USJA Coach - Judo Information Site

USJACOACH'.:"ma a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a aWORKING WITH NON-PROFIT AGENCIESTO FURTHER YOUR DOJOby Edward H. Byers, Yodan, Judo & JuJitsuHead Coach, Seven Owl Dolo, Waxhaw, NCAre you having problems finding suitablespace for the full-contact martial arts ofJudo and JuJitsu? Is your club growing andyou need a larger workout area? Do youwant to start a new USJA-affiliated clubbut have only limited financial resourcesto invest?Not-for-Profit agencies exist in mostcommunities. They should be consideredas a possible location for your club whenan expansion or a change in location isnecessary. These agencies offer assistanceto service-oriented programs which couldnot function without such help. Theynormally help targeted public groups suchas single parents, at-risk kids, or batteredspouses. The YWCA, YMCA, Boys'andGirls' Clubs, Police Athletic Leagues, andsome school-related functions are examplesof community Non-Profit agencies. Hereare some hints for establishing andmaintaining a good relationship with aNon-Profit:L Always remain Jlexible when dfficultsituations arise. You probably cannot getthe perfect space or room at the perfecttime, especially when other programs areoffered at the Non-Profit. Many directorshave "pet programs" that they want to seesucceed, so martial arts may not be theirprimary focus. You may need to explainwhat restrictions limit your practice of Judoand JuJitsu. Suggestions, rather thandemands, will often lead to a suitablecompromise to allow you to continue yourworthwhile program.2. Try to integrate your program into theNon-Profit's existing areas. lf the Non-Profit has programs to help victims ofabuse, offer to teach a basic selt'-det'enseclass. lf children are the lbcus, set up anintroductory program to teach Judo orJuJitsu for kids at a sponsored camp, orduring a Saturday activity day. See thatthe inclusion of your program into the Non-Profit's activities is amutually benefi cial situation.3. Offeryour club's tinte andeffons to help tlrc Non-ProrttMost employees of Non-Profits wear many hats andare responsible for many differentjobs. Budget cuts and increasingpublic demands have made time their mostvalued asset. Offer to help clean an area tomake space for your program. But don'tlimit your participation to functions that justbenefit your club. Offer to help in the manydifferent fund raisers that Non-Profits sponsor.Participation in auctions, specialclasses, and demonstrations, allows you topresent the benefits of Judo and JuJitsuwhile you help the-Non-Profit. Don't beafraid to have your club members grabbrooms and mops on occasion.Renrcmber llttrt you areasking for a favor so tloyour best to moke tltere I at i o n s h i p fav o ra b I efor both parties.FOOD FOR THOUGHT" Great spirits always encounter violent4. Mointain comnuniculiotr wilh yourco,ttud. Non-Profits need to charge a fecto meet their expenses. You can pay amonthly I'ee which will not change with thcincrease or decrease in your club'smerlbership. This arrangcment is ideal ifyour club has a strongmembership which worksout regularly. It can resultin a lower cost per personas you add members.However, user fees arepre-set amounts whicheach person pays permonth no matter the number of members.This situation is ideal if your membershipfluctuates during the year and you want tokeep the per-person costs at a constant level.Don't expect a Non-Profit to bend overbackwards for you. Remember that youare asking for a favor, so do your best tomake the relationship favorable for bothparties. With a little effort, you'll besurprised how easily you can make it work.oppo s ition from medioc re minds. "-Albert Einstein