We now operate a Buddy system to help prospective and new members integrate quickly into the club and obtain maximum benefit from their membership.
How it works
Any club member can volunteer to be a Buddy – it is definitely not just committee members who can be Buddies. You can express your interest in being added to the Buddy list by emailing buddys@gmail.com.
When a prospective member attends their first club night, the committee member making announcements that evening will ask a Buddy from the list to meet and greet the triallist. If at all possible, the buddy and triallist should be the same gender.
The Buddy role
The Buddy is there to support someone coming to the club “to see if it is for them”. The Buddy helps the trialist for a period that they agree is long enough for a new runner to decide whether or not to join.
The Buddy will typically be the same gender and similar running pace and, if both parties agree, they can share email and/or telephone numbers.
The Buddy should greet the new runner on their first club evening and run with them.
After assessing their speed, fitness and aspirations the Buddy will introduce the new runner to suitable running mates. We should avoid always passing new runners on to the same people. The Buddy should aim to meet the new runner for the first few club nights or ask other club members to meet them to ensure they have someone to run with.
The Buddy should explain the club organisation and introduce committee members and other members they think the new runner may relate to.
The Buddy should explain the internal club competitions (Club championship, ENVA 10, SJ), regional races (TVXC, summer 5k) and external races (CC, B5, BBHM/10k). The expectation to volunteer should be highlighted and the club’s achievement in raising around £12k to £15k annually for good causes, plus how the charity donations are made following member suggestions. Volunteering is a great way of getting to know members.
The Buddy should explain use of Spond and WhatsApp pace groups and the Club private Facebook page, plus quarterly newsletter and website.
The Buddy should highlight club socials (bowls evening, running scrabble, awards evening, SJ breakfasts, Christmas relays mince pies and mulled wine, Summer solstice BBQ etc.).
The Buddy should mention the ad-hoc groups – BJ Ultras, BJ Cyclists, Walking so the runner does not feel they are missing out on something.
The Buddy should describe the role of Engand Athletics and how to enter running events like the ones in the club championship.
Last but not least, the Buddy should explain we have trained coaches, first aiders and a welfare officer. The club motto is “get fit, run faster, make friends”. We are all volunteers. The club expects supportive behaviours and a friendly inclusive attitude.