The MSUP Advantage PJ Hagerdorn PASNLC Peoria IL

The MSUP Advantage PJ Hagerdorn PASNLC Peoria, IL

Peoria Area Senior. Net 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 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 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

Recommendations Alzheimer’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!

Word of Mouth Advertising • • 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 studentscreates 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 class others 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 far it 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: denandpj@mtco. com