Pioneers go back to school at Pioneer U

Pioneers went back to school on the “campus” of Pioneer U as nearly 700 “students” gathered to continue their volunteer education during the TelecomPioneers Annual Meeting in Austin, TX.

“What we have learned here this week is just the beginning,” said John McCullouch, Chairman of TelecomPioneers.  “Our education – and the education of those we lead – is ongoing.  That is why it is so critical that the lessons learned here are shared beyond these walls.

“Our time and effort here mean nothing if we don’t extend the campus and the teachings of Pioneer U across all of North America and beyond.”

The Annual Meeting kicked off with a rousing Pep Rally featuring the booming sound of the Reagan High School Marching Band and an appearance by Pioneer U mascot Angus MacDonald. The rally also served as a showcase for some 30 Pioneer chapters, vendors, and benefit partners who staffed exhibit booths throughout the conference.

Friday morning’s business session featured the remarks of Joseph E. Cosgrove, Jr., General Attorney and Associate General Counsel AT&T Texas.  After extending a welcome to Pioneers, Mr. Cosgrove introduced Greg Abbott, the Attorney General of Texas.  Beyond his role as Attorney General, Mr. Abbott is involved in numerous civic and charity causes, particularly in support of the less fortunate and those who have been victimized by criminals.

Business executive and author Gerry Czarnecki was the keynote speaker Friday morning.  Mr. Czarnecki shared his thought-provoking You’re in Charge…What Now? seminar focusing on seven steps to leadership success. All Pioneers are invited to sign up for Mr. Czarnecki’s leadership newsletter via: www.the-czar.com

Attendees also participated in a two-part training session designed to teach lessons in managing a mass market event. The first part was a hands-on demonstration of how to run a successful bowl-a-thon as a fund-raising and membership recruitment tool.

Half of the attendees traveled to 300 Austin, a nearby bowling center, to participate in Pins for Pioneers, a bowl-a-thon customized to share the core principles of executing a Pioneer event.  The principles demonstrated included:

o Project or event registration

o Creating visibility and an understanding of the Pioneer mission

o Strategies for promoting the benefits of Pioneer membership

o Ways to successfully engage community

While one half of the attendees were experiencing the bowling aspect of the lesson, the other half was in the classroom, learning the theory behind conducting such an event.  Pledges raised for the bowling event totaled $1,600 to be split with T.A. Brown Elementary School, and the 20-20 Sports Vision organization for the visually impaired.

All of the instruction shared during the mass market sessions can be found in the Projects & Events Manual.

On Saturday, the Honor Society Breakfast featured presentations by guest speakers Jill Shaw Binder and Brigadier General Joyce Stevens of the Texas Army National Guard.  Ms. Shaw is the founder of the Community in Schools program for at-risk students, while Gen. Stevens has worked with Pioneers to coordinate support for troops and their families.

The breakfast was followed by a series of five educational breakouts focusing on:

·        Implementing Project Connect into Job Shadow Day

·        Power Up To Read Pilot Panel

·       I Want To Win! How To Write Successful Awards and Grants

·        Accounting and Finance

·        Using Technology to Accomplish the Pioneer Mission

A “Parade of Finalists” opened the afternoon business as a procession of 170 awards finalists entered the room to the thunderous applause of the Pioneer audience.  Following the procession, TelecomPioneers Chairman John McCullouch addressed the graduates.

“We will face many challenges in our efforts to make a difference and these challenges will come in many forms,” McCullouch said.  “But, as graduates of Pioneer U, I believe we will be prepared to meet these challenges head on…and turn them into opportunities.”

McCullouch, along with TelecomPioneers President Marty Lee, then participated in the presentation of Angus statues to 62 award winners.

Pioneer U closed out the semester in fitting fashion with a closing banquet-turned Pioneer House Toga Party.