TBP MindSET Program

This is a summary of the 2010 TBP MindSET Cluster training session Interactive Chapter Exchange (MICE), which was a brainstorm session dealing with various challenges encountered when starting a K-12 program. This session included five chapters from the D.C. and Maryland-area.

Challenges

The group was split in half. Categories were formed based on similar perceived challenges.

Category 1: Smaller chapter, with inactive membership

• Bring in volunteers from other student organizations
• Partner with other TBP chapters
• Contact and request support from TBP Alumnus chapters
• Contact NMC for information about regional alumni support

Category 2: Motivation for members to commit

• Restrict order of graduation items through TBP HQ
• Partner first activity with well-known campus-wide event (E-day)
• Give and assign leadership positions (several)

Category 3: Communicating with School Districts

• Form partnerships with existing K-12 programs
• Find a liaison, such as dean of student affairs to help start program

Category 4: Advertising your MindSET project

• Talk to NMC and HQ for help with media and advertising
• Publicize on campus: newspaper, E-week, bulletin boards

Category 5: Motivating Participants

• Focus on a fun factor, be sure to use a variety of modules
• Get feedback from K-12 students

Category 6: Transportation

• Communicate with parents in advance, carpool possibilities
• If necessary, consider making a school fieldtrip, but insurance issues may arise