Training day for Areas 10 & 28 was held at Maryborough on the 6th February 2010. It was well attended with excess of fifty members being involved. Evaluation forms were distributed and proved very useful feedback.
Other than the compulsory sessions for everyone we included “Parliamentary Procedure” by Graham Miller, this was a winner, in fact members have asked for more – “Moments of Truth” was presented by Alison Watson, this enlightened new members regarding running of the club, and refreshed more experienced members of what is required. This too was received well and very interesting.
Added into our day were “The Role of Area Governor”, this was attended by a Lorraine Millwood who expressed her interest in being Area 10 Governor for the 2010-11 year at our Council Meeting. Speaking to her later, Lorraine found it very enlightening, and helpful. “How To Run A Speech Contest” – this exceeded all expectations. Fifteen members attended this session.
On the evaluation form members were asked for suggestions for sessions they would like included on the next training day. Under consideration are:
- “Learn How To Delegate”
- “Speech Writing”
- “freetoasthost.org” the website and how to use
- “Understand Leadership Manual”
Forty- two members evaluated the day. It was ranked from good – very good – excellent. Thanks to our presenters and facilitators.
Points for improvement
- Too hot. - Our venue had air conditioning but the day was so hot and with excess of fifty people in the room could not cope.
Action – contact will be made to see if the University of Hervey Bay will allow us to use their facilities. Really I do not believe it would be any different no matter where we were.
- More time for the training -
Solution – Hold council meetings at the end of the day to commence at 4pm – Members who want to stay can those who need to travel can still leave, apart from the voting delegates. This would allow training to start at 9am instead of 10am and allow the extra 10- 15 minutes that the members have asked for each session.
- Many complained about the “Big Picture” and how boring it is. Let me state here it was not the presenter it was very well done. The complaint was the amount of times members must go through it. They sit through it at Club Level, when the Area Gov. visits, when they go to some conferences, and twice a year when they attend training. Experienced members are D.C.P.ed out, are plain bored and switch off. Action – Explained it was compulsory and a must at every training day. Suggestion – Not have it at the second round which would allow for an extra own choice session where they would not get bored.
On the whole, it was a very successful day – members are thirsting for training. I am trying to organize a “Train the Trainer” day before year’s end plus at our next training day in July I have sent an email out for expressions of interest for a “Judging Workshop” to be held on the Sunday, after Saturday training.
Please accept my apology if you feel I have been a little outspoken on the D.C.P. I am the messenger and feel it is my duty to let you know what the members are say and wanting. It was not just one or two members who put it on the day’s evaluation.
Norma Bates (DTM)
TLI Co-ordinator Central Division “M”
