Make a CommitmentEverything worthwhile requires effort. Being your Lodge Blood Donor Chairman shouldn't be a difficult task. Set aside one or two hours a week to work steadily towards achievable goals such as compiling a list of potential donors within the lodge, increasing actual donations 10%, arranging volunteers to cover one evening a month at a local clinic or hosting a clinic together with the lodges in your temple or district.
Lead by ExampleThere's an old saying about the difference between a manager and a leader: "Managers do things right. Leaders do the right things." (It's best to be both a manager and a leader – they're just different processes.)
As the Blood Donor Chairman, part of your job is to inspire the people around you become involved in the blood donor process. To do this, you must show them the way by donating yourself. Become Knowledgeable On The TopicYour knowledge can communicate enthusiasm for your role. The more committed you are the more persuasive you will be. Most of what you need to know is located on the Canadian Blood Services website.
You can find addition information about operating district and lodge blood donor committees in "The Masonic Manual" p. 10, p. 34-36. Know Your Local ClinicPrepare yourself for the role of chairman by first finding out the address, operating hours and other details of the local clinic. Local clinics often they have specific day when they have offer special treats such as pizza.
Have Business Cards MadeHave business cards made with the District registration number for partners for life and Blood Services contact information for locations of permanent clinics and their hours within the District. Distribute them personally during your year as District Blood Donor Chairman. Send a suitable number to each Lodge Blood Donor Chairman. Get the District to pay the costs. Inexpensive business cards can be obtained at Vista Print.
Canvas Lodge MembersObtain a copy of the membership list from the Secretary, send everyone an email message to get started, and then start phoning. Besides communicating your message it is important to make notes of which members are able to give blood and who is willing to volunteer. This will assist you ascertaining your target group for later programs and efforts. This has the added benefit of getting to know each member better for you future work within the lodge.
Multiply Your OutputEncourage donors within your lodge to take their spouse, family or friends with them. This taps into another group expanding the pool of donors.
Delivering Your Committee ReportA little bit of preparation will ensure your success. A brief report with changing messages will keep members interested. Make sure you describe your efforts such as how many members you called or were contacted, who donated or volunteered and your goals and progress. A committee chair who is unprepared or sounds like a broken record will quickly stop being called upon.
Facilitate the ProcessYou should identify some members of your lodge who regularly donate and are willing to attend with new donors.
Arrange for several members to meet up at a clinic. It is difficult to avoid when you have commitment from others. Offer rides, go out for lunch afterwards and turn a trip to the clinic into a social event. Utilize a Special EventUse a special event such as "Provincial Masonic Blood Donors Week" every February to create a focal point to rally the troops.
District's could have awards for the lodge that has the most donations, volunteer hours, etc. Lodges could also challenge each other over the course of a year. Overcome ObstaclesPrepare for the frequent response you will face that "I'm not able to give blood" or "I'm too busy". Anticipation will allow you to continue on the conversation and offer alternative ways to get involved. Often members who put up these roadblocks are not aware of other options available to them.
Communicate Your MessageUtilize changing messages in lodge communications such as the Summons, a Newsletter, lodge website or a monthly email to the membership. Catch their attention by including pictures of the members involved in blood donor activities. A picture is worth a thousand words and will communicate enthusiasm for the cause.
Avoid the never changing monthly line repeated in the Summons that no one notices. Awards ProgramRewards a worthy brother with recognition of their contribution to a cause we heartily support while creating awareness of an important cause. Please click here to download the Certificate Form.
|
Enthusiasm is the most important thing in life. |