Recently the GCSAA chat-room posted a topic on the subject of member work-days. Opinions expressed by superintendents were evenly split 50/50 in support of these events vs. those in opposition. I was one who resisted such a day until four years ago. I was resistant for many reasons. I was worried that someone would get seriously hurt and the potential liability and litigation that could follow. I didn’t want to plan for a project in which you had no control of how many people would actually show. I had a fear that the group would be “uncontrollable or unteachable” and would not achieve set objectives. I had a fear the occasion would become an alcohol consuming event with little productivity and the inherent dangers. I had a fear the day would end in chaos and shed a negative light on maintenance operations. Fortunately none of my fears came to fruition!
It was four years ago when I had a Board Member propose a member work-day. I was rather cool to the subject and voiced the above concerns. However, other Board members supported the project. After reconsidering I agreed to coordinate the inaugural work-day. I have been pleasantly surprised with the outcomes. I still have the same fears and concerns. But with some self-imposed guidelines we have been able to curtail any negative incidents and provide positive results.
The following guidelines have proved to be successful for our course:
Do not plan a big day. We pick a Saturday in early spring. We start at 9 am and try to conclude by noon. We try not to “monopolize” the entire day….remember these are volunteers and this is their day off.
Plan a morning event. By starting in the morning and concluding by noon, you should be able to restrict alcohol consumption. Many volunteers will schedule tee times in the afternoon to play golf.
Be patient. Be flexible. Be Organized. Understand that you have no control in who shows and who doesn’t. It is very difficult to plan for the scope of certain projects with inadequate supervision and equipment. Understand that not everybody can physically do the same job. Our ages range from 14-80 years old. Have extra projects planned for any excess volunteers. Prioritize your projects. Pace yourself and “go with the flow”!
Emphasize to your staff that they are the lead supervisors (bosses). It might be hard for your staff to understand they need to exhibit leadership to the membership. Your staff, when properly trained, understands the final objectives of the project while your volunteers may not.
Rely on trusted and resourceful members to help coordinate and recruit volunteers. We all have members who are dependable, committed, and trustworthy. Our facility is fortunate to have resourceful members who are willing to share their talents. Depend on them to be leaders and maintain a structured approach.
Select projects requiring minimal power equipment. All of the courses power equipment will be operated by trained staff or designated trusted members. I request that volunteers bring their own tools and equipment i.e. chain saws, trucks, trailers…..if members are operating their own equipment much of the liability will be assumed by them.
Stress safety. Safety is paramount. In the four years of organizing this event no one has been hurt. One individual has lost his glasses, others have had scrapes and bruises, and nearly everyone has had aches and pains in the morning. Always encourage your staff and leaders to “talk safety”.
Smile and say thank you. Relax and try to enjoy the day. Remember that these people are giving you a part of their time. Recognize their support through a smile and thank you. I write a personal thank you to every volunteer. First and final impressions can leave either a positive or negative impression on your operation.
Some of the projects completed in the last four years have been the removal of tons of dead, dying, and fallen trees, the thinning of wooded areas, trash pick-up in obscure areas, landscape renovations, weeding of landscaping beds, cart shed maintenance, cart path construction, painting, roofing projects, bathroom remodeling, and we are currently completing a clubhouse patio awning.
Is a member work-day appropriate for your facility? Many courses have adequate staffing and the financial resources to accomplish these projects without volunteers. However, courses with financial restrictions may find this as an alternative to accomplish certain projects. There are many positive results from having a work-day. The day helps develop membership pride and a “sense of ownership”. It allows your staff to interconnect with members with hopefully a mutual respect being forged. It requires your staff to develop and hone their leadership skills. It provides an opportunity for your staff to showcase their professionalism and commitment. This year, the high school golf coach brought the six members of the varsity golf team to help. It was gratifying to see these pleasant young adults intermingle with other volunteers for the common goal of making their course better.
But, perhaps the most illuminating observation of this entire project is the revelation of who are your “engaged members”……those members who truly care about your facility. Just remember to show them your appreciation and recognition!
Bill Bieck, CGCS
Heritage Hills
