Description of Chapter Olympics

Chapter Olympics

Program

The “GWTA Chapter Olympics” idea was germinated from the need for a Recruitment and Retention program. In thinking about how we as an organization get new members, any objective analysis is that people join chapters, not the Gold Wing Touring Association.

So, before we try to put together any organization-wide member recruitment or retention program, it seems prudent that we help create an environment that encourages strong chapters first. In general, we need to show and exemplify what makes for fun, strong chapters, and provide tools and templates that other chapters can use to improve their programs.

The foundation of the GWTA Chapter Olympics is that fun, strong chapters have an easy time of attracting and retaining members. If we want our organization to grow and be stronger, we need to celebrate those chapters that are working well, and help other chapters consider things they might not have or may not be doing, which will improve their programs.

In looking over the aspects of a Chapter Olympics program, the categories which will be used include:

Membership	Riding & Safety	Beyond the Chapter	Administration
Has net growth in 11 month period	Has Fun After-Meeting Rides	Supports other chapters	Welcoming Committee, Info Kit
Fun, Active Member Recruiting Program	Organizes Fun Major Annual Event	Helping Hands Donation	Business Meetings, productive environment
Fun, Active Member Retention Program	Has fun annual rides planned	Participates in State Regional and National Events	Sell 10 National tickets per membership
Has and uses fun monthly newsletters	Has Rider Ed program; members reach any level	Community Service	Chapter Registration Submitted on time

The Chapter Olympics will run from July 1, 2005 until May 31, 2006. Many characteristics (net growth, on-time chapter registration, Rider Ed acheivements, sells 10 National raffle tickets, etc.) will be measured by the National Office. Other characteristics will be measured by State Directors (or in the case of our Canadian Chapters, PROVINCIAL Directors).

Three specific Award Levels are available to all chapters:

Bronze - for achieving 8 or more of the 16 credits
Silver - for achieving 12 or more of the 16 credits
Gold - for achieving all 16 credits

When the final results are tabulated, those chapters qualifying for award levels will be notified prior to Gold Rush. If a chapter qualifies at the "Gold" level (and every chapter could), they will be honored at a recognition event celebrating fun, successful chapters.