GETTING PARENTS TO FALL IN AND SUPPORT YOUR CADET PROGRAM

Of the three missions of the Civil Air Patrol, forming and maintaining a viable Cadet Program can be a challenge to the strongest of wings. Anytime an organization works with young people it is imprudent to overlook their parents. Parent involvement in CAP Cadet Units increases the chances of retention of young people in this program.

Young people whose parents support their participation in CAP Cadet Programs have greater motivation. Motivated cadets are more likely to participate in CAP activities, and more likely to take pride in their affiliation with this organization. In short, motivated cadets stick with the CAP program.

The Columbia Composite Squadron at Alcorn Middle School (Richland County School District One, Columbia, SC) has had phenomenal growth due in part to the involvement of parents. The parents are organized into a formal group with elected officers (president, vice-president, secretary, and treasurer). The Cadet Commander serves as an advisor/liaison to the group.

Most of the cadet programs around the country are extensions of senior wings. There are, however, a growing number of Cadet Units that are organized through educational institutions, i.e., schools. Richland County School District One has incorporated CAP into its middle school course offerings. This provides us with an effective means of parent contact because CAP is a school sponsored activity.

How does one attract parents? Start talking to the parents of interested young people. Find two or three key parents to sell your program, they will in turn recruit other parents. Parents must be made aware of the mission of CAP and how it would benefit their children. When asked why parents are so active, parent group treasurer Ms. Teri Little said, "Whenever my kids are in an organization (at school), I try to support them. It is (CAP) so interesting, I am thinking about joining."

What is the function of a parent group? The parent group meets twice a month, and serve as chaperons on field trips, are instrumental in fundraising for the organization and plan activities for the cadets. Having parents involved helps with the discipline and morale of young cadets. This frees the Cadet Commander to focus on teaching and reinforcing CAP objectives. You will find that parents are big recruiters for your program. They spread the word about the positive benefits that their children's participation in CAP brings.

Open the lines of communication with parents and cadets. Publish a newsletter providing a calendar of events, updates, and FYI items. Host parent mixers with the cadets serving as hosts. Invite parents to "promotion" ceremonies. Be prepared to answer any questions, or address any concerns. Remember to rely on CAP guidelines, and do not compromise CAP standards.

Getting parents to FALL IN and Support Your CAP Cadet Program will take some initiative on your part. The rewards of having a motivated, dedicated and active Cadet Program will out weigh the effort you invest. Of course it is not necessary for parents to be involved in CAP as senior members, but it is encouraged.

Our cadets feel pride in having their parents involved.. Having a supportive parent group can provide your unit with that extra something that can make a good unit great. In today's hectic world CAP can be one of "the ties that binds" families together...

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