10 Things Leadership Can Do

1 PURCHASE/USE THE NCCW GUIDANCE AND RESOURCE MANUAL
If your affiliation does not have the latest edition, call the national office and order one today.  Read through it, become familiar with the information and carry it with you to meetings. There is a wealth of information in that spiral bound resource and well worth the investment!  Remember to pass the book on to your successor at the end of your term.  

2  LISTEN
Listening the very best way to find out what is needed, what is working, and what needs to be improved. Listen closely to what is said---and what is NOT said. Listen to those who support your CCW and those who do not---both are equally valuable!  And finally, listen at least twice as much as you speak.

3 UPDATE THE ROSTER
At every level of Council a current and updated roster is a must.  In 2014, no roster is complete without cell phone numbers and email addresses…and should be available to members in both  electronic and hard copy form. Include the NCCW affiliation # for each diocesan, subdivision and parish affiliation for easy access and communication with the National Office.  NCCW Individual Membership might also be noted, as well as Supporting Membership.  A page with members enrolled in the Birthday Club and Legacy Circle would be a great addition to the A/DCCW Roster and help members make the connection to our national organization

4 CREATE A COMMUNICATION FLOW CHART
While it might seem like common sense, the chain of communication often breaks down because someone is unsure of their responsibility to pass it on---or unsure of to whom to pass it!  A simple chart outlining the plan, beginning with the PRESIDENT, can really help.  If the next person does not respond, members also know who to reach “next.”

5 EMPHASIZE MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
Work closely with the Membership Committee on outreach to all women of the parish/deanery/diocese. Utilize every means available to share the mission, programs, and activities of the Council of Catholic Women at your level. Keep accurate records of visitors at your meetings and follow up on invitations.  Reach out to nearby parishes where there is no CCW or their CCW is struggling.  Keep the 3 R’s of Membership in reports, articles you write and conversation within your council: Recapture, Renew, and Recruit. 
 
6 SUPPORT NCCW
Encouraging membership in NCCW is the best way to show support.  Recruiting new affiliations and new individual members will certainly grow our organization.  In addition, the Leadership Commission is often the source of information from NCCW, and you must always be mindful that credit needs to be given.  If articles from NCCW CONNECT are reproduced or sent out on an echain, give NCCW credit!  If a resource is printed from the website, give NCCW credit!  If you heard a speaker at an NCCW event, give NCCW credit!  It is a part of your job to help our members understand that many or our programs and resources come from our national organization.

7 EVALUATE YOUR NEWSLETTER/WEBSITE
Take a survey---how many of your members receive the newsletter?  Visit the website? Still use only snail mail? Rely on the telephone tree? Knowing how your membership receives information will help you to communicate most effectively. Watch for newsletter tips in the NCCW CONNECT.  In 2014 it is likely that you will discover that different members use different means of communication and your communication must encompass a variety. Using both the website and snail mail may save your affiliation printing and postage costs!

8 TAKE ADVANTAGE OF ALL TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES
Suggest hosting an NCCW Leadership Training Development program in your arch/diocese or ask for assistance to attend one being offered nearby.   Check Diocesan and area newspapers, local community colleges and adult programs in your area and never skip an opportunity to learn new ideas or improve your own skills---and then pass on what you learn.   You are the “expert” at your level of Council----so step up and train others!

9 TEACH MEMBERS TO IDENTIFY AND ACKNOWLEDGE EMAIL
Always put CCW, DCCW, NCCW in the subject line.  This helps members to find your message, and be sure it is something they want to open.  Simply sending a quick “Thanks!” is an appropriate response.  It does not have to be long---but it assures the sender know that you received the email.  This is imperative at the board level to ensure that important information is received. Settings on your own computer may allow you to know if email you send is opened, also very helpful!

10  THANK EVERYONE, EVERY TIME FOR EVERYTHING
Even in 2014, “Thank You” notes are best hand written and snail mailed.  Take the extra time to make them personal and I guarantee that you will reap the rewards of members being willing to volunteer again the next time, take on a bit more responsibility, and maybe even move into leadership positions in the future, ensuring the success of your Council!
​                                                                                                            Jane Carter, Chair 2013—2015 NCCW Leadership Commission jcarter@att.net

Have you thought of the LTD (Leadership Development Team) coming to your area?
​ Contact NCCW: nccw.org/Public/Public/Commissions/LTDTeam.aspx