Recruiting and Retention

The following thoughts are some I shared with our squadron. I thought they might be encouraging to others, too. I welcome comments.

This is a critical time for our Group and our Wing. There is much uncertainty about funding and how that will influence our overall effectiveness. The struggling economy had made it more challenging for our great volunteers to maintain their desired level of investment in CAP. Although current circumstances may make us feel a little frustrated and helpless, we can ease the situation a little by ramping up our recruiting efforts.

I understand the difficulty many of us are having in recruiting. I talk CAP to people nearly every time I am out. I've talked to so many people that, when I was manning our church display at our County Fair a few people asked me if I was there for the church or for CAP. The cost of membership has been less of an issue than people being hesitant to make a time commitment. Some of our previous squadron members lost interest because of other pursuits, some graduated HS and moved on, others just dropped out, but none because of the cost of membership.

Nonetheless, we can't let up on our recruiting efforts. Every one of us, if we are interested in the future of our organization, needs to be talking it up to others. We have been able to make some great accomplishments. We will be able to do even more, and contribute even more to our community, state, and nation if we can grow.

I am convinced that our organization has something great to offer to our community, state, and nation, and that all of our current members share that conviction. What can we all, cadets and seniors, do to help recruit new members and retain current members?

1) Attend meetings regularly and participate in unit activities, even if you have to come in late due to other commitments such as sports or work. Don't underestimate the influence that just being present has on other people. We were able to identify early in our existence as a squadron the importance of regular attendance. We cover a lot in some our our meetings, so it does not take long to get far behind our peers. The old adage goes, "An engine often starts missing before it quits." Its been my experience that if an engine is not properly maintained it may quit suddenly and unexpectedly.

2) Obey officers and wear your uniform properly. Military discipline and bearing compliment the wear of the uniform. Military bearing and discipline are impressive even when out of uniform, but a uniform can not cover up a lack of either. Uniforms need to be complete, clean, and properly worn. Haircuts and shaves are important to our overall appearance. We all need to take note that the first thing visitors do when they enter the room is look around. Orderly meetings and activities where military customs and courtesies are observed are impressive.

3) Advance education and training rapidly. The main thrust of CAP is to prepare people to be of service. This is the role of education and training. It is axiomatic that the more you know about what you are doing, and the more proficient and consistent you are in putting what you have learned into action, the more you will enjoy what you are doing. The more you enjoy what you are doing, the more committed you will be to it. This is true in every area of life, not just CAP. Don't fall into the trap of doing only what you feel you have to do, or it will only be a matter of time before you become disinterested and become ineffective or worse, drop out.

If you haven't already figured it out, the preceding points come from the CAP Cadet Pledge. Cadets commit it to memory, and hopefully, turn it to action. We seniors need to model the same commitment. All of the preceding points help build confidence in ourselves and in our organization, and will make us better members and recruiters. Take some time to become knowledgeable of our program and the different types of memberships available. Carry a couple of pieces of literature with you to hand out. Be proud and confident in who you are and in what you do! CAP is unique. Other organizations do some of the things that we do, but none do all of the things that we do, or do them as well!

Semper Vigilans!
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Randall F. Matheny, Chaplain (Capt.)
Group 6, PAWG 31
Civil Air Patrol
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kb3mom