Under the leadership and guidance of Frank "Rocketman" Uroda, our community has stepped forward in an attempted to "save rocketry"
We are presently at the time where we will begin to see our "return on investment". The measures of our success will be both tangible and intangible. Our national organizations should be able to report to us any unusual increases in membership. Our clubs will be able to tell us about new guests and members. Finally and hopefully, we'll see new faces on our fields.
Our proposed next step is the Popular Mechanics campaign. If I understand Frank correctly, this is expected to cost between $50,000-$60,000. Truly, a good deal for almost 10 million exposures.
May I offer a proposal for "Phase III"? What would your club do with a $5,000 grant for outreach? How about:
- Low-cost/free significant instruction and build sessions through your local college.
- Professional quality displays at your local science museum and air shows.
- Free reloads and hardware while "training" newcomers.
- Carry out a local advertising campaign, improve your launch area, or conduct specific public events.
- Conduct "train the trainer" classes geared toward educating teachers (k-12 and college) and youth program leaders on the benefits of rocket science.
- Open and prepare your field for low-cost "field trip" for grade schools.
- Sponsor TARC teams.
- Buy and equip a trailer and promotional items for long-term exposure and outreach at local events.
These are only examples. Some may be good, some not. What could your club do to double its membership? Would money help? The intention of Franks campaign is to make the targeted audience interested and enthused enough to join our community. Could your club drive the issue home with its current program and resources?
May I propose that in Phase III, we have a true "grass-roots" effort to raise and distribute $60,000 in grants. Awards could be a made to
12 clubs in the maximum amount of $5,000. I would anticipate a program where a request for proposal is sent to recognized rocket clubs soliciting ideas. An independent panel of leaders would then make the determination on which efforts will produce the biggest return on investment.Are there any projections or goals for this effort in total? I submit this to the group only as an idea. I thought about it for about a day, and ran it by a couple of people. Any thoughts?
- DanB President, NARScouts "Ready, Pilot One"