Chairman’s Planning Guide 101

A Chairman's Planning Guide is a tool that the United States Jaycees have used for decades and truly is a useful tool. All Chapters need to have finished project books or Chairman’s Planning Guides (CPG) and supporting documents turned in to state within 30 days of project completion. I do realize that in a lot of cases, members who lead projects usually are helping with a lot of projects and experience over load, but that are a vital resource that need to be completed. Let me explain what all the books get the chapter with the state - recognition for not only the project, the chairman, our chapter but then when it goes onto to Nationals - State Jaycees gets awards. Not only will the CPGs be useful to future chairman and help us obtain points on a state book level; it also helps us with State Blue Chips and State & National Parade. As you can see this is very important.

Couple of tid bits - CPGs are truly supposed to be started BEFORE a project begins. Such as you should know:

1. Your Purpose

2. Description of the project

3. Who you will need help from and how to contact them

4. What supplies are needed?

5. Any preventive measures you are planning for (weather, money, volunteers, etc)

6. Proposed budget from income to what expense are

7. What is the time frame to get all accomplished?

I bet each one of you could write all 7 of these down if your project was planning a dinner at home.

1. Purpose - to feed my family

2. Description - Supper is a vital part of the daily meals

3. Who is needed: Grocery shopper ___, Cooker ____, Cleaner _____

4. Supplies: Oven, List of Food, Plates, Forks, etc

5. Possible problems & solutions: Meal burns - call take out. Grocery store is out of spinach - get lettuce.

6. Budget: $10 veggies, $20 meat - no income

7. Time Frame: Grocery shop day before, set meat out, cut up veggies, heat oven, cook per instructions, put on plates, eat, clean up.

SEE.... how easy then after the project, you complete the rest.

8. Any changes

9. Helpful hints for next chairman.

10. Any attachments.

So after the meal - the next day you would finish the next few steps; attach supporting documents and send to me so I can look it over and send on to state.

8. Changes: Veggies were on sale - saved $3. Meat was burnt on pit - ordered Double Daves. Friends stopped by - needed more food.

9. Hints for future chairman: Problem: could have saved more on dinner. Solution - coupon more. Problem - meat burnt Solution - read instructions more.

10. Supporting Documents: Attach the recipe, phone number for takeout, any pictures.

I want you to see that this is very simple and so useful. So remember to have them started BEFORE a project begins and fill them in as you go, then evaluate. Some items to remember: Supporting Documents must be included- some examples: applications, winner sheets, pictures, newspaper publications, charts for projects, SIGN IN SHEET, flyers, etc. . The more you turn in – the higher the parade points. Remember this and this is very important…. When books are being judged, they look for the fact they can take the supporting documents and the guide – read them over and be able to run the project themselves. So think of it all, put it all in there!!

 

Dian Patterson

President, Victoria Jaycees
denkerville@yahoo.com

Dian Patterson is a guest blogger for the Texas Jaycees.  If you have a topic or would like to be a guest blogger,
please contact texasjuniorchamber@gmail.com. 

 

The Power of One

One.  One cause.  One mission.  One person.  Are you the one?

It only takes one person to make an impact on your community.  Have you been the one? Have you been the one to volunteer to chair an existing project that has been struggling?  Have you been the one to develop a new project in your community?  As the country is beginning to recover from the down-turn of the economy this is the perfect time for you to take the next step in your community to show them who the Jaycees are and how we are the most impactful organization your community has. 

Chapters are currently struggling to increase membership and add new projects.  We as the Jaycees need to take the lead in our community and show them what they are missing by not being a member of the Jaycees.  In the last month, think about what you have shown your community.  If someone just moved to your community 30 days ago, what would their impression of the Jaycees be?  Have you done any events, held any membership drives, or had any articles in the media?  If you haven’t, think about why.  Have you been the one to take the initiative to lead a project? 

Sometimes we fall into our comfort zones of doing ‘what we have always done.’  In 2012 think of two ways to be the one.  Not twenty, two.  You don't have to become the next Chapter President (although you may want to think about it, you may be ready!).  Simply look to be the one to take the next step.  If your Chapter needs a chair for a project step up to be the one.  If you have never attended the monthly BINGO project, be the one to volunteer first next month.  

One person can truly impact their community, state, country, and world.  The power of one is so impactful that we sometimes think that ‘someone else’ will be the one.  But why aren’t you the one?  It only takes one to make a ripple a wave. 

Be the one.  Become the change. 

Are You Connected?

Welcome to the Texas Junior Chamber (Jaycees) new blog!  One of President Stephanie's main focuses this year is to increase the amount of communication the State is providing the Local Chapters.  One way we feel we can do this in a more effective way is through this blog!  We hope to be posting on a regular basis to keep the members of the Texas Jaycees well informed about what is happening around the State! 

Did you know that the Texas Jaycees are also on a lot of other social medias? 

1.  Facebook Group:  Texas Junior Chamber (Texas Jaycees/JCI)  - The State's Group on Facebook where members (and non-members) can share their views on topics and let everyone know about upcoming projects in their Chapters! 

2.  Facebook Page:  Texas Junior Chamber - Jaycees/JCI - The State's Page on Facebook where we not only post our views and let everyone know what projects we are currently working on.  We also keep everyone up to date with events that are happening around the State.  If you have events you would like to post on the State Facebook Fan Page, please send the information to jayceesrd@gmail.com. 

3.  Twitter:  TXJaycees - Created just this year, we are working on developing our presence on Twitter to keep up-to-date with not only what is happening in Texas Jaycees but also with our JCI partners with Nothing But Nets, UNICEF, etc. 

4.  LinkedIn: Texas Junior Chamber (Jaycees) Group - this social media will focus more on the latest information that we find concerning career and professional advancement along with general information about the Texas Jaycees. 

5.  YouTube:  Texas Jaycees Channel - Are you looking for a great way to mix up your trainings?  We are starting to add different videos to the new Texas Jaycees YouTube Channel as another resource for our members! 

6.  Blog:  texasjaycees.blogspot.com - Get the word out!  Let everyone in your Chapter know about our new blog here on blogspot.com.  We would love guest writers to help mix it up so please send any articles or ideas for articles to jayceesrd@gmail.com

7.  Website:  Coming Soon!  The State Board is excited that we are close to unveiling a brand new website!  This website will have all of the latest news and information for the Texas Junior Chamber (Jaycees) along with integrated software to help improve our newsletters and communication with you! 

WOW!  As you can see, President Stephanie is serious in her commitment to improving communication with all members of the Texas Jaycees!  If you have any other suggestions or see that we are missing something, please let us know!  Email jayceesrd@gmail.com.

And stay tuned.....we will continue to update this blog with the latest news and information for the Texas Jaycees!