Greetings fellow swimmers,
The OMS Board of Directors is currently working on setting up an exciting year for our membership. USMS created a strategic plan in 2011 which includes: Membership Value, Partnerships, Brand Clarity, and Innovation. Currently, we are working towards Membership Value which will “enhance and customize value and deliver it to consumer segments based on needs and interests.” USMS currently provides access to these values for free, including workouts, digital articles on the USMS website and social media, marketing materials, and the USMS logo. USMS is also simplifying the cost structure for USMS membership in an effort to reduce barriers to join.
This strategy extends to USMS clubs, workout groups, and affiliated events. These groups and events are the primary delivery method OMS is using to further the best possible experience for our membership. The first line of communication begins with our coaches. Coaches can measure membership value through inclusion. Does your workout group cater to the competitive swimmer and the fitness swimmer? Are you inclusive to those who are merely swimming to attain newfound fitness goals? Do you welcome swimmers of all ages, abilities and disabilities? How are you promoting USMS fitness events, local competitions and National Championships?
Does your pool offer a USMS workout group? If you are interested in starting a new workout group and you’re not quite sure how to begin you can contact Marlys Cappaert, our Program Development Chair. Marlys has a wealth of information, and the resources you need to begin a USMS program in your community.
In order to promote Masters swimming within the Oregon LMSC, we have created a new position, the Membership Promotion Chair held by Carolyn Demarco. Carolyn will help identify potential sources for new members through recruiting USA Swimming members, high school swim teams, Triathlon clubs, and college teams.
USMS has also created the Adult Learn-to-Swim program. Adult Learn-to-Swim is aimed to provide swimming lessons to adults who cannot swim. Since its inception, OMS members have offered several ALTS programs in Oregon. The ALTS program is a great way to introduce U.S. Masters Swimming to those new to swimming, and create new members.
I would like to welcome our new Fitness Chair, Olympian Colette Crabbe. Colette will be taking over the position from Aubree Gustafson, who has done an incredible job writing articles for the “Aqua Master” Newsletter. Thank you, Aubree. Colette is excited to develop and promote fitness swimming activities for OMS members, and educate our members on the fitness benefits of swimming.
In April, Central Oregon Masters Aquatics will be hosting our annual SCY Association Championship. This is a time when all of our members come together to compete, and enjoy the camaraderie that Masters swimming affords all of us. I encourage everyone to attend this event, COMA does an outstanding job hosting events, and will be offering a social event for participants. The OMS Board will be hosting the annual general meeting, which is open to all OMS members. This is a great opportunity for all of you to become familiar with the OMS Board members, and have an opportunity to ask questions and give feedback. Following the general meeting, we will have our Annual Awards. This is a time when we recognize members who have gone the extra mile to promote Masters swimming, and/or excelled in their own personal goals.