I guess I might in the minority with this one as I have a hard time doing anything like this. Giving door prizes, rewards, things like that just make me boil to think that is the reason parents step up...so they get something in return. If they are coming to a meeting to get a prize I would rather have them sit home...it ranks right up there with MAKING staff members attend a meeting, if they cant do it on their own then don't force them. Where is the sincerity and the right reason in all of this. off my soap box now!
Tim, I agree with you about lots including this. It was not my idea and we have tried numerous things during my last 4 years with a difficult principal. This is just something else to try to get parents attention.
B&C, already been there and figured that out.
Writermom, we sort of left it where you are.
In the end, I just wanted to get a sample of ideas to take back to the group to make sure this was the type of incentive they wanted to be a part of.
CC, thanks for the complement.
The irony of commitment is that it’s deeply liberating-in work, in play, in love. The act frees you from the tyranny of your internal critic, from the fear that likes to dress itself up and parade around as rational hesitation. To commit is to remove your head as the barrier to your life. --Anne Morris
We do a similar incentive and I also debated about including board member names. In the end I left it up to the individual board members. None of them wanted their names put in. There are other, less public ways to reward hard working board members.
<beignets&coffee>
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17 years 9 months ago#116733by <beignets&coffee>
make sure the membership SEES who is pulling the winning raffle out, and make sure its a non participating independent third party who couldnt care less who wins (pull someone off the street! just kidding - maybe a child -- not YOUR child),then no tongues can wag, in theory.
I'm not a big fan of that particular incentive idea, but -- if you go that route -- I think you should strongly stay away from including board members. Fact is that you guys will be more likely to win than average bears (because you guys attend and do more "stuff"). Impressions matter (a lot) when it comes to growing involvement. The spirit of this is to grow involvement -- I suspect you could actually do more harm than good on that front with this proposal.
Why don't I like the incentive program in general? Two reasons: 1) I find that over time they typically wind up being reward programs for your regulars, which wasn't the point; and 2) those folks you're trying to get involved... Right now they're sitting home choosing American Idol over getting involved with your group. Well, next month as they sit down with the clicker I don't think the chance of winning an Applebee's gift card will get them jumping off the couch.
And yeah, it does mean that your best volunteers will not be eligible for your prizes. And that's not fair. True. Kind of like the Prodigal Son getting that party. Or the mom giving up her pillow (and her sleep) so that junior may rest -- even though mom worked harder and needs sleep more.
ScottMom - I've read many of your posts and find you to be a leader of high integrity so I, personally, would not question your intentions. That said, though, I believe it could "appear' to be a problem to your general membership. I feel that elected and appointed board members are leaders and have to put themselves above all suspicion.
No matter how fair the system may be, the first time one of the EB wins, tongues will wag.
Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some stay for awhile and leave footprints on our hearts. And we are never, ever the same."
"The ultimate aim of karate lies not in victory or defeat but in the true perfection of one's character."
