Member Enhancement
Division
Sid & Donna Cohen
MED Coordinators
Membership Enhancement Division (MED) page.
Currently the Membership Enhancement Division covers four main areas: 1) Couple of the Year Program, 2) Chapter of the Year Program, 3) Member Retention Program, 4) Public Relations, and 5) Fun Activity Program.
1. The Couple of the Year Program
The most visible FUN part of the MED is the Couple of the Year Program. The (COY) Program was established in 1988. A method of honoring couples for their commitment, enthusiastic, dedication, accomplishment and participation to the ideals of the GWRRA, it begins at the Chapter level. While serving as their Chapter Couple of the Year they are encouraged to participate in the District's Selection Process. District Couples are then encouraged to attend the Region Process of Selection for their Couple. The winning Region Couple is then fortunate to participate in the International Couple of the Year selection process at Wing Ding. But, remember it all starts at the Chapter Level. If you are asked to participate and chosen as a Chapter Couple of the Year, it is an honor and we hope that you will use that position well. While Chapter Couples are encouraged to visit other Chapter Meetings, it is not required. Chapter Couple of the Year position puts the Fun in our motto, Friends for FUN, Safety and Knowledge. Please see our COY page for more information on our current and past COYs, as well as information on the program itself.
2. The Chapter of the Year Program - NEW!!!
GWRRA's newest program, the Chapter of the Year
Program, is designed to recognize chapters that are extraordinary in
growth, participation, and activities! The Chapter of the Year
Award and Honorable Mention Awards were created to acknowledge the
extraordinary efforts and performance of local chapter leaders and
members. The growth and continued success of GWRRA is dependent on the
thoughtful planning and implementation of important local initiatives.
All “charter paid” GWRRA chapters worldwide are eligible to participate
in the 2007 GWRRA Chapter of the Year Award and Honorable Mention
Awards, providing the qualifications have been met. Each District
shall select a Chapter of the Year that demonstrates the greatest
combined achievement in the below listed criteria – point category.
Each Region will select one outstanding Chapter that will be compared to
other Region chapters at Wing Ding 2008. Kelles & Laura Sue
Fleming, Georgia's District Couple of the Year for 2007, have been
appointed as the CHOY Coordinators.
Click here for more details on the Program.
Click
here for the scoresheet. Please contact
Kelles & Laura Sue if you would like more information on this
program.
3. Member Retention Program
The Member Retention Program (also called Recruitment and Retention) is another extremely important part of the FUN part of the Membership Enhancement Division. There is a New Member Orientation Guide which we encourage our Chapter Directors and their Recruitment and Retention Coordinator to make full use of this guide. Remember, in order to recruit new members and to obtain the current members, we all must work together. Remember the words, 'Just Ask,' and you could sign up a new member to GWRRA today. The new member will be there beside us as we continue to make Friends for FUN, Safety and Knowledge. Please see our Recruitment & Retention Page for more information on the R&R program.
4. Public Relations
Public Relations is another very important FUN part of the Membership Enhancement Division. Public Relations is very important in promoting, and advertising our great association. We want to educate the public so they may have a better knowledge and understanding of GWRRA. We want to create a positive image of GWRRA and motorcycling in general. People tend to believe what they read in the newspapers, magazines and newsletters or what they see on TV. If you are writing a press release for the local newspaper, conducting an interview with the media, having a mall bike show, or just writing your article for the Chapter Newsletter, you need to be sure and do it correctly. Remember we are GWRRA - We wear the clothing - We ride the bikes. GWRRA is promoted everywhere. It is promoted anytime. If we can assist you in any matter, be sure to contact us. We must always speak and keep a positive attitude as we promote the image of our great Friends for FUN, Safety and Knowledge.
5. Fun Activity Program
Fun Activity Program promotes the fact that GWRRA is a social organization of friends. We have Rider Education to promote the 'safety' aspect and we have the Leadership Training Division to help with the 'knowledge' part of our motto. In the Membership Enhancement Division, we have the "FUN" Activities Program. We must continue to have 'FUN' in our organization in order to keep our members. There is a Fun Activities Guide which is very helpful in selecting ideas, games and activities for your meetings and rides. Chapter Directors and other staff take advantage of this tool. It is here for you. If we can assist you in any matter, please contact us. We aim to help you keep the FUN in our lives as we promote our motto, "Friends for FUN, Safety and Knowledge."
Publications
- Nat'l MED News
- Guides and References
- New Member Guide
- MEC Position Description of Duties and Responsibilities
- Retention Program Guide
- Public Relations Guide
- Couple of the Year Program
Sid & Donna Cohen
GA's new MED Coordinators
GA District News - October 2007
Donna and I feel really honored by being selected to serve on the Georgia Staff as the new Membership Enhancement Coordinators. We have been riding since 1972 when we got married. We bought our first Gold Wing in 1997. Shortly after that I was approached by some bearded guy who said he knew who I purchased my Wing from. At that time he invited me to a chapter gathering with Chapter “T” in Athens, Ga. I went and had a great time. I talked Donna into accompanying me on a ride with a small group the next weekend. We became members of GWRRA shortly after that and have been going ever since. For the last 7 years we have rode with Chapter “S” from Winder, Ga. You know the one. “The Motorsickle Capital of the World”
As all jobs are important this is no exception. Donna and I are ready for the challenge of wearing more than one hat as the District MEC. As everyone knows we are taking over from Karla Greer who did an outstanding job. Bob and Karla were selected to be the Region “A” Membership Enhancement Coordinators. Karla left some pretty big shoes to fill so Donna and I won’t even try to fill them, rather we will continue to wear our own shoes.
We hope everyone starts out with a great 2008. Remember keep riding and ride safe. See you soon.
Sid and Donna Cohen