A Step by Step Approach to Developing
and Maintaining an Alumni Program
STEP FIVE <==
STEP SIX - Making the Contacts and BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS
==> STEP SEVEN
Playing Detective
- The Internet - A Little Scary What You Can Find Out There!
- Google - www.google.com, can
yield some quick results
- Switchboard - www.switchboard.com is one of
several online phone directories. Info may be out-of-date but it can be a
helpful starting point - can also look up by phone number.
- Search Systems - www.searchsystems.net has many
links to public record databases, such as licensing authorities.
By Phone (can be a team approach)
- always keep the GOALS of the Alumni Program in mind and ready to explain
to who you're speaking
- do the detective work; if an unusual last name but first name is not
listed, call anyway and ask if there's a relation; if there are several
listings, call and keep track of who's been contacted
- keep notes on conversations (preferably on the 'temporary' Alumni card or
profile, or in an online 'Comments' section)
- ask about other alumni whereabouts (if possible, keep a staff roster
available for the approprate year(s) to bring up old names)
- get the 'Minimal Info' and followup with a snail mail Alumni packet or
an email with reference to the web site explaining your efforts
By Mail
- mail out Alumni Packet; make sure to complete 'temporary' Alumni card or
profile
- do NOT bulk mail; forwarding will be a problem
- upon a response, consider calling them back anyway to get additional info
on themselves and other alums
Publicity - Getting Alumni to Come to You
- posters or an "alumni bulletin board" at camp, with supply of Alumni packets
- "Alumni Tent" during Summer Camp Opening Days
- media contacts (especially with planned events)
- mention of Alumni Program at other camp programs
- information on your camp web site
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