Re: "The Speech"

Good afternoon -

>>What is the key to persuading parents to assume a small level of
>>involvement with and for the Pack?
>
>-Ask them sincerely.
>-They all feel busy. Make sure they understand that other families
>are equally busy and have equally good reasons for limitting their
>help. If they feel in the same boat its harder to make excuses.
>-They all feel not qualified to play clown in front of kids. Just make
>sure they start thinking you are more qualified.
>-Give them security that if they offer to help a little they will not
>end up as one man committee, cubmaster, den leader and what not.
>-Give them assurance that whoever helps will get help helping...
>-Make sure they really understand that nobody is paid to make
>a program for their kids. It their kids, not somebody elses.
>-Make sure they understand what they are supposed to do.
>-Den leaders feel responsible for a pack.
>-No boring speeches, but take their help for granted. They need to
>explain why thy can't help.

Last week I chaired our first parents' meeting for the Troop year. The most
important thing we do at that meeting is "fill the slots."

Background: Troop has 50-60 boys. We've got a long track record and 6 or 7
ASMs. There is a committee, plus a meeting for the parents each month. The
PLC really does run the troop. This past June (for the first time in a year
or two) the PLC met and did some calendar planning before the Church's
(Charter Organization) had its planning meeting.

The Plan: For at least the last 5 years (i.e. my predecessor and me) the
committee chair has brought to the meeting a list of jobs (Chair,
Vice-Chair, Advancement, Secretary, Treasurer, Hospitality, Uniform
Exchange, District Camporee, Tour Permits, etc.) I have told folks the last
three meetings...."I won't let you go until all the key slots are filled.
Now, starting at the top we have..."

Then we go through the responsibilities, and/or say who has already agreed
to do the job.

I am true to my word, and after the list is done, we adjorn and go home....

For some key positions, (Chair, Advancement) we try to get folks committed
in advance, so there is not a scramble or key vacancy. This year with over
12 new members of the troop, we got pretty good support from the new
parents (yeah!!) Much of what was said above helps!

No...off to the fall ordeal.

YIS

Michael Golrick
CC Troop 68 Trumbull CT
....and a good old Buffalo too
WB NE II-90

Michael A. Golrick mgolrick@sclc.org
Southern Connecticut Library Council
2911 Dixwell Ave, Suite 201
Hamden CT 06518-3130

voice: 203-288-5757
fax: 203-287-0757

Professionals built the Titanic, volunteers built the Ark.

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