Going back to Johns other statement, about how to get to the younger (ME) generation. They want to know what is in it for ME!
What do I get out of my involveMEnt here?
Ok, now we're connecting. This is what I'm talking about.
Let's backtrack.
In reference to John's comment about how the resources to get involved (training, documentation, etc) are available if it is sought after, that's where the cycle ends for me. The cycle begins by just piquing the interest, planting the seed, and getting a donation (membership). Once they're on your membership roster and you're sending them materials, we hope that their interest will mature to the point where they will seek out the resources John has mentioned and become working-volunteers and leaders. Getting them to that point is a whole other problem, and what I'm focusing on in this discussion is that initial capture. That initial spark that makes them aware of the war being waged against motorized access.
Now back to the "Me" generation. This is what I've been trying to get at. Saying "it's the right thing to do" doesn't work on this generation. Saying, "get a free ps3 game with every membership" is what works (just an example).
We've all seen it. The same people who won't give a $50 donation will pay $250 to participate in a large scale organized run. The same people who won't donate $1 will buy a $5 raffle ticket to win an '07 Rubicon.
Is this making sense, or am I screaming at the wall?
On to another point brought up (geez, I wish this freebie forum had multi-quote capabilities) about getting younger people involved. I've noticed that there's an "old-boys culture" at many organizations and clubs that prohibits new, young volunteers from getting involved. My own experience of getting involved is a sad story of elitism and exclusion. Only my stubborness kept me into it until I could break into the "old-boys network." Unfortunately, most younger volunteers won't go through that, and it's a damn shame. When volunteers show up, and they are greeted with comments like, "That's nothing new, we already tried that idea and it was a disaster, we won't be doing that again," or, "You just don't know how things work," It's no wonder we're where we are. Since becoming President of U4WDA, my number one priority is attracting new working-volunteers to the board of directors. That starts with having an open culture that nurtures new ideas instead of just squashing them.
Do we find a catchy phrase that will catch their attention with some nice posters? Wish I had the answer and could get more people involved and participating.
I have friends into Quads and Dirt bikes, that are not associated with any group. I ask them what are they going to do when all the trails are closed, where will they ride? They look at me with the deer in the head lights, and tell me that will never happen. If they are not involved, their favorite area will become closed.
How do we get these people involved? Show them the wins we have had in different areas.
We all could go on and on about this issue.
Any good ideas, please post them up so we all can make comments about them. We need ideas, and if we combine the things that are working good for some in different areas, we all can try the different methods.
Thanks
Todd