the msup advantage
DESCRIPTION
The MSUP Advantage. PJ Hagerdorn PASNLC Peoria, IL. Peoria Area SeniorNet Learning Center. Launched October 1989 Sponsors allow us to charge no fees for classes Longest running LC in state Sixth longest running LC in the U.S. Why MSUP for PASNLC?. To Support regional rep-Mel - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
The MSUP Advantage
PJ HagerdornPASNLCPeoria, IL
• Launched October 1989• Sponsors allow us to
charge no fees for classes• Longest running LC in
state• Sixth longest running LC
in the U.S.
Peoria Area SeniorNet Learning Center
Why MSUP for PASNLC?
• To Support regional rep-Mel• HQ answered request for
Office software, we support their efforts with grant
• We saw great possibilities with this opportunity
MSUP Requirements
• 501(c)3 status• Non-religious• Not established educational facility • Minimal reporting elements• Check HQ website for more details:
www.seniornet.org
Perceived Potential for Growth
• Revitalize program• Something new to offer• Creative challenges
• Baby boomers• Potential for new volunteers• Different perspectives• New ideas
What we’ve gained…• Greater community awareness• New opportunities for volunteers• Returning students• New students • New volunteers• Sponsor appreciation-not same
old people/same old thing• Additional sponsor
Touting MSUP Courses
• Helped us recruit new volunteers• Helped us recruit a new sponsor• Helped us provide a new benefit to
our sponsors by training their staff
Additional Benefits
• Personal growth for volunteers• MS Certification nets employees greater
income possibilities (One teacher made $6 hr more with cert.)
• Use MSUP to solicit new sponsors• New Software & curriculum
Benefits:Maintaining the Brain
with New Learning
• Increase volunteer contribution• Increases employment possibilities• Reduces cabin fever & boredom• Decreases depression• Alzheimer’s association study
Alzheimer’s Association Stats
• Facts• Most common form dementia• 10% over 65• 50% over 85
• Uncontrollable risk factors • Aging• Family history
RecommendationsAlzheimer’s Association:
• East wisely• Stay physically active• Remain socially involved• Keep mentally active
• Brain maintenance-mental acuity• Slow progression of Alzheimer’s
Maintain Your Brain Campaign
• Current events, read, puzzles, games• Tinker --hobbies, crafts, cars • Write letters or e-mail• Learn new skills
• Design or create something
•Computer programs
Promote Benefits to Sponsors
• Maintaining sponsorship through program expansion
• Exposure through conferences• Sponsor booth space• Increased
awareness/publicity/exposure
Sponsor Businesses• Offer fliers, newsletters, brochures• Promote benefits
• To customers• Good PR for business• Offer staff training - MSUP curriculum
• Solicit help with publicity• Marketing Department press release?• Offer blurb for employee newsletter
Publicize!
Publicize!
Publicize!
Word of Mouth Advertising
• Always, always, always promote sponsors• Ask students to thank sponsors• Ask students to tell others about the program
- Goodwill ambassadors• Students may help solicit additional sponsors
Tips & Tricks – Create a Demand
• Use teasers to promote new courses for new semester
• Short seminars to assess interest• Course evaluations• Include interest survey• Focus group among students-
creates buy-in
Tips & Tricks (continued)
• Distribute & post newsletters & fliers• Retirement communities• Libraries• Churches
• Form strategic alliances• RSVP• Senior Centers• Others in your area?
Sample blurb Web Design
Web design doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive. Whether you’re interested in using web design for business or personal use, this 8-week course will provide the basics to get you started. Participants must be computer literate to take this course. Space is limited so call today to reserve your seat! (call to action)
Branch out• Offer classes at different times
• Evenings• Saturdays
• Find or create special events• Health fairs• Offer graduation ceremony
• Speaker’s bureau• Retired teacher groups• Optimist Clubs, Kiwanis, Rotary
Old adage…
“If you always do the same thing, you’ll get the same results.”
Overcoming Objections
• Brainstorm pros & cons• Pike syndrome• Stagnate waters breed bad bugs• Recruit new people• Recruit new sponsor specifically for
MSUP
Personal Methods
• Distribute CDs • Print & distribute first lesson• Charge for curriculum
3 hole/doubled sided advantage• 5/8 certificates
appeals to working classothers like it
Personal Preferences
• Longer course time (graphics)• Next week, we will explore…• Save something good for last• Open lab• Instructor/coach availability• Personal contact info• Follow up• I’m a volunteer!
The Challenge
Take a chance and see how farit can take YOUR Learning Center!
What do you have to lose?
You don’t have to return the wheelbarrow!
World Volunteer Conference
In response to the observation that volunteers are too often seen as amateurs, “Just remember: Noah’s Ark was built by amateurs. The Titanic was built by professionals!”
Thank You!
Questions??? Email PJ Hagerdorn: [email protected]