News and Notes from the USAPA Ambassador Program
Submitted by Dick Manasseri
The USAPA Ambassador Program consists of volunteers that love to promote pickleball right where they live. The USAPA supports these efforts with funds, derived from your membership fees, that are put to work at the grassroots level in terms of finding new places to play, conducting clinics, forming ladders, hosting tournaments, etc.
Growth: There are now 325 Ambassadors around the country reporting to 8 Regional Ambassadors. That's a 10+% increase in the number of Ambassadors since the beginning of 2009. In December we were thrilled to receive a request to be an Ambassador in the Atlantic South Region from an 86 year old woman who loves the game! That's the spirit we love!
Newest Regional Ambassador: Juanita and Carl Vincent have volunteered to serve together as the Southwest Regional Ambassadors. Welcome to the team and thanks for your willingness to mentor and coordinate the Local Ambassadors in Arizona, New Mexico and Mexico.
On-line 'How To' Group: Although this communication venue was only begun 3 months ago, there are now 83 members - including Ambassadors and Board Members - communicating via this Google Group on several active discussion topics. Looks like this vehicle for sharing questions, answers and ideas is just the kind of interactive communication that many of the Ambassadors have been seeking.
Mini-Plans: To sharpen our focus on 2010 goals for growth and service to our USAPA members, Ambassadors are beginning to develop what are referred to as Mini-Plans that outline objectives and activities for the new year in categories such as Recreation, Competition, Membership, Communication and Publicity. These Mini-Plans form the basis for the resources and funds that the USAPA awards to help Ambassadors achieve their goals within the local areas they serve.
