The Boosted Volunteer

Did you know that running a booster club board meeting is a lot like managing a business? Clear rules, defined roles, and structured discussions lead to real results. One key to success is Robert’s Rules of Order, a time-tested framework that helps meetings stay on track, make informed decisions, and avoid unnecessary chaos. 
In this episode of The Boosted Volunteer, host Robin Eissler sits down with Jim Buchanan—adjunct professor at UMHB, founder of Brighter Honor Consulting, and former AT&T director—to share expert strategies for running efficient, organized, and results-driven board meetings.
Jim emphasizes the importance of preparation for effective meetings, where decisions are made rather than learning new information. He advocates for forming committees to streamline discussions and prevent endless debates. Jim also stresses the need to train new board members on Robert’s Rules of Order using bylaws, policy manuals, and online resources. A well-prepared board chair leads confidently, improving decision-making and operations. Jim and Robyn also reflect on their volunteer experiences, highlighting teamwork and patience. Jim’s background in theater and leadership with children's activities contributed to his booster club's success. 
Key Takeaways:
2:46 Importance of Robert’s Rules of Order:  Jim explains Robert's Rules of Order
4:24 Structure and Organization in Nonprofit Meetings: Jim emphasizes the importance of having a structured meeting to prevent chaos and ensure productivity
7:29 Managing Unexpected Topics During a Meeting:  Jim suggests using a "parking lot" to address out-of-agenda items later in the meeting, helping to maintain focus on the primary agenda.
8:34 Ideal Meeting Structure: Jim outlines the key components of a board meeting, including preparation, organizing logistics, staying on time, and maintaining accurate meeting minutes.
10:06 What Should and Should Not Be on the Agenda: Jim explains what items belong on a typical agenda, stressing the importance of staying focused on the key topics relevant to the meeting.
12:00 Common Mistakes in Parliamentary Procedure: Jim highlights a common mistake in meetings
21:31 Robert’s Rules of Order: Training new board members with bylaws and Robert’s Rules of Order is essential 
 
Resources:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-buchanan-cam-c-p-m-58a65123/
 

Have you ever wondered what it takes to host the Superbowl of Color Guard, Percussion and Winds?  
In this episode of the Boosted Volunteer Podcast, host Robin Eissler sits down with Tina Schirmeister, Special Events and Staffing Manager at WGI Sport of the Arts, to uncover the secrets behind organizing the prestigious WGI Championships in Dayton, Ohio. 
Tina takes us behind the scenes, sharing how WGI brings together international teams from Costa Rica, Japan, London, and beyond to compete in indoor color guard, percussion, and winds divisions. From coordinating regionals to managing the championship weekend with over 150 passionate volunteers, she breaks down the strategies that make it all possible.
She also shares how you can volunteer for the annual WGI Championships and how they volunteer-staffed event is structured for success.
Key Takeaways:
1:17 What is WGI? Tina explains WGI's mission as the "sport of the arts" and its role as the governing body for indoor marching arts. 
1:48 International Participation: Discover how WGI attracts performers from around the world. 
2:30 Event Structure: Understand the championship process, from regionals to finals. 
6:56 WGI Con: A biannual educational convention for instructors and designers in the marching arts. 
7:54 Volunteer Coordination: Learn about the essential role of volunteers and how they make the event successful. 
Resources:
 
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tina-schirmeister/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tina.schirmeister

What makes a great sports program and how can parents and booster clubs elevate the experience for everyone involved?
Jenny Richardson, head coach of the Georgetown Lady Eagles Volleyball team, shares her journey of leading her team to the state semifinals. With 16 years of coaching experience, Jenny’s expertise in fostering talent, community support, and teamwork sets her apart.
Jenny highlights the importance of community involvement, early player development, and the irreplaceable role of a dedicated booster club. From hosting volleyball clinics for young athletes to maintaining strong relationships with middle school coaches, Jenny reveals strategies to build cohesive and goal-driven teams.
Tune in to learn how creating a supportive, hard-working community can lead to sustained success in sports. 
 
Key Takeaways:
 
(00:02) - Meet Jenny Richardson: Georgetown Lady Eagles Volleyball Coach
(01:05) - The Importance of Community Support
(01:59) -  Building a Successful Sports Program
(03:33) -  Early Development and Coaching Strategies
(05:02) -  2024 Season Highlights and Team Dynamics
(06:40) -  Assistant Coach's Unique Perspective
(08:16) - The Role of the Booster Club
(13:34) -  Sun City Boosters: A Unique Support System
(16:40) -  Rebuilding for the Future
(18:25) -  Advice for Coaches and Booster Volunteers
(22:56) -  Jenny's High School Experience and Lifelong Friendships
 
Resources:
https://ghs.georgetownisd.org/departments/athletics/athletics-home/ghs-volleyball/coach-jenny-richardson
 

Ever wondered what it takes to get a high school band to perform at the iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade? 
Join host Robin Eissler on this episode of The Boosted Volunteer Podcast as she sits down with Brent Biskup and Jana Harvey, the band directors of Flower Mound High School, to discuss the incredible journey behind this unforgettable event.
From navigating the careful application process two years in advance, to organizing logistics for 400 students, this episode discussed the complexities of pulling off such a huge achievement. Brent and Jana share the challenges of training students for parade marching, organizing subway trips in New York City, and managing demanding rehearsal schedules, all while balancing the cost and fundraising efforts needed to make the dream a reality. 
Discover how 31 dedicated parent volunteers played a crucial role, the lessons learned during the process, and the unforgettable moments the team experienced from the excitement of stepping into the parade lineup to the surreal feeling of performing live on national television.
“I’ll never forget turning to the kids at the ready line, waving, and saying, ‘Good luck. Be amazing. Their faces in that moment said it all” - Jana
"When they opened the gates and pushed us onto the parade route, it hit me—this is really happening." - Brent
Whether you're a band enthusiast, a booster club member, or just someone who loves hearing behind the scenes stories of dedication and teamwork, this episode will inspire and amaze. 
Tune in now and learn what it truly takes to make magic happen on the streets of New York!
(00:54) Taking 400 kids to New York for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade 2024
(03:16) How Flower Mound High School secured their spot in the Macy’s Parade 2024 through a careful application process.
(04:27) Insights into fundraising efforts, including scholarships, community support, and managing a $3,600-per-student cost.
(08:23) Fundraising strategies for large events within 501(c)(3) guidelines.
(10:53) Preparing students for parade marching, including retraining techniques.
(19:20) Managing schedules and priorities during the busiest month of the year.
(25:14) Memorable moments from the parade and reflections on the experience.
 

Can you turn your booster club printing into a revenue generator?In this episode of The Boosted Volunteer Podcast, Robin Eissler is joined by Jason, a seasoned volunteer coordinator with extensive experience in nonprofit management. Together, they dive into the essential elements of successful volunteer engagement, exploring strategies for recruitment, retention, and the creation of meaningful volunteer experiences. Jason shares insightful tips on how to leverage community partnerships, overcome common challenges, and implement best practices for maximizing impact. Whether you’re a new volunteer manager or a veteran looking to refresh your approach, this episode offers valuable advice to enhance your volunteer program.In this episode of The Boosted Volunteer Podcast, Robin Eissler is joined by Jason Tuggle, owner of 360 Press Solutions and club sport entrepreneur. Together they dive into the world of printing. Whether it be yard signs for marching bands, programs for football games or other printed material, they detail the do's and don'ts of each type. Learn how to get your projects printed with the best quality at how to keep costs at a minimum. Also, learn how to make your printing projects a fundraiser rather than a cost.Tune in to discover actionable insights and practical strategies that can help you manage costs and increase revenue with your booster club printing projects.Highlights:(01:34) Overview of 360 Press Solutions, detailing different types of printing services offered.(02:14) How marketing materials for Country Fire Volleyball integrate with Jason's commercial printing work.(03:10) Explanation of digital vs. offset printing, and their applications for short and large runs.(04:28) The large and wide format printing for banners, yard signs, and cutouts.(05:11) Comparison between local print shops and online printing services, with advice on choosing the right option.(06:00) Pitfalls of online printing, including potential issues with file formats and design.09:05) Various types of printing projects for booster clubs, including yard signs, game day programs, and decals(10:25) Challenges of media guide layout and the benefits of consulting with experts.(12:26) Importance of providing clear guidelines for ad submissions to avoid issues with print quality.(13:17) Tips for finding a competent designer, including experience with print design and proficiency in design software.(14:18) The difference between web and print design.(15:30) Recommendations for cost-saving measures and the benefits of incorporating sponsors into printed materials.(16:54) Examples of unique and creative custom printing projects, including large player cutouts and specialty finishes.(18:27) Advice on building in extra time for potential issues with printing and shipping.(19:45) Key do's and don'ts of booster club printing, including seeking expert help, starting early, and budgeting.(22:33) Importance of providing a comprehensive list of printing projects to printers for accurate quoting and scheduling.(22:48) Suggestions for using printing to raise more money, including personalization and creative fundraising ideas.

In this episode of The Boosted Volunteer Podcast, host Evan Eissler and Robin Eissler discuss the major transition from Charms to Booster Hub for over 200 bands. They delve into the key differences between the two platforms, comparing the switch to moving from Windows to Mac. Charms, initially designed for band directors as an office management tool, contrasts sharply with Booster Hub, which is tailored for nonprofit booster club management and adheres to IRS rules on fundraising accounts.
Robin highlights the advantages of Booster Hub’s live double-entry accounting system, which offers real-time updates and greater transparency, compared to Charms' basic ledger system. The episode also covers Booster Hub’s enhanced fundraising tools, such as “Booster Bucks” and QR-coded ticket sales, and provides practical advice on the transition process, including exporting data, importing student information, and setting up invoices.
Learn how to streamline your booster club’s operations and save time - Tune in now!
Highlights:
(01:57) The big differences between Charms and Booster Hub.(04:00) Charms and Booster Hub Accounting Differences(06:28) Individual Fundraising: Booster Hub doesn’t track individual fundraising accounts to comply with IRS rules but uses Booster Credits for discounts.(09:42)Transition Steps: Export data from Charms, import into Booster Hub, and set up accounting balances.(11:15) Booster Hub Benefits(12:46) Simplification: Transitioning to Booster Hub saves time and streamlines operations for nonprofit booster clubs.

Highlights:(01:11) Importance of having a website for organizations, especially for selling items and sharing information.(01:56) Historical use of websites for communication now supplemented by apps.(03:03) Key functions of a booster club website: sharing mission, details about directors/coaches, volunteer support, and donations.(03:52) Importance of keeping websites simple and focused.(05:57) Ensuring website responsiveness across devices.(06:20) Importance of accessibility features like color contrast and dark mode compatibility.(07:03) Tips for updating content and ensuring multiple people have access to the website.(08:44) Ensuring clear calls to action are prominent and easy to find.(10:00) E-commerce integration for easy transaction processing and secure payments.(14:29) Using compelling hero images and tools like Canva for design.(15:36) Proper use of QR codes for printed materials and links for social media.(16:26) Tips for improving SEO with organic content, local information, and keywords.

(01:29) Importance of understanding the club's mission, bylaws, and guidelines.(03:16) Treating the booster club like a business and using tools for communication, fundraising, and management.(04:27) Starting fundraising with local sponsors and social media outreach.(06:24) Accepting digital payments and ensuring the merchant account is in the club's name.(09:46) Setting realistic fundraising goals and evaluating the effort versus return of fundraisers.(13:17) Creating a budget, avoiding time-consuming low-return activities, and managing volunteers effectively.

A year-round celebration of community and music with sizzling sausages fills the air. We welcome you to this episode of The Boosted Volunteer Podcast.
Get ready to embark on a vibrant journey into the heart of the community spirit and musical magic with your host, Robin Eissler, and special guest, Jennifer Martin, the dynamic duo behind the scenes of Wurstfest, unravel the enchanting tale of this unique celebration.
Gain insights into leadership strategies, the importance of visual presence, and heartwarming stories that make booster clubs a vital force in shaping vibrant school communities.
Don’t miss the chance to be part of the Wurstfest community magic!
Highlights:
(04:12) - Discussion on the significance of booster clubs.(10:36) - Insights into Wurstfest and its challenges.(15:50) - Importance of visual presence in booster clubs.(20:15) - Coping with the 2020 challenges, including the pandemic and facility issues.(29:02) - Implementation of Booster Hub and overcoming resistance.(36:20) - Introduction of a professional bookkeeper for financial transparency.(38:00) - Jennifer’s personal motivation for dedicating time to the booster club.
Links:
LinkedIn: Jennifer (Delaney) MartinMentioned: Wurstfest

Wondering how to secure your funds? 
Join host Robin Eislern in this episode of The Boosted Volunteer Podcast,  with the USIO team, featuring Julie Villariel, Tracy Rickman, and Clayton Clark, shed light on their role in payment facilitation services for software companies and businesses. As they navigate the landscape of choosing a payment processor, they caution merchants against hidden fees and complex contracts. Insights into Booster hub for club activities, clean billing statements, credit card fees, fraud prevention strategies, and personal anecdotes from large transactions to popcorn sale events enrich this insightful episode. 
Drawing parallels with Square and Stripe, they emphasize USIO's unique touch, offering personalized APIs and dedicated support throughout the development process. They also delve into the nuances between credit card and ACH payments, underscoring the importance of Nacha certification for ACH transactions. 
Tune in now!
Highlights:
(02:50) - Exploring USIO's role in credit card processing and its distinction from Square and Stripe.(06:10) - The differences between credit card and ACH payments.(09:57) - Tracy elaborates on USIO being Nacha certified.(10:56) - Clayton and Julie discuss best practices and potential pitfalls in credit card processing.(14:23) - The details of credit card fees and how USIO's fixed rate model works.(16:21) - Clayton explains card present vs. card not present transactions, emphasizing fraud and expenses.(17:54) Julie advises on fraud prevention, secure terminals, and communication with customers.(19:54) - Best practices for online sales, including utilizing address and CVV fields and implementing rate-limiting.(22:08) - Secure point-of-sale terminals with encryption.(23:25) - Tracy’s story about a high-value credit card transaction.(24:53) - Team shares amusing anecdotes about unique credit card transactions.(25:29) - The impact of sports and extracurricular activities on personal development.
Julie Links:LinkedIn: Jullie VillarrealLinkedIn: Tracy RickmanLinkedIn: Clayton Clark