SQUADRON REVITALIZATION Squadron Development Committee by PRC Hank

SQUADRON REVITALIZATION Squadron Development Committee by P/R/C Hank Willis SN 2010 Revised July 2011

Boating is Fun! Let USPS Show You How! ► If Boating is so much fun, Why do we have so many squadrons in trouble? ► Why aren’t we having FUN? ► If being a squadron commander is so rewarding, why don’t we have a line wanting the position?

How to Identify a Squadron Needing Revitalization Squadron Membership declining over a period of several years. ► Public Courses not Recruiting New Members. ► Low Morale. ► General Meetings at Different Sites Each Month. ► Squadron Commander has Entire Load. ► Poor Relationships with Local Yacht Clubs, Other Squadrons, USCG Auxiliary and Marine Businesses. ► No Money in Bank Account. ► Problems Forming a Bridge. ► Members not Interested in Squadron Activities. ► Very few Young Members. ►

Why Do Squadrons Lose Members? ► Members are not having fun at meetings or activities. ► Too much paperwork. ► Workload not shared. ► Lack of understanding about the benefits of USPS. ► Other commitments.

Why Do New Members Join? ► To learn how to become better boaters. ► To have enjoyable, on the water experiences, in a safe environment. ► To learn nautical skills. ► To involve family members in boating activities.

Nominating Committee ► This committee is probably the most important committee in a squadron: § The Nominating Committee sets in motion a plan for succession in a squadron that impacts the squadron for years. § Effective Nom. Coms help identify positions throughout the squadron, not just once a year to select the bridge. § Effective Nom. Coms operate all year. § Effective Nom. Coms fit the person to the job.

Squadron Structure and By-Laws The squadron By-Laws dictate how the squadron is governed. ► Squadrons might need to shorten the time that it requires to become commander, by taking the Treasurer and Secretary out of the line of succession. ► Consider multiple year tenures for bridge officers in order to have time to strengthen those following and reduce the risk of running out of candidates. ► Reduce the workload on the squadron bridge and committees. ► Delegation of duties will spread the effort to others and help new members to become involved. ►

How to Reduce the Workload on Squadron Bridges and Committees ► Eliminate those elements of activities that are not required by the Charter or By-Laws. ► Set up an annual plan that provides a skeleton for the year. Social Activities can be handled by one committee, not a separate committee for each event. Do the same for Boating Activities.

SQUADRON COMMANDER’S ACTIVITIES Energize Members and Create an Exciting Atmosphere ► Teach Public Courses each Month at Local West Marine Store or other fixed location. ► Improve Monthly Meeting Content by Presenting topics of Interest to All Members. ► Make Personal Contact with New, Inactive or Prospective Members Including Home Visits and Telephones. ► Establishment of Casual Atmosphere at Squadron Events. ► Improved Relations with other local squadrons, Yacht Clubs and Marine Facilities ► Promote Active Cooperation with Local USCG Auxiliary. ► Start Community Public Service Activities. ►

WHAT ARE THE ELEMENTS OF SUCCESS? Motivated and Energetic Commander. ► Active and Involved District Commander. ► Personal Involvement of District Staff. ► Active District Squadron Development and Membership Committee Representatives. ► Scheduling Fun Activities of Interest to Members. ► A committed Nominating Committee. ► Development of an Ongoing Succession Plan. ► Member Retention Successful. ► Recruiting New Members at Each Public Class. ►

DISTRICT INVOLVEMENT ► Active Early Recognition of Problem. ► District Involved with Squadron Planning and Goal Setting. ► Attendance at squadron meetings. ► Replace Ineffective Squadron Commander. ► Nearby squadrons can teach classes to help reduce the instructor workload in weak squadrons.

District Staff ► Personal Attendance at Squadron Activities by District Staff, including: - District Commander - Squadron Development Committee - Membership Committee - Vessel Safety Check Committee - District Officers

Strategies for Recovery ► Squadrons FUN ► Get should Promote Having Back on the Water with Practical Factors for Advanced Courses. ► Eliminate Paperwork that is not Required. ► Shorten the Time Commitment to become Commander. ► Strengthen the Role of the Nominating Committee. ► Educate the New Members and Officers with Operations Training. ► Use P/Cs as a Resource.

LESSONS LEARNED The Squadron Development Committee Can Help, but cannot DO the job for the squadron ► Squadrons Need the Active Participation of District Staff and Committee Chairs ► Energetic Leadership is Key ► Early Recognition of those Squadrons Needing Help ► District Commander must be involved ► Squadrons Can’t Dig Themselves Out of Trouble by Themselves ► Local Squadrons Need to Assist. ► Boating is Fun! Let USPS Show you How! ►

SUMMARY ►One Single Solution for All Squadrons Doesn’t Exist. ►There Pill. Is No Magic