We recently had a change in our leadership in San Diego. To introduce the new Sierra Del Mar Divisional Commander, a luncheon was planned to include business, community and non-profit leaders.
We were also introducing the Chairman of our National Advisory Board who had recently moved into the San Diego community. It was our good fortune to have the National Commander visiting at that same time which was an added bonus. As a result, we received publicity from all of the major media in San Diego. It was a wonderful opportunity to make new friends for the Army, develop new relationships and strengthen our position in the community. Many people attended who had no previous involvement with the Army, and in some cases, no knowledge of what role the Salvation Army plays in our community.
There will be lasting benefits to the Army as a result of this luncheon. Are there ways that you can bring people together for this kind of a gathering? Commissioner Gaither’s message of coming together, not competing with one another, came across loud and clear. A lot of networking took place and good things will come from contacts made here.
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Once a month our Corps Officer and the board host a “Leadership Lunch.”
We ask board members to invite one or more community leaders, we feed them lunch off the “street people’s line” and then we walk them around our facility and explain our programs.
Generally we limit this to 10 or 12 total, which means 4 or 5 board plus guests. This makes it easy on the board, as their turn only comes around about once a year.
We have seen such positive results:
Several very good new board members have come through this process.
Many visitors give a contribution (which we never request at this informational meeting) In fact, one local business man was so impressed that he promised a monthly check of $5000, which came faithfully for several years- this from a non-donor!
And finally, the key members of our community see our work, “up close and personal.”
This is a very effective program. But, it takes a good and faithful board member to chair the program, arrange the schedule and get the members to participate.
Invitation for lunch sounds good Dick, but we only distribute food here in Clovis, CA Corps.. Tomorrow morning, we are having a prospective council member see (and will be encouraged to fill a bag with bread or a food box) and talk with some waiting in social services.
Since we distribute (over 500 portions) the monthly FDA Commodities food in our community we have a big job and several of our council members has helped. This shows great commitment too.
You don’t need to feed them a “street people meal”
Just bring in some deli sandwiches but be sure to keep them on site while you are explaining the programs and the practices of your local Corps.
The most important part is that they are actually on the premises, and they can see and feel the pulse of what you are doing.
One visit on a day with activity is more effective than a dozen speeches they might hear at a service club.