After School Programming Linked to Higher Test Scores

Yep that's right! Numerous studies suggest that high-quality after-school programs enhance students’ academic success in school. After-school programs lead to better attitudes toward school and stronger school engagement; stronger school performance, as measured by standardized test scores and grades; higher rates of school attendance; fewer behavioral problems; and lower dropout rates (Afterschool Alliance, 2008).

So the question is "does your child's school offer After School Programming?  If so, are the programs designed for the interests and development of all students or do they simply serve the needs of the athletes and techies.

It is so simple and FUN to become creative and coordinate interesting and varying after school programs that include all types of Art, Science, Sports, Community Service, Games, Robotics, Hobbies, Animals and Travel?  You can even start a DO NOTHING CLUB where the kids simply spend quality time together after school playing games or old fashioned outdoor activities like Kick the Can.

Think about bringing some fun Enrichment Weeks to Your School perhaps a
A Week of Wizardry including ...Magic Classes, Chemistry Potions, Quid ditch, Poetry and Spell Writing.  
Travel to Asia including...Asian Art Project, EggRoll Cooking Class, Mommy & Me Yoga.
HobbyLand including... Stamp Collecting, Comic Book Art, Painting, Tennis.
The number of ideas are only limited to your imagination so have fun with it!

Oh, and by the way.  Everyone in the community benefits.  The kids get to hang out with their friends after school and learn about new and interesting things, parents get a couple extra free hours at a great price, community businesses get to promote their services, and teachers can earn a few extra dollars and connect with their students on a casual and fun basis.

Win! Win! Win!

Pssst...  and don't forget to use www.TheSignUpHub.com for online Registration and Payments!  It makes your job a snap.
  

Here's How To Run An Awesome Enrichment Week at Your School!

Timeline

4-6 Weeks before Enrichment Week

• Meet with school administrators and complete all necessary paperwork and/or adhere to all policies of the school.
• Decide on a theme for your enrichment week.

• Determine how many classes each day, what and where they will be.
• Secure instructors and fees for each class.  Once Instructor fees are established you can determine how much to charge each student.

3-4 Weeks before Enrichment Week

• Create a brochure or Flyer to be handed out at school and Creat your SignUp Hub for Online Registration & Payments.
• Allow at least one full week for parents to sign up and/or return their registration. Enter in all paper registrations onto your SignUp Hub.

2 Weeks before Enrichment Week

• Enrollment should be closed now and it is time to finalize classes.  Cancel any classes with too low enrollment and refund parents.  Close Registration.
• Print out Volunteer list from The SignUpHub and call/email for commitment (estimate 1:7 ratio volunteers to children in elementary school). 

1 Weeks before Enrichment Week

• Send an Email reminder to all parents about their registered classes as a reminder.  
• Allow this week to tidy up all administrative duties such as reminding instructors and volunteers (via email or phone) on the date, time, place, headcount and contact person for the enrichment week.  
• Print out and deliver all class lists, name tags and volunteer directions and attendance sheets to the school.
• Decide with the school on how to have children dismissed to classes. 
• Have PTO treasurer write out instructor checks for you and review financials with him/her. The SignUp Hub will automatically summarize monies due and Instructor Fees. 

Week of Enrichment:

• Ensure there is a point person located in the office to handle any issues or questions that may arise.  You will need to answer phones in case a parent calls as well as direct volunteers and instructors to their classrooms. 
• Have teachers place nametags on children at end of day to help with attendance and flow.
• Supply each volunteer with a class list and instruct them to check in/out the students to their after school activity. It is important that all attendance is done quickly and that you account for all students.  If someone is missing, check with the school nurse for absences and/or then call home. At pick up, whomever is designated to pick up the child must be noted on the check out form.  Check with your school administration if they wish parents to sign out their children or if a simple check mark is sufficient. 
• Lastly, a volunteer should be present at the entrance to the school to direct parents to where their children are in the building.  A sign on oak tag may serve this purpose better.    

Theme Suggestions

Really anything goes here...Be Creative!  Some suggestions on some more popular themes and suggested classes are below.

Week in Disneyland could include: fencing 'Peter Pan Fencing', cartoon art, create your own gift shop Tee, any type of outside animal class 'Animal Kingdom', any international cooking or class 'Epcot Dining', monster makeup 'Haunted Mansion', magic classes , rollercoaster design , etc...

A Week at Hogwarts:  magic classes, poetry creation of spells and potions, strange animals, model trains, chemistry experiments, gym: quid ditch, art:  create your own portraits, etc...

Olympics:  any sport (i.e.  Gymnastics), international class based on where Olympics were or are being held, Iron sculpture: medals or metals?, science could include aerodynamics or speed experiments, broadcasting, film editing, cheerleading, etc...

Up in the Air:  track and field: high jumps to hurdles, paper airplanes, science experiments with air pressure, birds, kite making, wind instruments, air balloons, birdhouses, travel by plane etc...

In the Dirt:  worms, horticulture, gardening, baseball, terrariums, clay art sculpture, intro to pottery, ant farms, cooking: desserts with chocolate pudding and Oreos and gummy worms, cake decorating with a theme, etc...

Down Under:  Australia, alligators and crocodiles, fish and aquariums, art project relating to the sea,  archeology

Travel to Asia: (or any other continent or country):  cooking, dance related to country, origami art, sushi making, art:  Chinese lanterns, map making, judo, fencing (refer to movie Mulan), jewelry making, etc...

Mind, Body and Soul:  yoga, tai chi, any sport, community service including volunteering or card making,  stamp art card making, science:  dissection of ?, the brain, any classroom or animal topic, etc...

Lost Arts:  drama class, pressed flowers, art of conversation (concept of speed dating), fencing, jousting, horses, decoupage, cameras and photography, medieval children games, dinosaurs, Legos.

Into the Future:  space and technology science, hip hop, sports of any kind (be creative mixing them up),  inventions, modern or recyclable art,  environmental projects (how to create a compost at home), robotics, end the week with the movie, etc...

Oh No, the Science Fair!  Fill the week with all different types of science fair related classes.

The County Fair:  animal classes, hot air balloons, balloon animals, sewing or knitting, basics of string instruments, shot put or dung throwing, create a maze for the rats, gardening, cooking:  pies, wood crafting/signs, darts, etc...

Make Sense of It! Examine all 5 senses during the week with classes in science relating to sight or sound or smell, 3-D art projects, cooking, blindfold tasting , nutrition, sports blindfolded???, intro to anatomy and medicine, etc...

Super Hero Week:  comic strip creation, mask making, spiders, athletics/sports, villains, theatrical fighting, mutations, explosions,  healthy smoothie making, bats, geology and metals, black holes, rock climbing, newspaper reporting, super hero t-shirt making, run old TV or movies, FBI or CIA related classes, police dogs , intro to genetics etc... 

What's your Hobby?:  sewing, stamp collecting, sports,  pottery, painting or drawing, poetry creation, memory scrapbooking, jewelry making, hair styling, nail design, make up art, drama class, woodworking, cooking, rock climbing,  calligraphy,  fabric painting, refinish furniture, intro to investments etc...  

Turn off the TV!:  Jersey Shore (hair or makeup classes), Malcolm in the Middle (genetics and family dynamics), CNN (news reporting or broadcasting),  Ridiculous (film and photography), Cake Boss (cake decorating), Say Yes to the Dress (clothing design), Survivor (sports challenges), Glee (singing lessons)  ..

I want to Be?:  Classes relating to future jobs  ie.. Acting, beauty, sports medicine, robotics, FBI or Spy Investigation, cooking, survival techniques, computer programming, web design, investments, etc...

It's all Media!  Design your own webpage, How to use of Facebook, Twitter, Instagram etc..., making Movies, Creating slideshows, Party Planning, Modeling, etc...
  
Determine How many Classes to Offer?

It is recommended between 4-5 classes a day for a week

Determine What Type of Classes and Where they will be run?
Generally, each day should encompass at least one:
                   a sport category (held in gymnasium)
                   an art category (held in art room)
                   a hobby category (held in classroom, cafeteria or library)
                   a science category (held in science room or classroom)
                   a miscellaneous category of learning (held in classroom)

Determine Grade Level of Each Class

You can decide to run the same classes each day for 5 days for each grade:

example:
                   Monday - Kindergarten
                    Tuesday- Grade 1
                    Wednesday - Grade 2
                    Thursday- Grade 3
                    Friday- Grade 4-5

Or, you can run groups of grades each day ( assuming the theme is Harry Potter Week) an example:

                 Monday: Fencing (gr. 1-3)
                 Tuesday: Fencing (gr. 4-5)
                 Wednesday: Quid ditch (gr. 2-5)
                 Monday: Wizard Art (gr. K-1)
                 Tuesday:  Hermione Jewelry Making (gr. 3-5)   
Note:  this is the recommended way as it ensures that all students will be able to participate in at least one class.

Find the Instructors:
There are several ways to find instructors:
1)  Teachers in your school.  We suggest reaching out to your teaching staff.  Classes can usually generate $100 plus materials for the hour so many teachers would appreciate the opportunity to make a little extra money.  Teachers tend to be the best instructors as they are the most educationally creative and familiar with the children.

2) Parents.  Also, reach out to parents whom may have a talent or small business they wish to share.  They too are always looking for extra money and free advertising for their businesses.

3) The Internet.  The internet will become your greatest tool.  Google after school activities, either specifically like” Judo in Maine" or more general like "after school science programs in Watching County, Nebraska". See what comes up and start making phone calls.  Many businesses do or will come to your school and engage the children. You will be amazed how many opportunities there are right in your own neighborhoods.  Note, many companies usually have fees in excess or the $100/hour so please make sure you price your classes accordingly.  Negotiate, Negotiate...everyone is looking for work!

4)  Local businesses.  Tap the more popular athletic, interest and art facilities in your town.  Most love to come and do a one hour class just to pass out their cards and promote interest.
 

Pricing your Classes:
You may either price out this program to break-even or to make a profit.  The profit can go to benefit the school's PTO/A.  You may price out the classes all the same $ amount which makes for easier accountability (our suggestion) or you may charge different amounts based on the fees of the instructors.

For example, a teacher running a class may charge $100 plus materials (let's assume an additional $40 for materials), for a total class expense of $140.   If you assume 14 in the class, you should charge $10 each child. If you wish to profit, I would charge $12/child.  Example 2:  Another class may run $275 for an hour (let's assume local zoo program) but can hold up to 24 students so the cost per class would be $12 ($275/ 24 students).  To run this class at a profit, you would charge $14.

I would avoid charging more than $15 /hour as it deters involvement.  You may also want to adjust your fees based on your state and location.  These numbers apply to the northeast, but you may wish to offer your teachers $75/hour and charge the students less if you are running the program in Nebraska or North Carolina, a lower cost region.  My examples below assume rates for the northeast:

Your worksheet:

Classes          Class Cost          #students          B/E (Break-even)Student Cost      
Class 1             $140                    14                       $10
Class 2             $140                    14                       $10
Class 3             $225                    24                       $10
Class 4             $175                    20                       $9
Class 5             $175                    20                       $9
Class  6             $275                   24                       $14
...
Class 25           $100                    14                       $7

Total                $4,250                 425                    $10

Plus Profit        $2/child                                           $12 (gives you $850 profit)
                       $4/child                                             $14 (gives you $1700 profit)

note 1:    don't forget to allow some wiggle room for classes not filling up completely.  This will happen.  If class enrollment drops below the minimum number you can choose three options:  1) incur a loss for one class but still hold it 2) cancel the class and refund monies 3) or ask the instructor to take less in fee for running the class.

note 2:  In the above example we would suggest charging $14 for each class which allows for easier accounting plus monies for wiggle room and up to a $1700 profit for only one week.

Final Notes:  

• This last week should have been spent finalizing and printing out lists, nametags, confirming instructors and volunteers. 
• Make sure each teacher has a list of their students and where they are going for the week along with name tags.
• A Master List should be posted in the office.  Remember, all this is easily accessed with a click of the button on The SignUp Hub.
•  Volunteers and Instructors should arrive to the school 15 minutes early to set up and prepare for the children.
• A designated spot to meet should be arranged.  You, or another point person, should be at the school to greet them, review quickly the process and lead them to their classrooms.
• Volunteers will be handed a binder with a class list and instructions.  

 CheckList:

• All necessary paperwork has been filed for the Enrichment week.  All dates and themes are confirmed with the school and PTO.  
• Classes and Instructors are booked.   
• Brochure/Flyer was created and The SignUp Hub was setup for Online Registration & Payment. Allow at least 1 week for registration to be open.
• Classes were finalized and closed and head count in each approved.
• Purchases automatic Email Reminder function OR send out email reminders the day before each class.
•  Main Office List, Class  Lists and Name tags were printed off and distributed to the school.
• If classes were cancelled due to low enrollment, refunds were distributed electronically and Instructor Checks received from the Treasurer.
• Parent Volunteers (at least 1 per class minimum) were confirmed.  Lead volunteer in Front Office mandatory!
• Signage for where parents can pick up children hanging in front hall OR volunteer to direct them with Master List handy (many parents don't remember what class their child is attending on which day).
• MOST IMPORTANTLY AND TO BE REPEATED IN THESE INSTRUCTIONS:  Volunteers must QUICKLY take attendance at the start of all classes.  All children must be accounted for.  You may need to refer to school nurse list for absentees.  If a child is unaccounted for, emergency contacts/parents must be called until child is found or parent notified.  Volunteers must have a check mark or parent’s signature for release of children.

NOW.... HAVE FUN and ENJOY THE HAPPY FACES!

Time to Start Using Online Registrations

It's 2016 and it's time to hand over that stack of papers and surrender to the way of the future - technology. Paper is totally out and anything and everything online is totally in, including online registration forms.

Here's what you need to know to join the cool kids again:

1. Online registration forms can help you reduce cost by as much as 45%.  Managing your registration process online eliminates printing and postage costs, as well as allows staff to maximize their productivity.  Register, modify, cancel and refund attendees with the click of button - no tedious paperwork or data entry needed. Even allow attendees to modify their registrations themselves.  Securely collect payments online, so you don't have to track down payments by check.  Clone previous event registration forms for easy reuse.

2. Web-based registration forms are eco-friendly.  Go green and save a few trees.  With online registration forms, there is no need to print hundreds of copies of a registration form.  Collect the registration information you regard to be critical and even upload important event documents such as brochures, event agendas, exhibitor lists, session descriptions and parking information to be downloaded by attendees upon completion of the registration process.  

3. Tracking and reporting on the registration process is easier and more efficient online.   Keeping track of event registrations when some come via fax, some are received by mail and some occur on-site can be an overwhelming task.  Online event registration forms can be accessed anytime and anywhere by any computer or smartphone connected to the internet.  Several presentation-ready reports are available in real-time including participant lists, payment balances, wait lists, name tags and more.  

4. Online registration forms will increase registration numbers by 21%.   It is no secret that in today's world we all feel stretched for time.  Filling out a paper registration form, completing a credit card authorization form, sending a fax or worse, going to the post office, is just a pain.  Invitees may have every intention of registering for the event, but before they know it, the deadline has passed or it is simply more effort than it is worth.  Online registration forms allow invitees to quickly and conveniently register from their computers or on the go.   

5. Web-based registration forms allow for maximum form customization. There is only so much information that can fit onto a 8x11 sheet of paper.  However, dynamic, multi-track, multi-session registration forms can be built online.

We know it is hard to teach an old dog a new trick but if you are still using paper registration forms, we strongly encourage you to try managing your registration process online. The value goes well beyond the five benefits we have presented. 

Learn more about starting your FREE registration online.

It Just Makes Cents!

We wanted to share a great idea from Stony Lane Elementary School, North Kingstown RI.

When their families became tired of purchasing Candles.. or Wrapping Paper... or Pies, they simply ran a pure Donations Campaign called "It Just Makes Cents".

So, rather than getting a fraction of the profits of sales, the PTO got it all.  They asked families for simply a $20 donation (or more) and raised over $6,000 in a month...no effort needed!

Sometimes Less is More.  Great idea Stony Lane!  Thanks.

Free and Low Cost Summer Activities for your Family For many parents, summer poses the inevitable question: Now that the kids are home all day, what am I going to do with them? Summer camps get expensive, as do visits to water parks, theme parks and other attractions. Grandparents love to see the kids arrive, but after long they wonder just what to do with them. The good news is the answer doesn’t have to be too complicated. Low and No Cost Ideas Here are some free or cheap things to do with the kids this summer. Play traditional card games or board games. This is not old-fashioned, but retro. Board game nights and trivia nights are popular in bars around the country. Your kids may love Yahtzee, gin rummy or poker played for pennies. See free or cheap kids’ movies. Many movie theater chains, including Regal, Cinemark, AMC, show free or cheap kids’ films on weekday mornings during the summer. Get there early if you want a seat. Many cities and towns have free outdoor film festivals, and your local library may also show kids’ movies. Go to a free concert in the park. Cities and towns nationwide put on free concerts in parks in the summer. That’s a great way to introduce kids to music and live performance without having to worry about whether they’ll squirm in their seats. Let the kids help you cook. Not only does this sharpen math skills with school out, but also kids are more likely to eat healthy meals they help prepare. Plus, they’ll thank you later. How many young adults do you know who can’t cook and complain that their parents never taught them? Share a hobby or craft. Do you sew, scrapbook, collect coins or do genealogy? Share that skill with your child or grandchild. If the child has expressed interest in a topic you haven’t mastered, do the research and create projects together. Take up a sport or pastime as a family. Yoga, karate, bicycling and hiking are good sports for families to engage in together. The best part is you can stay fit and spend quality time with your family all at once. Go bowling. Bowling lanes nationwide offer free bowling for kids in summer, though required shoe rental is usually extra. Most participating lanes permit two free games daily for registered families, but bowling times and other rules can vary. Hundreds of lanes across the country participate in the Kids Bowl Free program, and AMF also has a free summer kids bowling program. Check with your local lanes to see if they’re part of either program.  Visit your town’s free attractions. Smaller, less popular museums or attractions may seem cheesy to you, but they’re magic to kids who have never seen them. An added plus is they often have much smaller admission fees than the most popular museums and zoos. Take a field trip to a nearby town. Check with convention and visitors bureaus for information about special summer events and deals, as well as free attractions. "They know of only festivals the locals will know about," says Jody Halsted, an Iowa mother of two daughters who writes the FamilyRambling.com blog. Chicago, for example, has more than 400 neighborhood festivals each summer, which are listed on the city’s website. If your kids or grandkids are older, give them the task of doing the research and planning a day trip. Give the kids a photography project. Everybody takes pictures these days. Let the youngsters choose a theme or subject and take photos all summer. They can then use those photos in a scrapbook, storybook, collage online slideshow or gift for relatives or friends. Explore your local library. Not only can you borrow books for free, you can also check out movies and download music. Plus, many libraries have story times, movies and other activities for kids and teens during the summer. Most libraries have a summer reading program in which kids can earn free books or other prizes. Barnes & Noble also has a summer reading program that awards a free book to youngsters who read eight books and fill out a journal.  More Ideas Fundraising Corner Summer is a season full of fun, staying up late, taking vacations, and spending time with friends. It can also be the perfect time to volunteer and give back with some simple fundraising ideas. Whether it's your kids or yourself, everyone has a cause that means something to them. Arranging a summer party with a purpose is a wonderful way to keep everyone busy and help those in need. Summer fundraisers can be easy to organize, especially during a time of year when people have more flexible schedules Here are some summer fundraiser ideas for you and your family to try this summer: Have a charitable yard sale: Organize a neighborhood yard sale and donate all the proceeds to your favorite charity or community cause. Send digital invitations from The SignUp Hub with all the details.Plan a barbeque after the sale and get everyone together for some hot dogs, hamburgers, and s'mores. You can also ask a few charities to come to the sale and talk to people about their organizations. Ask people to make a personal contribution as well. Volunteer outside: In every community, there are public areas that always need volunteers to help with the upkeep. Talk to your town or city officials and determine where and when you and other party-goers can help the community. It may be picking up trash, building a rock wall, or planting trees. Send digital invitations from The SignUp Hub with all the details. Whatever it is, spend a few hours helping out and then regroup for an outdoor party in someone's backyard. Set up an outdoor movie theater, serve popcorn, and enjoy the warm weather. Once you've picked a summer fundraiser theme, all the pieces will fall into place and guests will be clamouring to attend. When you plan your event on The SignUp Hub http://www.thesignuphub.com, you can add a Donations request to your digital invitation and ask guests to contribute to the cause. This is also a great option for someone who can't attend to still participate in making a difference!                                                                      More Ideas News The SignUp Hub Solutions Now Available The SignUp Hub will change the way you do registrations and solicit volunteers and donations. Whether you organize events, fundraisers, and/or volunteer opportunites on a large, medium, or small scale, The SignUp Hub will streamline & simplify your communications and registrations to take your event's success to the next level. From Our Partners "The SignUp Hub is 100% committed to creating online tools and solutions that improve the way any volunteer or instructor runs their events and fundraisers" ...Lonnie Allgood, Dreams For Kids CEO. We want to hear from loyal customers like you. Follow us on Facebook and on Pinterest @ TheSignUpHub and let us know what you think about our system and our online support. Your feedback makes us better.  Thanks, Connie and Nora Click Here to Start Your Hub Today Is Your Town is Having a Town Carnival this summer?  If so, pre-sell tickets at a discount.  Send a flyer with online ticket sales to your neighboring communities and watch your profits SOAR! https://www.thesignuphub.com/ticket-sales-made-simple/ Do You Know Anyone That Could Benefit from The SignUp Hub? Help Spread the News! Share with a Friend Pin Forward to a Friend

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Where are All Our Young Families?

A Dozen Tips To Re-Engage Young Families to Church

In the past, the Church attracted generations of families based upon the fact that it was what those generation’s forefathers had done before them, so they just stuck with it.  There was always a common bond that tied families to the church including  the community in which they lived, economic status, jobs of a similar type, a common race, familial relations etc...  In addition, Sunday was considered a Holy Day, one dedicated to rejuvenation and reflection of family and faith. Today, Sundays are considered just one more day in week with retail stores open, scheduled sports games & practices, or perhaps simple the only day to accomplish weekly tasks like yard work, home cleaning and grocery.  In short, in 2016, the social, racial and economic bonds  of today's young families are gone as is any time for these busy families to rest and reflect.  They are different and over-scheduled and wondering "how is going to church relevant to my life?"

Here are a Dozen Tips to help re-engage your young families:

1.     Offer Multiple Services 

• Families are busy and Sundays are just another day in week, so offer these busy families choices and cater to their limited time.  Offer a Saturday 5pm short service, no more than 45 minutes. 

2.     Offer Sunday School or Crafts for Young Children 

• Young parents do not want to have to control and quiet there toddlers or babies for an entire hour.  It is stressful and they are more concentrated on occupying their kids, than listening to the message.  If your church does not have a traditional Sunday School option during services, arrange a group child-care or craft activity area to keep them busy.  It is a bonus if the crafts relate to the lessons of the day!

3.     Simplify Missions and Projects 

• One of the marks of a millennial family is that they have a deep desire to make an impact on the world around them.  They have a desire to be a part of something bigger than themselves and affect their world in a positive way. But remember, they have only a few hours to contribute so create a church culture of community involvement and develop volunteer signup lists making each job or task short and specific.  They want to contribute to a great cause but don't want to take on more than they can handle or disappoint!  www.thesignuphub.com can help with online signups.

4.      Develop a Community- Engage Friends

• Young families want to spend time with friends, and specifically the families of their children's friends.  These friends may be church members, or not.  Promote events where young families can bring outside friends.  Not only will they be more likely to attend, but you will open your doors to potential new members and promote community bonds and goodwill.

5.      Develop Groups & Sermons Specific to Them

•  How does this affect me?  If young families are constantly listening to messages not specific to them, they become disinterested and unengaged.  Create a young mom's group with discussions surrounding "Why Church is Important in 2016 to Your Children?"  "How Video Gaming Effects Spirituality" "Importance of Service and College Applications" etc....  OR focus some sermons surrounding parenting, marriage and the Bible.  

6.      ADVERTISE!

• Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Text Messaging.  Yep, that is where most millennial families are tuned into, so it is important for you to be there too!  A MUST HAVE position in any active church is a Social Media Manager.  Are you promoting and advertising your Sermons?  Events?  Celebrations? Volunteer Opportunities?  Try and fill this position with a young mother or even teen looking for community hours. However, don't be afraid to offer this as a paid part-time position if need be. It is that important!  

7.   Connect with the Youth

• Every Pastor, Preacher or Priest should open a personal Twitter and Instagram Account specifically for connecting with their youth groups.  Send 'Congrats' to youth members that had a great high school soccer game, or attend a middle school function and Instagram yourself there supporting your kids!  The kids will feel a greater connection to you, and thus the church!  Parents will appreciate the support.

8.   Connect with the Men

• Church attendance has been and continues to be primarily the responsibility of the moms, the women of the family.  So, how do you connect to the young fathers?  Easy...Sports!  Young fathers are looking for 'Men Only' activities to temporarily escape from their every day demands and enjoy time with their contemporaries.  Establish a church men's softball or basketball team.  Try and get neighboring churches involved and play one anther at community fields or gymnasiums.  If you build it, they will come!

9.   Find the Right Leaders

• Every community has those young Moms or Dads that are leaders in their communities. Typically, they take on the positions on the Town Council or Dept. of Education, PTO President or Fundraising Chairs.  These community leaders are often involved in a variety of groups and are influential with the young families you are seeking. So find them in your congregation... and put them to work.  Listen to their suggestions and work with them in developing activities and events they are excited to promote.  Call them directly and ask for their help.  

 10.  Everyone Wins with Online Pledging

• Fact:  when people pay, they will more likely participate. Offer families a recurring monthly online pledging option. By contributing monthly, they will never feel embarrassed to attend services periodically or participate in events.  Every month, they reconfirm their commitment to their faith and church.  As a church, you will see a marked increase in income, especially from this demographic.  Bonus, families can earn bonus points on their credit cards while donating!  

11.  REMIND THEM

• Busy families cannot ofter remember to check calendars or websites for upcoming events. These on-the-go families actually prefer to be told what they are doing each day. Text reminders are the new way families stay informed and on schedule.  Some examples...  Reminder..you have a Orthodontist Appt at 3pm, Reminder Soccer Practice Monday at 4pm, Reminder:  Deliver Brownies to the School on Friday.  So, remind them!  Send them text reminders about Church Services,  Fundraisers, Special Events, etc...  maybe even a daily or weekly spiritual  quote would be welcomed.  

12.  Use Technology!

• Today, keeping your congregation informed, involved and PAID-UP is easy with online Volunteer SignUps, Sunday School Registrations, Online Event Registrations, Pledging, and Sales. Check out www.thesignuphub.com and see how we can help for FREE! 

Call for More information on getting your Church Connected!

(201)400-7480 or (201)919-0733

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