2011 OUSA Convention workshops
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Topic created by Orienteeringmom on Sat Jul 16, 2011 at 4:30 pmOne of the workshops at the convention in a couple of weeks is called:
If We Build It They Will Come
description of the workshop is as follows:
As event managers, orienteering clubs want to present the best product possible to the public. Based on what is working for successful clubs and lessons from other successful ventures, we will present ideas for clubs to incorporate into their event formats and schedules to maximize marketability, participation, and retention.
I plan to attend this workshop and would like to have some of our club members input as to what has worked for DVOA to be such a successful club and what we have tried that hasn't work for us and why if you know.
Any ideas/thoughts will be helpful.
Please send them to me directly if you could please,
Janet Porter
djporter2@verizon.net
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Reply by kathyu on Tue Jul 19, 2011 at 11:12 amin a nutshell:
quality people = quality organization
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Reply by Guy-O on Tue Jul 19, 2011 at 9:44 pmOrienteers are quality people by default!
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Reply by edscott on Wed Jul 20, 2011 at 9:19 amOne important factor is to have a schedule in place at least 6 months, in advance and actively publicize it over a variety of media. Unfortunately event directors and course setters are usually slow to come forward which holds up the permission process and reduces the lead time we need to adequately inform the general public of our schedule.
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Reply by Vadim on Wed Jul 20, 2011 at 2:20 pmIn addition, I would like to mention that informative and user friendly, easy to use and navigate, web site is part of success as well. On multiple occasions I heard from people that they joined DVOA just because the web site looks much better than others. However, sinse then a lot of clubs updated their websites too.
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Reply by Vadim on Wed Jul 20, 2011 at 2:23 pmHaving almost all events and courses utilizing electronic punching in my opinion attracts people too especially younger generation and makes life of ED/CS easier and results compilation/posting quicker.
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Reply by rgbortz on Thu Jul 21, 2011 at 9:04 pmWant to build an organization and retain members? It is most imperative to have friendly, sociable people who make others feel welcome from the very first contact with the existing members. When someone new shows up at an event step forward and start a casual conversation with introductions, a few simple questions about the person(s) and what sparked their interest in this event (sport). Offer to walk them through the whole process, because it is a process, from registration through a little explanation and/or instruction and maybe even offer to walk the course with them or follow behind to offer assistance if they want it. A person must leave the event feeling it was a whole lot of fun and that they want to come back for more.
DVOA has apparently been doing a fairly good job of these things in the past. Are we doing all we can for the future of the club and membership? Never, there's always more to be done to convince people that this sport has as much or more to offer the whole person than the other one hundred things they could have done on any given Sunday, or any day.
It would be great if some of the (newer) members would post here their thoughts on what makes them keep coming back, and maybe what got them started in the first place.
For me it's the familiarity with various characters in the club and also on the national scene and the personal challenge between the woods, the course setter and myself that keep me involved.
How about you, what turns you on about orienteering? -
Reply by WindWalker on Thu Jul 21, 2011 at 10:00 pmOk newer member chiming in.
I think Ron was on the mark.
Most here know my story so I won't bore with that again.
I will add that most certainly the friendlyness of the people played a big roll in my involvement with the club. Everyone here has been very friendly and very helpful right from the start. Even though it's a competitive sport everyone is very eagar to share information. When you feel like one of the gang I think you are more likely to get involved. I think you guys did a good job with that, atleast it worked on me.
I personally like the challenge of the sport, it's tough (if you want it to be), and I like that.
PS - I also agree with Vadim, I like E-punch much better than the hand punch. Actually I don't like the hand punch system at all. In all the competetive sports I've done, and there has been a few, the e-punch results and the posted results here have been the fastest I've ever experienced.
Mike -
Reply by WindWalker on Thu Jul 21, 2011 at 10:16 pmHere's a crazy thought - what about a mentor system? Where a veteran would go out with a new orienteerer. Not sure if there would be any interest in that or not. Maybe the mystery of map reading shys people away from the sport. It looks pretty intimidating at first, lots going on. Maybe if the club offered members that would be willing to mentor a beginner, they would be more likely to try the sport. Sorta like the course that Mary did at Nolde, but this would be a hands on real event.
I know I wouldn't mind going out with someone new that may not feel comfortable heading out on thier own. They could request this prior to the event, possibly through the website and have a starting time and an asigned mentor.
Just a thought and being the new kid on the block this may have been tried before or may well just be a stupid idea.
Mike
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Reply by kathyu on Thu Jul 21, 2011 at 10:20 pmI think it's important to have a lot of events because someone might hear about orienteering but if they find there will not be an event they can participate in for a couple of weeks, they could lose interest. But if something is going on this very weekend -- they'll come out and give it a try.
Another point -- when I am in mid-course and someone asks me what I'm doing, I always take a few seconds to answer since I'm not exactly a ball of fire anyway. Especially at busy places like Tyler, its obvious to people that we are having a great time. -
Reply by edscott on Thu Jul 21, 2011 at 11:24 pmAnother way to generate more starts and more memberships is to hold more beginner events. Setting a simple white and yellow course, with some advance publicity will generate interest with some new people. It is also a great way for existing members to try their hand as an event director and or course setter. We do a few, but I'd love to schedule 6 or 8 a year if there were enough people interested in holding them.
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Reply by rgbortz on Fri Jul 22, 2011 at 2:57 pmNot much chases me indoors. but did you step out lately?
Anyhow, more white/yellow events certainly would help fill the bill for growing membership. Couple this with a mentor program and you might have something viral.
Mike, we're on the same train here, think we could set up a system for people to sign up to come to these white/yellow events just to mentor? Personnaly I have been and am offering to do this mentor thing at every event. Guess we have to get more agressive with making it known that someone is available and willing.
Janet, one more idea our club has/is trying is the business card handout. How many of us are doing all that we can to get these into the hands of the public? I've handed a few out when the subject comes up but I could certainly do much better at giving them to people I meet and or already know. What's that you say, what business cards? Ask at any meet and you shall receive. -
Reply by WindWalker on Fri Jul 22, 2011 at 8:17 pmHot - after working out in this sh** all day, the neighbors pool was welcome relief and a great place to fine tune my kayak roll. Atleast the water was warm.
Mentor program - Maybe some info on the home page about what it is and how to sign up for it. We would need to get some details worked out, mostly on how to get people aware of the program and how they can sign up.
On the events page maybe there could be an icon for the Mentor Program like the lightning bolt signifies e-punch?
Maybe offer it up to orange courses, but most deffinately for white and yellow.
I would be willing to help with this and also volunteer as a mentor.
Mike -
Reply by Orienteeringmom on Sat Jul 23, 2011 at 1:42 pmGreat, great ideas everyone! keep them coming. I don't leave for the convention for another week yet so you still have time to chime in with your ideas and thoughts.
Also where do I get some of these business cards to take along as samples and to hand out? I would love to have a fair amount to give out to everyone to show what we are doing. I will be at FC tomorrow to p/u my drink coolers that I left in Pittsburgh. If someone have some cards that I can take along just put them with the coolers and I will get them. I will be picking up the coolers early afternoon. (1 - 1:30) on my way to a bridal shower for one of our former juniors and his bride. OR you could stick them in an envelope and mail them to me at 438 Main Street., Red Hill, PA 18076.
Thanks all of you for giving me your thoughts and ideas and like I said keep them coming for one more week.
Janet
