5,655
edits
(→Scout Units Share Ideas: Add SDIC Link idea) Tags: Mobile edit Mobile web edit |
|||
(27 intermediate revisions by the same user not shown) | |||
Line 7: | Line 7: | ||
A steady flow of youth into a each scout unit is essential to maintaining unit health. New Scouts bring energy and enthusiasm to the program. To avoid the pitfall of shrinking membership, aim to add at least 10 new Scouts every year. Having a year-round growth plan in place will help attract new Scouts. | A steady flow of youth into a each scout unit is essential to maintaining unit health. New Scouts bring energy and enthusiasm to the program. To avoid the pitfall of shrinking membership, aim to add at least 10 new Scouts every year. Having a year-round growth plan in place will help attract new Scouts. | ||
== 2020-21 New Recruitment Tips == | == '''2020-21 New Recruitment Tips''' == | ||
[[Image:2020 Recruitment.PNG|right]] | [[Image:2020 Recruitment.PNG|right]] | ||
[[Image:ScoutMeIn4.jpg|thumb|right]] | [[Image:ScoutMeIn4.jpg|thumb|right]] | ||
Line 22: | Line 22: | ||
* '''[https://scoutingwire.org/marketing-and-membership-hub/unit-recruiting/ Unit Recruiting] (ScoutingWire.org)''' - Here you’ll find resources and tips for making recruiting a fun and enjoyable experience that keeps the bigger picture in focus: growing your unit to reach more kids, strengthen your packs and have more fun! | * '''[https://scoutingwire.org/marketing-and-membership-hub/unit-recruiting/ Unit Recruiting] (ScoutingWire.org)''' - Here you’ll find resources and tips for making recruiting a fun and enjoyable experience that keeps the bigger picture in focus: growing your unit to reach more kids, strengthen your packs and have more fun! | ||
== Prepare for Recruitment Success == | == '''Prepare for Recruitment Success''' == | ||
[[Image:WoodBadge2.png|thumb|right]] | [[Image:WoodBadge2.png|thumb|right]] | ||
Line 46: | Line 46: | ||
## [https://www.amazon.com/Win-Bigly-Persuasion-World-Matter/dp/0735219710 Win Bigly: Persuasion in a World Where Facts Don't Matter] - By Scott Adams. Excellent Persuasion skills is necessary quality for any master recruiter. | ## [https://www.amazon.com/Win-Bigly-Persuasion-World-Matter/dp/0735219710 Win Bigly: Persuasion in a World Where Facts Don't Matter] - By Scott Adams. Excellent Persuasion skills is necessary quality for any master recruiter. | ||
=== Annual Plan === | === '''Annual Plan''' === | ||
[[Image:Pack584picnic.png|thumb|right]] | [[Image:Pack584picnic.png|thumb|right]] | ||
Having a year-round growth plan in place will help attract new Scouts. | Having a year-round growth plan in place will help attract new Scouts. | ||
Line 60: | Line 60: | ||
* Your existing scouts and parents could be your best recruiters. How will you motivate them to invite their friends and siblings? | * Your existing scouts and parents could be your best recruiters. How will you motivate them to invite their friends and siblings? | ||
=== Basic Supplies === | === '''Basic Supplies''' === | ||
[[Image:Pack894house.jpg|thumb|right]] | [[Image:Pack894house.jpg|thumb|right]] | ||
Before launching your recruiting drive - stock up on these essential items. | Before launching your recruiting drive - stock up on these essential items. | ||
Line 75: | Line 75: | ||
# '''Prepare Recruitment Station''' - table, tablecloth, large posters, easles, handouts, etc. (My best posters were photos of the youth doing super fun outdoor activities. I also had old boys life magazines ready to handout too.) | # '''Prepare Recruitment Station''' - table, tablecloth, large posters, easles, handouts, etc. (My best posters were photos of the youth doing super fun outdoor activities. I also had old boys life magazines ready to handout too.) | ||
=== Cyber-Presence Preparation === | === '''Cyber-Presence Preparation''' === | ||
[[Image:BeAScout4.png|thumb|right]] | |||
# '''[[BeAScout Pin]]''': - During recruitment it will be easier to point new signups to the online registration link at '''[http://BeAScout.org BeAScout.org]'''. Only a member of the Unit Key3 can edit this item, however, it should prominently display a email to your unit recruiter/new member coordinator. Also link it to a digital online recruitment flyer (using your website). | # '''[[BeAScout Pin]]''': - During recruitment it will be easier to point new signups to the online registration link at '''[http://BeAScout.org BeAScout.org]'''. Only a member of the Unit Key3 can edit this item, however, it should prominently display a email to your unit recruiter/new member coordinator. Also link it to a digital online recruitment flyer (using your website). | ||
# '''Unit Hashtag''' - For use on all social media posts (Example: #Troop726SDIC) | # '''Unit Hashtag''' - For use on all social media posts (Example: #Troop726SDIC) | ||
# Build Unit Website - Many perspective families will do online research before contacting you again. Your website presense should have great pictures and family testimonials to help sell your unit. State your unit mission and purpose. Google the following scout units for some great examples: | # '''Build Unit Website''' - Many perspective families will do online research before contacting you again. Your website presense should have great pictures and family testimonials to help sell your unit. State your unit mission and purpose. Google the following scout units for some great examples: | ||
# | # '''Welcome Page''' - If your unit already has a website - be sure it includes a "get to know us" page so that new families can learn about your unit. Goals, Activities, Awards, Accomplishments, etc. | ||
** [https://www.pack235.com/ BSA Pack 235] - Red Hill Lutheran Church. (Sample) | |||
[ | ** [http://www.troop11alameda.com/ BSA Troop 11] - Alameda CA (Sample) | ||
** [https://www.troopwebhost.org/Troop707Dallas/Index.htm BSA Troop 707 & Crew 707] - Lake Highlands Elks Lodge. (Sample) | |||
** [https://seascoutship3500.org/ BSA Sea Scout Ship 3500 - "Rock of Ages"] - Pleasant Harbor Marina. (Sample) | |||
== '''General Recruiting Tips''' == | |||
=== | |||
=== '''[[Recruiter Award]]''' === | |||
[[Image:Recruiter1.jpg|right]] | [[Image:Recruiter1.jpg|right]] | ||
The '''[[Recruiter Award]]''' is probably one of the most important patches in your scout unit. Scout to Scout "word of mouth" referrals is certainly the most effective way attract and retain new members. Encourage the youth to earn and display this patch. Look for opportunities at each awards ceremony to recognize this scout. It will motivate other scouts to do likewise. See this section for 20+ tips to have a great peer-to-peer referral program: | |||
Additional Recruitment Awards Include: | |||
* Founders Bar | |||
* Council Recruiter Patches | |||
=== | === '''[[School Open House]]''' === | ||
[[Image:PeachJar2019.jpg|thumb|right|PeachJar Flyer]] | |||
[[Image: | School Night for Scouting: From June to August, watch your District Roundtable for training cub scout recruiting, and organizing School Night for Scouting in your area. Typically the biggest recruiting event of the year for most scouting units. | ||
Back to School Night (Fall Recruiting) - a one night event at the start of the school year, where we provide the opportunity to sign-up for Cub Scouts at every elementary school in the district. Most new scouting recruits come from this event. Ask your district executives which schools (public, private, charter, church-school, home-school, etc) are in your neighborhood and have not been assigned to a Cub Pack as of yet. | |||
* '''[[School Open House]]''' - 20 Big tips for boosting attendance for your Unit Joining Night. Reach local school children and their parents. | |||
* '''Back to School Night''' - Traditional event at the begging of the school year. | |||
* '''School Festivals''' - A great opportunity to engage parents and children | |||
* '''Spring Open House''' - Great to find scouts in time for summer camp and to lay a unit foundation before the next scout year starts. | |||
=== Community Events === | === Community Events === | ||
Line 210: | Line 167: | ||
# ''Do what you do so well that they want to come back and bring their friends.'' (Walt Disney) | # ''Do what you do so well that they want to come back and bring their friends.'' (Walt Disney) | ||
=== | === Neighorhood Banners === | ||
[[File:Banner1.PNG]] | [[File:Banner1.PNG]] | ||
# '''Event Banner''' Ship 1212 paid $600.00 to have this banner made (above) and $100.00 ( paid for with grant money ) to have it hung across the main street in to Port Angeles WA. We are told the banner will last about 5 years with the weather. The good news because so many events are being cancelled due to the pandemic. The banners are only taken down when a new customer has one put up. So this will be up for about three to four weeks.]] | # '''Event Banner''' Ship 1212 paid $600.00 to have this banner made (above) and $100.00 ( paid for with grant money ) to have it hung across the main street in to Port Angeles WA. We are told the banner will last about 5 years with the weather. The good news because so many events are being cancelled due to the pandemic. The banners are only taken down when a new customer has one put up. So this will be up for about three to four weeks.]] | ||
# '''3x5 Banner''' - Simple and Easy - but a well place sign/banner is proven to be effective: | |||
## Banner at major community youth sports field | |||
## Banner across the street from your local school | |||
## Banner at a major intersection or highway. | |||
=== Community Events === | |||
# '''Trick-or-Treat Pass-Along Cards''' - every year millions of little kids go trick-or-treat on Halloween in search of free candy. Include a BeAScout (or pack or troop) Pass-a-long card with every candy handout. Maybe handout extra copies of the "Mini Boys Life" to each family. | # '''Trick-or-Treat Pass-Along Cards''' - every year millions of little kids go trick-or-treat on Halloween in search of free candy. Include a BeAScout (or pack or troop) Pass-a-long card with every candy handout. Maybe handout extra copies of the "Mini Boys Life" to each family. | ||
# '''[http://www.pikespeakbsa.org/How-To-Support-Scouting 10 Ways to Support Scouting] - (From Pikes Peak Council BSA) | # '''[http://www.pikespeakbsa.org/How-To-Support-Scouting 10 Ways to Support Scouting] - (From Pikes Peak Council BSA) | ||
Line 226: | Line 189: | ||
## Financially support a youth in need. Everyone who shares BSA's strong values should be able to participate in Scouting. Contribute to Scouting and you will change a life. Read about financial support >> | ## Financially support a youth in need. Everyone who shares BSA's strong values should be able to participate in Scouting. Contribute to Scouting and you will change a life. Read about financial support >> | ||
=== | === Social Media === | ||
Build up a larger group of "Friends" on Facebook and subcribe to the "Bryan on Scouting" wire. Monthly scouting sends out some great articles that are fund to repost on scouting. If you are new - try out some ot these: | Build up a larger group of "Friends" on Facebook and subcribe to the "Bryan on Scouting" wire. | ||
Note: Where to look for your target market: | |||
* Facebook : Primary tool of Adults | |||
* Instagram : Primary tool of Youth | |||
* Twitter : ??? | |||
Monthly scouting sends out some great articles that are fund to repost on scouting. If you are new - try out some ot these: | |||
* [https://blog.scoutingmagazine.org/2020/09/29/camping-is-not-only-fun-its-good-for-your-health/?utm_source=scoutingwire&utm_campaign=swvolunteer10142020&utm_medium=email&utm_content=A Camping is good for health]. | * [https://blog.scoutingmagazine.org/2020/09/29/camping-is-not-only-fun-its-good-for-your-health/?utm_source=scoutingwire&utm_campaign=swvolunteer10142020&utm_medium=email&utm_content=A Camping is good for health]. | ||
Line 244: | Line 217: | ||
Many units are running paid ads on Facebook using their "geo-fencing" feature to target their local neighborhood. | Many units are running paid ads on Facebook using their "geo-fencing" feature to target their local neighborhood. | ||
== | ==== Social Media ==== | ||
[[Image:JRudner.PNG|thumb|right|Update your Facebook Profile]] | |||
[[Image:Benefits bsa1.jpg|thumb|right]] | |||
Social Media Marketing: | |||
# '''Update your Facebook Profile''' - Then just say to your local school and community groups/ pages in Facebook. | |||
[[ | # '''[https://www.facebook.com/theboyscoutsofamerica/videos/1461448717366665/UzpfSTI1Mzk5NDczMTI5NTQ0MjozMzMwNzc3NzYwMjgzNzc1/ Scouting in the City: BSA Video Series]''' - Have all unit members post this clip on their social media account! | ||
# '''Business Message Boards''' - | |||
# '''Church Message Boards''' - | |||
# '''[https://nextdoor.com/news_feed/ NextDoor.com]''' - "The Private Social Network for Your Neighborhood." Post all invites to local scouting open house events here! | |||
# '''Facebook Advertising''' - | |||
# '''#Beascout Hashtag on Twitter''' - | |||
# '''Share a daily/weekly scout message''' | |||
# '''Encourage Scouter Blogging''' - Many scouters have different journal methods and reach different audiences. | |||
# '''Facebook Comments''' - post scout positive comments in Facebook. | |||
# '''Include US Flag Image''' - scientifically proven to have a positive persuasive effect for scouting recognition. | |||
# '''Facebook Compliments #1''' - Thank people and organizations for their support of scouting or the country or for our Veterans. | |||
# '''Facebook Quote of the Day''' - | |||
# '''Facebook Links''' | |||
## [https://boyslife.org/ Great BoysLife Articles] - link to fun articles in BoysLife, Scouting Wire, etc. | |||
## [Scouting News] - Find lots of positive eagle service project news articles. Positive, complementary, service, and humorous. (There are always lot.) | |||
## [https://scoutingwire.org/ ScoutingWire.org] - more great scouting articles. | |||
## [[Benefits of Scouting]] - Links to great articles about the benefits of Scouting. | |||
## Benefits of Scouting #2 - more great article links | |||
### [http://www.campminsi.org/articles/14-benefits-of-sending-a-scout-to-camp/62325 14 Benefits of Sending a Scout to Camp] - | |||
### [https://honestandtruly.com/9-benefits-from-boy-scouts/ 9 Benefits of Scouting] - | |||
### [https://voiceofscouting.org/why-scouting-a-study-of-benefits Why Scouting] - A Study of the Many Benefits of Scouting | |||
### Troop 282 Honors Veterans with 21-Gun Salute and Flag Ceremony | |||
### Scouting For Food Kick’s Off Giving Season | |||
### University Acceptance Letter Compliments Eagle Scouts - | |||
### Webelos Scout Sells Popcorn in all 50 States | |||
# '''Unit Twitter Handle''' - #Troop726SDIC | |||
# '''Unit Instagram Account''' - | |||
# '''Unit Facebook Page''' - I ran mine like a big private group scrapbook to share event pictures with scouter families. These families could then share with their friends and extended family. | |||
# '''[http://BSAParents.com BSAParents.com]''' - Encourage your families to share their scouting success stories here. | |||
# '''[https://scouthut.fandom.com/wiki/Scouts_on_YouTube YouTube Scouting Videos]'''- Share more great scouting videos - post comments and video links on your SM pages. | |||
# '''Open for more ideas''' | |||
==== Zoom ==== | |||
# | # Try acouting / outdoors background for your next Zoom meeting. | ||
=== | === Neighborhood Recruiting === | ||
''' | # '''Doorhangers''' : Create custom door hangers to drop in your neighborhood. | ||
== '''Year-Round Recruitment Calendar''' == | == '''Year-Round Recruitment Calendar''' == | ||
Line 395: | Line 363: | ||
# '''<i>This Troop Doubled in Size Last Year</i>''' - See Bryan On Scouting Blog - BSA Troop Recruitment Secrets | # '''<i>This Troop Doubled in Size Last Year</i>''' - See Bryan On Scouting Blog - BSA Troop Recruitment Secrets | ||
# '''[[Unit Commissioner]]''' - The troop should have an adult volunteer serve as "Unit Commissioner" for their linked Cub Pack(s). They can help both units work together on any scouting, leadership, recruitment challenges, etc. | # '''[[Unit Commissioner]]''' - The troop should have an adult volunteer serve as "Unit Commissioner" for their linked Cub Pack(s). They can help both units work together on any scouting, leadership, recruitment challenges, etc. | ||
# '''Host Virtual Seminar''' - Promote event on EventBrite - Topics include family camping, service, outdoors and scouting in the local area. | |||
=== Venturing Crew Recruitment === | === Venturing Crew Recruitment === | ||
[[Image:Venturing2019a1.jpg|thumb|right]] | [[Image:Venturing2019a1.jpg|thumb|right]] | ||
[[Image:Bsaretention.jpg|thumb|right|Scouts that register in Venturing stay an average of 16.5 months longer with scouting.]] | |||
Every group needs a "shiny object" that grabs the interest of the young crowd, today's youth have so many competing interests! | Every group needs a "shiny object" that grabs the interest of the young crowd, today's youth have so many competing interests! | ||
Line 454: | Line 424: | ||
## One night each week hold special skit / exhibit night at your local scout camp(s). | ## One night each week hold special skit / exhibit night at your local scout camp(s). | ||
== '''District | == '''[[District Membership Committee]]''' == | ||
You can further support recruitment efforts for unit by participating in your local '''[[District Membership Committee]]'''. | |||
== Recruitment Resources== | |||
=== Project Brownsea === | |||
# '''Support [https://projectbrownsea.com/ Project Brownsea]''' - Alumni of BSA understand the lifelong benefits of Scouting better than most people. They also understand the impact of limited, and in some cases nonexistent, recruitment options at this extraordinary moment in time. Your financial donation to Brownsea will help finance an independent scouting recruitment platform. Scouting is more than just one organization, it is a Movement. | |||
== | |||
=== | |||
# '''[https:// | |||
That’s why we’re tapping into the skills first championed by Robert Baden-Powell at the first | |||
Scout camp on Brownsea Island in 1907 — skills like resourcefulness, leadership and teamwork | |||
— to promote recruiting and ensure the future of Scouting in this country. | |||
=== BSA Resources === | === BSA Resources === | ||
# '''[https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbFEBamXVItp6yWqzJvfYFg Boy Scouts of America]''' - Official YouTube Channel | |||
# '''[https://scouting.webdamdb.com/bp/?utm_source=scoutingwire&utm_campaign=swvolunteer7222020&utm_medium=email&utm_content=#/lightbox/1411584/ 2020 Scout Talk Videos are Here!]''' - See the BSA Brand Center for Recruitment videos to share at your upcoming Scout Virtual Recruitment Night. | # '''[https://scouting.webdamdb.com/bp/?utm_source=scoutingwire&utm_campaign=swvolunteer7222020&utm_medium=email&utm_content=#/lightbox/1411584/ 2020 Scout Talk Videos are Here!]''' - See the BSA Brand Center for Recruitment videos to share at your upcoming Scout Virtual Recruitment Night. | ||
## '''[https://explore.scouting.org Explore.Scouting.org]''' - "What if real life was better than a video game? Scouts participate in a variety of activities that keep adventure in the everyday, from sports to personal development, STEM programming to arts and hobbies. Now you can be a part of it too!" | ## '''[https://explore.scouting.org Explore.Scouting.org]''' - "What if real life was better than a video game? Scouts participate in a variety of activities that keep adventure in the everyday, from sports to personal development, STEM programming to arts and hobbies. Now you can be a part of it too!" | ||
Line 551: | Line 444: | ||
# '''[https://scoutingwire.org/marketing-and-membership-hub/marketing-webinars/ Current Marketing Webinars] (ScoutingWire.org)''' - | # '''[https://scoutingwire.org/marketing-and-membership-hub/marketing-webinars/ Current Marketing Webinars] (ScoutingWire.org)''' - | ||
# '''[https://scoutingwire.org/marketing-and-membership-hub/unit-recruiting/ Unit Recruiting] (ScoutingWire.org)''' - Here you’ll find resources and tips for making recruiting a fun and enjoyable experience that keeps the bigger picture in focus: growing your unit to reach more kids, strengthen your packs and have more fun! | # '''[https://scoutingwire.org/marketing-and-membership-hub/unit-recruiting/ Unit Recruiting] (ScoutingWire.org)''' - Here you’ll find resources and tips for making recruiting a fun and enjoyable experience that keeps the bigger picture in focus: growing your unit to reach more kids, strengthen your packs and have more fun! | ||
=== Other Resources === | |||
* '''[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YP2VZK_MneA Sequor Youth Program Strategies]''' - YouTube Tutorial. | |||
=== Scout Units Share Ideas === | === Scout Units Share Ideas === | ||
These scout units had great recruiting success and share their secrets here: | These scout units had great recruiting success and share their secrets here: | ||
* [https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/192Wc_m6NB9bYQPvC5H9XXrbnDXuAsKoQ4qgMb_nqTkU/edit#slide=id.gcf6a2502e3_1_18 San Diego-Imperial Council Recruitment Guide] - Massive 45 item slide show is packed with ideas for Packs, Troops, Crews, Ships and Posts. Designed to present the first 12 slides at any Roundtable - in person or on Zoom. The rest is extra gravy. | |||
* [https://www.facebook.com/1362506436/videos/pcb.1541696386001384/10217448546629903/ Pack 145 Creates their own Recruitment Video] - New for 2020. | * [https://www.facebook.com/1362506436/videos/pcb.1541696386001384/10217448546629903/ Pack 145 Creates their own Recruitment Video] - New for 2020. | ||
Line 566: | Line 462: | ||
# '''[https://www.scouting.org/programs/scouts-bsa/year-round-guide/recruiting/ Youth Recruiting Event]''': Youth-to-youth referrals are highly effective. | # '''[https://www.scouting.org/programs/scouts-bsa/year-round-guide/recruiting/ Youth Recruiting Event]''': Youth-to-youth referrals are highly effective. | ||
# '''[https://scoutingwire.org/marketing-and-membership-hub/councils/new-member-coordinator/ New Member Coordinator]''' - Sustaining strong membership in a unit depends partly on reaching new audiences to invite them to join the unit and partly on engaging new members and their families so that they feel welcomed and want to stay. The role of the New Member Coordinator is to ensure that both keys to success take place. (ScoutingWire) | # '''[https://scoutingwire.org/marketing-and-membership-hub/councils/new-member-coordinator/ New Member Coordinator]''' - Sustaining strong membership in a unit depends partly on reaching new audiences to invite them to join the unit and partly on engaging new members and their families so that they feel welcomed and want to stay. The role of the New Member Coordinator is to ensure that both keys to success take place. (ScoutingWire) | ||
# Visitor Attendance Log: Each unit should keep a visitor attendance log. | |||
<p>. | <p>. |
edits