John Brookins
About John Brookins
Posts by John Brookins:
Bringing Your Ideas to Life: The Simple Process of Proposing New Initiatives
Bringing Your Ideas to Life: The Simple Process of Proposing New Initiatives
Introduction: Do you have a brilliant idea for our Special Forces Association Chapter? Whether it’s an exciting event, a fundraising opportunity, or a fresh approach to our operations, we encourage and value new ideas from our members. But how do you get started? Fear not, the process is quite straightforward. By following a few simple steps and considering the five Ws, you’ll be well on your way to turning your idea into reality.
Step 1: Gather Your Thoughts and Answer the Five Ws: To begin, take some time to organize your idea and consider the essential details. Start by addressing the five Ws:
- What are we doing? Clearly define the purpose and nature of your proposal.
- Who is doing it? Identify the individuals or teams involved in executing the idea.
- Where will this happen? Specify the location or venue for your initiative.
- When will it happen? Determine the date or time/frame for your proposed event or activity.
- Why are we doing this? Explain the motivation behind your idea and the benefits it brings to our Association.
By answering these questions, you’re already 90% of the way towards shaping your proposal.
Step 2: Estimate Costs and Identify Potential Funding: Once you have a clear idea of what you want to achieve, it’s important to consider the financial aspect. Estimate the costs associated with your initiative and identify potential sources of funding. For instance, if you have a generous donor willing to support your event, include their information in your proposal.
Step 3: Present Your Idea at the next General Meeting: Now that you’ve gathered all the necessary information, it’s time to share your idea with the rest of the chapter members. Bring your proposal to our next General Meeting and be prepared to present it during the “Good of the Order” portion of our meeting. This is your chance to provide a brief overview of your idea and share the key details with our members.
Step 4: Let the Board Take It From There: After presenting your idea, our dedicated Board will take your proposal into consideration. They will review the information you’ve provided and work towards scheduling a date or further discussion on the implementation of your initiative. Rest assured, your idea will be given the attention it deserves
Conclusion: At SFA 4-24, we thrive on fresh ideas and innovative thinking. By following this simple process, you can confidently bring your ideas to our attention and contribute to the growth and success of our community. Prior preparation will speed up the process. So, don’t hesitate to share your ideas at our next General Meeting. We look forward to seeing the incredible initiatives our members will bring forth!
Volunteer
We always need Volunteers
Non-profits, charities, and fraternal organizations run on volunteers. There is simply is no other way to organize and maintain the events required to keep a non-profit running without volunteers. Unless your organization has a very generous donation base, it relies on the hard work of its volunteer staff. Chapter 4-24 could not have the various events throughout the year without a volunteer force. The summer picnic alone takes a considerable effort on the part of non-paid members to move the logistical train along. Meeting with the venue owners, negotiating pricing and amenities to set up the tables and quartermaster items. Volunteers make it happen.
But it’s not all work and no play. In fact, volunteers often have a great time working to put these events together. For example, a small contingent of members got together for the chapter’s first spaghetti dinner. Once again our members were in the foxhole “prepping the objective”. Together, laughing and generally having a good time as they molded excellent meatballs. But guess what? The more people involved the easier it is.
SFA Chapter 4-24 also holds a number of events each year like the Heritage Ski Inn. This event takes place over a Friday and Saturday each February-March time frame. To remember our skiing forefathers of the WWII OSS and Norwegian Special Operations training that took place in and around Leadville
Colorado. The events include a Friday night get-together, usually at the Pastime Bar and Café. Leadville is also where the Legendary Green Beret, Barry Sadler spend time as a young man prior to entering the military. Saturday often begins with breakfast at Ski Cooper and handing out the lift tickets for the events.
Around 1 pm, there is a serpentine ski down the slopes with flags from the various participants.
Before leaving the mountain, the SFA chapter 4-24 holds a small gathering at the OSS / NORSO Marker. After the events, chapter members and family can be found wandering through downtown Leadville socializing with each other probably embellishing various war stories.
It’s a great event. But it takes effort. Volunteers to ensure we have a venue for Friday night. Volunteers assist in handing out tickets and information. They prepare the serpentine flags and displays.
These events can only happen with help from its members. Come out and join us in making our events memorable and work side by side with your teammates to make our association and especially this chapter, Chapter 4-24 the best it can be.
To volunteer simply check out the volunteer sign-up
Participate when you are part of a professional organization
Participate when you are part of a professional / fraternal organization
Many of us join professional or fraternal organizations. The reasons we join can vary. Some like the camaraderie of others in the same field of interest. Many are more inclined to look for professional networking opportunities that generate leads to their career advancement. Still, others are all about learning, advancing their education through professional events and seminars. All of these reasons to belong to a professional organization are valid. But if you want to get the most from your membership you must participate.
Too many times we join an organization or association and are disappointed in what we experience. The meetings can become dull and boring. Over time the topics discussed can seem redundant and old. It doesn’t have to be this way. Organizations are built on their membership. If there is great participation, there can be great results. When only a few people steer the focus, the organization misses the benefits of the diverse experiences and knowledge of the whole membership. A great organization encourages its members to be a part of the direction its heading.
A man only learns in two ways, one by reading, and the other by association with smarter people. Will Rogers
It is easy to criticize an organization from the sidelines. It takes courage to engage and put yourself out there for everyone’s criticism. By being an active member and contributing to the group, you become more aware of the challenges the organization faces.
How many of us have been to a conference or meeting only to walk away disappointed some topic wasn’t discussed. But did we bring the subject up? Did we actively ask questions? Or, did we just sit and complain to our neighbors about how bad the event was conducted.
This isn’t very helpful to yourself, or the organization as a whole. Who else missed out on a great conversation that never happened because you didn’t contribute? You don’t have to be an official. Volunteer to help with events, membership drives, or instruction. Ask questions, and give responses. You’ll be wrong now and then but that’s ok.
It is not easy running a professional organization and there will always be many opinions on what are the most important issues to be addressed. The only way to see quality change take place is to be a part of that change. Don’t stand on the outside complaining, be a part of the solution. Most of the time it will be appreciated by all those involved including the “old guard” who may be exhausted trying to keep up the momentum.
