Retaining and Recognizing your Pit Crew... Members
As chapter leaders, we struggle with trying to keep everybody’s interest and come up with ways to recognize their work. Keeping on track and showing them how to stay in gear throughout their leadership experience is very important. The drivers (leaders) see the road before the members (pit crew). It is the responsibility of the chapter leaders to assist with recognizing and retaining members. Leaders – stay focused!
Pay membership dues as soon as possible to establish a level of commitment by the members. The members will now feel as though they belong to a group. Next, get them involved. Spark your chapter’s enthusiasm so members are ready to take charge with each new project. Keep the powers going by teaching newer members how to plan and provide for a smooth trip while accomplishing the original goal of the project. Plan for a few flat tires and bumps along the way while working on the project. Problem-solving together will make it so much easier to change the issues up and get back on the road.
The more often members are recognized, the easier it will be to retain them into the following semester…and next year. An excellent method is to recognize them for what they do - whether they have shown small or large efforts. Some ideas are listed below and more can be found online at mifccla.org and fcclainc.org.
Sponsor fun activities – rock-a-thon, movie night, all night party at school
Chapter outings - bowling, dining out, a movie, skating
Incentives - shirts, appreciation lunch, certificates, name and picture in “Display of
Honor” in school hallway, Member of the Month, healthy gift basket, letter, post notes on lockers, plaques, announcement in daily bulletin, gift certificate, or thank you notes
How do we build our chapter and state membership? It’s easy: Recruit, Recognize and Retain! Send your chapter’s success stories along with pictures to me Apply for the Give Me Five Award to be given at the state leadership meeting in April. See details in the Michigan Link located on the Michigan FCCLA website.