Because I'm not nearly busy enough with kids, husband, housework, real work, and this cook book, my husband and I co-own a small, private, members only boat club. Apparently, I've been named the new Social Director (of a board of 8 people). Did I volunteer for this? No. Will I do it? Yes. Am I flattered? Absolutely. Can I handle it? I DON'T KNOW.
Trying to keep this short, but to give you a little background: Our members pay an annual fee to use the property, store their boats, maintain the property, etc. It's become less 'men's fish shack' and more 'family friendly river access' since we've come into ownership. It's a lot of work, but it's also a lot of fun. Some people only use the property to store their boats, hit the river, pack it back up and go home, but there are a lot of families who go, grill out, and relax on the actual property.
I have yet to receive word on what exactly being social director entails.
I do know I'm responsible for sending out information on the members social, which we'll be having probably next month, so people can meet the new board members and get to know other club members. Aside from that, I have an entire year of this responsibility. What would you think a social director is in charge of and responsible for? What would your expectations be of a social director?
If you were a member of a small, members only boat club, as a parent, what would you like to see?
I do know that at least once this summer, I'd like to have a kids day, plan a picnic and some other fun stuff (but WHAT??), just kid based activities, for the younger ones. Any thoughts for that?
GREAT ideas so far, keep them coming!
I had to share though, how ironic this whole thing is... while I love party planning and I know I'll do okay once I get the hang of it, the funny part is I am HORRIBLE HORRIBLE HORRIBLE at remembering people's names. It's never been my forte. When I was in high school I was drum major for a band of over 400 students... everyone knew me, I couldn't remember names to save me life. I am super nervous about that aspect of things! Like 'Hey... you!'
One thing no one has mentioned is a point of contact person. I would want my Social Director to be available if I have questions about an upcoming event, if I want to host an event, if I had an issue with something. Kind of like Julie on the Love Boat. :)
R.:
If I were a member of your boat club, i would expect the social director to:
1. Plan, publicize and manage all Club entertainment and social programs;
2. Co-ordinate social activities with scheduled sailing activities wherever possible; such as Holiday lights parade, and
3. Prepare and control the annual budget for this area of responsibility.
4. Create a monthly newsletter for members.
5. Create a family-friendly environment - trying to ensure all ages have something to do.
I would also expect this to be a paid position NOT a volunteer position. I think I would also expect this person to coordinate with the safety manager to ensure that people are taught proper safety issues/precautions...things like coordinating CPR classes, Boating Incidents, etc.
I did a google search for Yacht Club Social Director. Here's what I found that one yacht club (I realize you don't have a yacht - but you still have a boat!!) does for their members!!
Some examples of the clubs activities and interests are:
Bridge Club -- Meets every Thursday night at 6:30 in the Members Room.
Outdoor Adventurers -- Activities including kayaking, biking, fly fishing, skeet shooting, attending polo matches, sponsorship of classes for Coast Guard captain's (OUPV) licenses and Concealed Weapons permits, dinner meetings with guest speakers on the last Tuesday of every month in the Commodores Room.
Great Mates -- Monthly luncheons with guest speakers at 11:30 a.m. on the third Thursday of every month. Sponsorship of an annual Community Outreach fundraiser for a selected local charity. Sponsorship of the holiday Bundles for Babies program benefitting the North River Care Pregnancy Center.
Power Fleet -- Monthly dinners on the second Tuesday of every month in the Main Dining Room. Cocktails at 6:00 and dinner at 7:00. Monthly cruises to nearby yacht clubs.
Sailing Fleet - BYC hosts the Kick-Off Regatta and weekly River Races.
Fishing Fleet - Hosts the annual Sam Crosthwait Memorial Tournament every May and other fishing events for club and community members.
Wine Society -- Gourmet wine dinners and wine tastings.
Like I said - I would expect this position to be a paid position and NOT a volunteer one. If anyone can do it - you can!!!
-Maintain database of members' contact information
-Create any necessary pamphlets, mailers, invitations, a bi-annual, monthly or quarterly newsletter, regular photos and maybe a Facebook or webpage where these are posted, and yearbook of annual activities of members for members
-Send out birthday cards, anniversary cards, condolence cards, retirement or any other appropriate cards to registered members (especially if the group is very small)
-Depending on future goals of the group, plan annual fundraiser and any other fundraising events that will bring awareness about the club and increase membership of the organization.
-Pick and plan 1-3 regular non-fundraising events for members to look forward to for socialization beyond the club's regular activities. For example a Christmas/New Year's Party, a summer beach/yacht family party for parents and kids, and/or a Fall formal ball and/or Spring formal dance for the big people only.
-Your group could in the future choose a charity to sponsor and do an annual fundrasier as a group for that as well.
-You could purchase a bunch of "equipment" and supplies that remains on the property for members only use. For instance you could store at all times a volleyball net, an assortment of beach balls, horse shoe set, board games, croquet, sun screen, after burn/aloe vera, first aid kit, cpr kit, emergency radio, emergency phone, a first aid manual or poster with instructions for emergencies, extra life jackets in various sizes, extra floatation devices, fire extinguisher, inner-tubes, goggles, swim fins, blankets, water proof picnic blankets, plastic utinsels, paper plates, a portable grill, charcoal, a pop-up shelter/tarp/cabana type thing and a fold-up picnic table for camping so people can eat on the beach. Maybe for little kids, a portable kid corral or pack n' play for the toddler set, extra diapers, a place or supplies for diaper changing, something like a small cooler or fridge for drinking water or a place for parents to store baby food jars. Don't feel you need to BUY all of this stuff. Call local companies and ask if people have things to donate. You will be surprised what people have to offer. Just don't get used floatation devices...that is something you'll want brand new for liability/safety reasons.
Just consider whatever things people may need or want for a day of safe boating or fun on a boat or beach.
start off with throwing a few dates on the calendar for club bbqs or 4th of july celebrations or kids' days, and see how it takes off! all people will want from you to start with is to pull something together. as the events occur you'll get a better feel just from being there as to what's working, what needs to be changed, and how much more people expect of you.
and you'll have the opportunity to ixnay over-ambitious hopes right from the gitgo<G>.
i think you'll be terrific at this!
:) khairete
S.
Great ideas. I think of you as being the party gal - making sure that everyone in the group knows everyone else in the group and can keep an eye on eachother's things/kids/boats kinda like a neighborhood watch program.
As far as you remembering names - I have a hard time with this too. I've found that if, when I first meet them, I say their name aloud once, maybe twice, then write it down and repeat it in my head a few times - that helps. ie:
"Hi, I'm R.. Mark? (you notice his nametage) Nice to meet you, Mark. This is my husband Rob. Rob, this is Mark." Then if you can't write it down, think of something with "Mark" on it --- like "X Marks the spot" b/c the guy has a pirate-esq look to him or "Mark Maguire" b/c the guy looks like him or "Marky Mark" b/c the guy's buff like Mark Walberg. I had a gal named Kristen. I could never remember if she was Kristen or Kristina or Christy. So I imagined her next to my ex "Chris" and her holding up all ten of her fingers. "Chris""ten" - Kristen.
Good luck. Have fun with this additional "job" ....
added: For you, R., I'd probably imagine you cooking and want to call you R. Ray. Rob I'd think that your husband is funny like Rob Schneider or maybe your husband sings/looks cool so I'll think Rob Thomas. Whatever works for you, just try to relate it to something else that you know to make that brain connection.
Julie you need to match everyone up in one hour so they fall in loooovvveeee!
:p
To me a social director is who plans all the parties, get togethers, etc. The kids day would be fun. What about every other Friday during the summer you have a family friendly movie night ? You can get the inflatable screens, use a laptop (I think ?), and have everyone bring a picnic supper ? Everyone brings chairs & blankets to relax on. Plan something around 4th of July, Memorial Day, and Labor Day. Not sure what else to do.
Some adult activities would be nice too. Perhaps you can send out a questionnaire to find out what hobbies or interests they all have in common.
For instance, if they all do wine tasting you could plan a wine tasting get together on one of the boats on the water.
If they all like to go dancing you could host an adult date night with a light dinner and some dancing afterwards.
For family activities I would do a monthly picnic with you providing the meat, main dishes, etc...and "IF" they are receptive, you can let them bring some additional foods like potato salad, desserts, pies, etc... I would not want to make them feel "common" but special for being part of this. That is why I would consider providing everything. If they are a more down to earth group they will feel right at home doing pot luck. If they are more elitist they are not going to like that idea.
If they are more elitist then perhaps a cookoff: chili, spaghetti, BBQ, pie, something they can show off their skills and get bragging rights to.
You can do a monthly culture night, they can bring their favorite food from that culture and then you can plan a speaker, entertainer, movie, etc...that is germane to the idea. If an individual hates food from a certain culture they can do something else such as desserts, side dishes, and something for themselves to eat.
For example:
Italian night:
Everyone brings their best dish that is from that culture. Spaghetti, lasagna, Alfredo, all kinds of dishes. Maybe a sign up sheet so everyone can see what is coming and not bring the same thing.
If they're snooty have a professional singer come and do some lovely music in Italian. If they are a fun group have some movie or something that the stars go to Italy, or race in Italy, or some other thing similar. Maybe someone got married there or has taken a wonderful vacation and can show 15-20 minutes of pictures. Not long though.
Chili cookoff:
Everyone brings their crockpot full of chili. Hot ones go on one table, medium on a different one, mild on another one. Perhaps the table clothes can signify the heat. Red=Hot!!!, yellow or orange=medium, and green for go=mild. Someone can bring hot dogs for the kids, Frito's for chili pie, cheese, sour cream, onions, chips, etc...lots of sides for this one.
Have the judges be sure they can handle hot hot hot hot. My FIL uses those Habarnero's in his chili. He almost always wins the hot category. Then some will make white chili, some will make a hot dog sauce style, some won't like chili and will maybe make some stew.
It's all in fun and for becoming a cohesive group, making relationships, etc...
This is what I would do, I would pretty much copy every idea from our neighborhood newsletter and do it that style! lol
Maybe you could google a newsletter and see what its about.
Heck, you could even put recipes on there. People can submit jokes, Water safety tips, Events happening, New people...etc...
Gooood luck!! :)
I would think you should start a calendar on the website displaying any & all social activities for the adults and kids, price (if applicable), times, etc. You would plan & organize all events other than the families getting on their boats!
Ideas:
Child care so the boaters can have adult boating time?
Board game bonanza?
Lawn games like croquet, jarts, horseshoes?
Hi, R.:
I would suggest you call a meeting of all the members and ask these questions. Let the members participate in the decision making process or you will go crazy with trying to control every thing.
In this way, if anything becomes an issue, the group has made the decisions and they will need to resolve the outcome.
Remember The Great Law of Peace.
Good luck.
D.
Do you all have regular meetings? If so, I would pose your questions to the members. Or make up a questionnaire and email or snail mail it to everyone. Personally, if I were a member, I would love an adult only party one weekend. I would also like a kids day like you said - are there any funds to get a bounce house or cotton candy machine or something? You can always do a good old fashioned field day type of thing - sack races, bobbing for apples, picnic, etc. What about a boat decorating contest? That could be fun and creative. As for your responsibilities, I would think you should plan and oversee (but get help from other members!!!) 3-4 events over the next year and make sure that people are given "save the date" info, then an invitation to the actual event and maybe send out a quarterly newsletter (can be via email). That should be about it!
