The Propeller Club of the United States of America

Target a core group, your Board may fill this role, to perform the tasks
you need done.

Break down tasks into manageable jobs so each does not appear too large
to any one 
individual.

When you have a job that needs to be done ask someone specifically to do
it.

Choose someone right for the job at hand.

Give that person a clear understanding of what you want done.

Involve new members immediately upon joining, when they are the most
motivated to work.

Use recognition and rewards freely to motivate volunteers. A simple
thank you note after a job can go a long way. Recognize good work with
certificates, newsletter recognition, etc.

Each club should work through the process of formulating a clear
statement of why the club is there. It helps provide the focus that
makes all other programs meaningful.

Start defining your mission statement using the National mission
statement. It can be found on the National website.

Constantly remind your club of your mission through all forms of
communication.

Find a high profile niche in your community your club can identify with
and rally around.

If a club decides it has a political issue its members can support
overwhelmingly it can get politically involved. Marginal or split
interest can cause trouble.

Better than partisan politics is to honor political leaders with
luncheons, awards, etc.

Most of those present agreed that providing opportunities for members to
network with other members and people outside the club is an important
function of the local Propeller Club. Some suggestions for promoting
networking are as follows:

Encourage attendance at all meetings and functions

Schedule "no program" mixers where people come just to
network.

Hold joint meetings and functions with other organizations to provide
networking opportunities outside the club.

Hold special events and invite non-members.

Publish a directory by name and company affiliation

Consider setting up a "membership table" at all functions
giving guests an opportunity to join.

The discussion of membership growth quickly became a discussion of how
to attract younger members. Some suggestions mentioned:

Specifically invite younger people to club events and schedule events
they will appreciate.

Work closely with local Propeller Club Student Ports. Ports sponsoring
students should bring those students to their meetings.

Sponsor an underprivileged student with corporate sponsors.

Sponsor an internship program for a local Student Port.

Almost all clubs have at least one large fundraising event. Some of the
events mentioned are:

A unique event revolving around a local holiday, custom, etc.

Reception honoring a person or event.

Golf outings

Food and drink using a local custom (Crab-cakes, barbecue, shrimp boil,
lobster bake, etc.)

Silent Auction with members donating items for auction. Used in
conjunction with another event.

Dues charged by clubs, as reported by those present, spanned a range
from $35.00 to $100.00 annually. About half charge an initiation fee for
new members. Average initiation fee ranged from $20.00 to $150.00
(foreign ports) for those who used them.

Lunches averaged $25.00 with no club providing free alcoholic drinks.
Meals ranged from a low of $16.00 to a high of $35.00.

Our foreign ports see an opportunity for networking and helping students
by sponsoring exchange programs between club members and student ports
here in the States and overseas. Models exist in other organizations
such as Rotary International.