The Image of the IAM
Discussion
Mornin' all,
I did another observed run yesterday. Got up at 8am on a Sunday morning. Sat through 1 hour of incredibly tedious (even though I find the subject interesting) power point presentation about 'The System', with the presenter fielding some of the most depressingly rubbish questions from the audience (everyone gets too specific about situations sometimes, I think perhaps it's the environment they're in which does it).
Anyway...after the presentation, all the observers (approx 30) go into the side room where we have a small meeting, get the run sheets for whomever we will be observing that morning, and talk about any current points. Half the observers can't sit down. Half the observers can't stand. Some are a bit deaf, and some can't stand for too long (it's a small room).
Then, when called, all 30 observers walk out to the front of the hall where our names are called and we go and greet, and take out, the associate.
I am by far the youngest observer (24).
And here, I beleive, lies the crux of the problem. Now, please do not get me wrong - I am not trying to belittle the efforts of many, many people. That is far from my intention. It's just that it is this very image that turns many people away for whom the IAM could be so rewarding.
Then, the observers (some of whom are very genuine, wonderfully nice people who - on a personal level - are spot on), have their 'old people quirks'. This isn't an insult, just that 'thing' that all old people have. You know - you can tell they've experienced the world, don't quite 'get' modern stuff (as much as they are able to e-mail), and don't understand sports cars.
They then explain things in their own 'unique' elderly way.
By the very nature of how the IAM works...it's all done by volunteers...it's those who are retired who have the most time to give, and also keep up with the required learning.
Once again let me stress this is not a dig, just me creating thoughts in my head about why the IAM struggles to attract younger associates. There was a link-up with Max Power magazine about a year ago but, as far as I know, it didn't go too well. People enquired, but few took it up because they then saw the real IAM (past the Max Power advert).
So...the answer? Well, this is a difficult one. The IAM is run and founded on volunteers, and (as I said above) by the very nature it is those who are slightly older that have more time to give. It's a catch 22 situation.
Should the IAM be 'refreshed' ?
Should a new IAM be introduced for, say, <25yr olds? (not pass plus).
Should the IAM strictly do <25yr old courses?
Should the marketing be better placed at youngsters?
It's a difficult question and I don't claim to know the answer. But, I thought I would put it to those on this forum - what are your thoughts?
Thanks all
Tony
I did another observed run yesterday. Got up at 8am on a Sunday morning. Sat through 1 hour of incredibly tedious (even though I find the subject interesting) power point presentation about 'The System', with the presenter fielding some of the most depressingly rubbish questions from the audience (everyone gets too specific about situations sometimes, I think perhaps it's the environment they're in which does it).
Anyway...after the presentation, all the observers (approx 30) go into the side room where we have a small meeting, get the run sheets for whomever we will be observing that morning, and talk about any current points. Half the observers can't sit down. Half the observers can't stand. Some are a bit deaf, and some can't stand for too long (it's a small room).
Then, when called, all 30 observers walk out to the front of the hall where our names are called and we go and greet, and take out, the associate.
I am by far the youngest observer (24).
And here, I beleive, lies the crux of the problem. Now, please do not get me wrong - I am not trying to belittle the efforts of many, many people. That is far from my intention. It's just that it is this very image that turns many people away for whom the IAM could be so rewarding.
Then, the observers (some of whom are very genuine, wonderfully nice people who - on a personal level - are spot on), have their 'old people quirks'. This isn't an insult, just that 'thing' that all old people have. You know - you can tell they've experienced the world, don't quite 'get' modern stuff (as much as they are able to e-mail), and don't understand sports cars.
They then explain things in their own 'unique' elderly way.
By the very nature of how the IAM works...it's all done by volunteers...it's those who are retired who have the most time to give, and also keep up with the required learning.
Once again let me stress this is not a dig, just me creating thoughts in my head about why the IAM struggles to attract younger associates. There was a link-up with Max Power magazine about a year ago but, as far as I know, it didn't go too well. People enquired, but few took it up because they then saw the real IAM (past the Max Power advert).
So...the answer? Well, this is a difficult one. The IAM is run and founded on volunteers, and (as I said above) by the very nature it is those who are slightly older that have more time to give. It's a catch 22 situation.
Should the IAM be 'refreshed' ?
Should a new IAM be introduced for, say, <25yr olds? (not pass plus).
Should the IAM strictly do <25yr old courses?
Should the marketing be better placed at youngsters?
It's a difficult question and I don't claim to know the answer. But, I thought I would put it to those on this forum - what are your thoughts?
Thanks all
Tony
Good discussion peeps (I'm ignoring the negative comment above, as I trust you all will too).
edit; ok I've just written loads and loads and re-read it and it was rubbish. This just goes to show what a difficult topic this is.
The stereotypes, while not 100% accurate (myself, Emma and Don are good examples) does contain some truth (I aluded to this in my description of yesterday's run).
I think we can confidently say the IAM will never become government endorsed and, as such, we will never get those big advertising budgets or salaried employees able to do something about it.
(7db; I'd love to come out for a run with you! Whether I am the IAM's young face or not I'm not too sure, but always free for a blast on a Sunady. Drop me an e-mail next time you're around [I live in North Kent, around Medway Towns]. Oh, my apologies I never responded to your comments on the video; time ran away from me. I completely intend to do it still and thanks for your comments once again)
Anyhow...back to the IAM. What's the answer to opposing the stereotypes alluded to by mr-rubbish-poster above?
edit; ok I've just written loads and loads and re-read it and it was rubbish. This just goes to show what a difficult topic this is.
The stereotypes, while not 100% accurate (myself, Emma and Don are good examples) does contain some truth (I aluded to this in my description of yesterday's run).
I think we can confidently say the IAM will never become government endorsed and, as such, we will never get those big advertising budgets or salaried employees able to do something about it.
(7db; I'd love to come out for a run with you! Whether I am the IAM's young face or not I'm not too sure, but always free for a blast on a Sunady. Drop me an e-mail next time you're around [I live in North Kent, around Medway Towns]. Oh, my apologies I never responded to your comments on the video; time ran away from me. I completely intend to do it still and thanks for your comments once again)
Anyhow...back to the IAM. What's the answer to opposing the stereotypes alluded to by mr-rubbish-poster above?
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