6 Ways to Fuel Your Exploring Membership by 2017

Councils across the country have been working hard to grow Exploring, and we’ve got the membership to prove it! These councils are contributing to the future of BSA in a huge way by stepping up and taking the Exploring program to new heights.

We’ve made incredible progress in 2016, but the year isn’t over just yet. There’s still time to give your council’s membership that extra boost before this year comes to a close. Whether you already surpassed your council’s goals and want to underscore your impressive achievement, or just need that extra little push to reach your annual goal, check out these six things you can do NOW to fuel your year-end membership growth.

1. Reach out to un-contacted leads

Scout executives receive a list of the lead generator’s un-contacted leads in their weekly report, or you can obtain a list by emailing beanexplorer@lflmail.org.

2. Utilize career interest surveys

These surveys have a tendency to get the wheels turning in the minds of young people. By asking youth about their interests (rather than merely aptitude), the career interest survey is a useful tool to spark excitement for the future. Familiarize yourself with the different ways you can wield this tool:

• Online vs. Scantron surveys: Allow the school to determine which version of the survey they’d like to administer—they will have more insight in to which method is best.
• What to do with the data: Identify student’s top interests, then visit with business leaders in those industries about sponsoring an Exploring program.
• Added benefits: The survey is free to schools – this means your council can save local schools tens of thousands of dollars by offering the career interest survey. Schools can also add up to 6 yes/no questions of their students such as, “ Are there enough parking spots in the parking lot?… Are you taking the SAT?… Have you ever been bullied?” 

You can check out the online survey for yourself here.

3. Explore different youth recruitment methods

• Career survey data: After you identify the top career interests in your area, visit with business leaders in those industries, and secure commitments to start new posts and clubs. You can even use the information from the surveys to personally invite youth to open houses for these new units!
• Invitation from local industry leaders: Get creative with how this invitation is extended—through an emailed letter, social media call to action, or even a radio spot or community newspaper.

4. Leverage community relationships

Ask council board members to connect with local business leaders who could benefit from starting an Exploring post—or even start one of your own!

5. When in doubt, check out the playbook

Not sure how to start a post? Need some help with outreach? Get the simplified breakdown on these topics straight from the Exploring playbook. You’ll find a step-by-step guide to help you get started with your very own Exploring post, or whatever else you might need help with. Get started here.

6. Know your resources

Head to the new Exploring website to discover more resources, created just for you. Also, be sure to check out the Exploring assets on the BSA Brand Center, where you’ll find a trove of fresh, ready-to-use materials such as photos, videos, social media tools, and more.

Want more tips on growing Exploring? Be sure to tune in Dec 6 at 10:00 a.m. Central to the Exploring Officers Association webinar for expert insights, fresh tips, and valuable resources to help you grow Exploring before the end of the year. Get registered for this can’t-miss webinar here.

Have you been part of this year’s Exploring efforts? Maybe you’re trying new marketing methods. Maybe you’ve got a lead-contact accountability plan. Maybe you even personally reach out to every prospect that comes through the lead generator. Share your tips in the comments below!