Mission to Metrics 3: Beyond GPA & Winning (Sports)

Athletic booster clubs value winning on the field and in the classroom. How can they show it? I sometimes question why extracurriculars, particularly athletic programs, feel the need to justify their existence based on participants’ grades. After all, sports teach us how to work with teammates, make friends, adjust strategy on the fly, lose gracefully, and win gracefully. Perhaps that’s why some schools are actually lowering GPA standards for athletes, so as not to alienate struggling … [Read more...]

Live Audio Broadcasting

Smith, number 10, fakes. Breaks. He’s closing in on the end zone. Touchdown! Broadcasting high school sports games is a great idea. I've been in touch with booster clubs that are planning live audio broadcasts of their football games this fall. It’s fun to set up and do the actual commenting. Then family members can listen to the game anywhere, whether from a university on the other side of the country or a military outpost on the other side of the world. Other booster clubs might find audio … [Read more...]

93 Fundraising Ideas for Booster Clubs

I put this list together to help get you started brainstorming the next perfect fundraiser for your booster club. Where indicated, the examples link to templates and checklists from actual booster clubs. These useful links can help you plan your own fundraisers. Most fundraisers listed here have actually been done, either by clubs I've interviewed, Boosterland contributors, or booster clubs in the news. Stay tuned for smaller thematic posts or “top tens” like sports fundraisers, and food … [Read more...]

Welcome to Boosterland: A Message from Founder Ellen Raynor

Welcome to the Boosterland blog! This is my first post, my “Hello, world” to the booster club blogosphere. In addition to a blogger, I’m a techie, a green entrepreneur, a planner, an outdoors enthusiast, and a member of a large and socially engaged family. I cherish the years I’ve spent enjoying 4-H, volunteering, and sports--first as a player and later as a coach. It’s with those experiences that I approach boosterland.com and the Boosterland Blog. Boosterland’s mission is simple: to make … [Read more...]