IN CONCERT WITH OTHER ACTIVITIES

The basic goals and objectives of all membership organizations (golf clubs, racquet clubs, swim clubs, etc.) are universal. They are:

The backbone of any organization is the core of active, participating members who regularly and faithfully take part in and support the programs of the organization. Their physical presence gives “flesh and bone” to the activities of the club and their financial support enables its existence. Diligent care and attention must be given to cultivating and encouraging the strengths of this group.

In order to grow, an organization must constantly be seeking ways to attract and gain the attention of new people and present them with choices that will grasp and hold their interest. The appeal may be to individuals or to members of the entire family, and even the extended family. Strong organizations are not built and do not grow from a “flash in the pan”, but rather depend on activities that have an ongoing and increasing attraction to hold members interests for the long term.

Reaching out to a broad-based group in interests and pursuits has never been easily done. Yet, any organization has, as one of its objectives, the “impossible dream” of attracting everyone to its facilities and activities, and eventually into its membership. By incorporating diversified but compatible activities into its overall program, new horizons can be explored by an organization in the quest to appeal to the masses.

In practical terms, these four issues form the nucleus of any consideration of incorporating into an activity program. As a “stand alone” activity or as a compatible addition in concert with an established program, this game will be the catalyst needed to facilitate the accomplishment of an organization’s desired ends.

The avid golfer, tennis player or swimmer will have little interest in a new activity, although that condition may change with time. Instead, his interest is in the pursuit of his passion, with as few hindrances as possible. By offering a pleasant and enjoyable alternative to alienated and even antagonistic members of his close inner circle, some of the impediments to his interests are removed. With each “tee time” reservation could be included complementary passes for others to enjoy. Greater participation in the overall programs of the facility is the final outcome, and the subject of subsequent conversations with others, in whom may be planted the seeds of future interest in the organization.

There are those in any community who would participate in a group’s activities, but are hindered from doing so by the opposition of other close influences. Within that community, when new and exciting options (i.e. ) are offered to attract the former opponents, obstacles are removed and participation and membership in the host group is increased with new participants. As in a miniature golf location, skating rink or video arcade, tickets for the play of the new attraction (i.e. ) are made available to all who want to join in the fun. Now, the needs or wants of “other close influences” are well met, and the “one” is able to pursue his passion as a new participant in the group’s primary activity.

Within the family, and certainly within the neighborhood or any larger group of people, is found a wide variety of interests and favored activities. With the divisive energies of each one tugging and pulling in many different directions, consensus becomes difficult and at times, impossible. Then enters an activity (i.e. ) into the midst, which can be pursued and enjoyed by all parties in the group. The individual interests and energies now can all be focused in a single direction, towards the program and facilities of the club or organization, and new, previously unreached prospects are brought into the membership. Playing becomes the focus of an entire group and brings them to the facility to pursue that interest. Instead of spending entertainment dollars on movies, concerts, bowling or other events, those dollars are now put into the gross receipts of the facility whose programs have captured their interest. By word of mouth, neighbors, friends and acquaintances are drawn into the fun and spirited competition, meeting new people and making new friends. The host organization is the ultimate beneficiary.

Like a bad cold in a schoolroom, excitement and enthusiasm spreads from its source in every direction. As more and more people begin to play and enjoy the game of , local tournaments can be organized with local winners competing in larger area competitions. All the while, the name and location of the hosting organization is ever before the public, calling attention to the programs and activities available to members and guests.

The Name of the Game is