Display cases at schools, rec. centers, libraries chartered organization
Yard signs, posters, marquees
Marketing & Membership Hub

6. scoutingwire.org/marketing

7. Best Practices: Sign-Up Events
Focus on education
Eliminate the jargon
No more field uniforms at sign-ups
Station-to-station, open-house style; more like a sports sign-up, not presenter-style
Follow-up with first meeting that includes a parent orientation
Great first experience
Proper program planning is critical to making this happen – is your unit calendar and budget
Fall Fest is free for new Cub Scouts

8. Resources Membership committee Promotional materials
Fliers
Posters
Yard signs
Marketing materials
Branded pop-up tents
Banners
colbsa.org
District membership chairs and professionals help facilitate school relationships

10. Online Applications Beta test Front-end access through BeAScout.org
Invitation and Application Manager for Unit Key-3 through My.Scouting.org
Is your unit pin updated?
scouting.org/onlineregistration
Preparation checklist
Training videos

11. scouting.org/onlineregistration

12. Feedback What support do you need? What ideas do you have?