How to Succeed When all Looks Lost

Or…Is it possible to do CPR on a chapter that is crashing?

(Chapter Participation Rejuvenation)

What does a chapter need to exist?• Members…Empty rooms aren’t much fun!

• Leaders…How Many? Which positions?

What does a chapter need to THRIVE?

• Enthusiasm

• People who want to be together

• People who want to be together with all members…not just their chosen few

• Rides, Rides, Rides, and more Rides.

• New members = New enthusiasm = New Leadership

• Commitment to be involved! Do something!

What does a chapter need to THRIVE?

• Keep your members. They are a prized possession. Members just don’t fall out of the sky waving a sign saying here I am. Cherish them! If they go missing…find them!

• Leaders and members who embrace the ideals of GWRRA. You have to be a believer. Not everyone is a fit.

Chapter Directors…Meet your Chapter! Know Them! Care!

• At gatherings, have you talked to each person?

• How many phone calls have you made to people you have never seen at a gathering?

• Are you working your Area Report List?

• Can you put a face with each name? Have you tried?

You have to bring ENERGY!

• Enthusiasm is key.

• Positive Energy creates Positive Energy

• It isn’t the message but the delivery.– Example: I love you…I love you too.

Can you Hear me Now?

• Volume

• Tone

• Cadence

Why do you hold your position?

• No one else would do it?• I was asked so I said I would take the job?• I was weak and couldn’t say no?• I wanted to get involved and this was a

good way to start?• I have a desire to be an active part of my

chapter?• I want my chapter to be vibrant and I want

to be part of making that happen?

Build a Team who wants to:

• Serve the membership

• Assume the duties of their position. Don’t put someone in a job to just fill it. It is a recipe for disaster.

• Give a reason for people to be part of the chapter. If you don’t give them a reason to come they will stay home and watch paint peel.

Build a Team who wants to:

• Not just have fun…but make it fun. You have to put forth an effort to make a difference.

• Laugh, Ride, Laugh, Share, Laugh, Smile, Laugh and take care of others.

Recruitment and Retention

• Chapter existence is dependent upon it.

• An active and positive MEC is KEY to success. If no MEC…someone has to do it and who does it when no one else will?

• Real life examples of how chapters have risen from the ashes or maintained a healthy chapter.

My Take/My Opinion/My Suggestion

• 1. RIDE…It is the reason people joined and the reason they will join.

• 2.Use the Area Report List…Grow your chapter with it and retain your members using it.

• 3. Start using the Chapter of the Year program as a tool. Even if you don’t submit the program is centered on everything an active chapter does.

Conclusion

• Healthy chapters are enthusiastic chapters.

• Leaders need to care about their members and work for the good of them. Don’t just exist…encourage and get them moving.

• Riding/traveling is the key to Fun and Success.

• Fun will get you members and keep them.