I the Selmer Chess Club wants to start an after school program but don’t know how. I’m not a part of any schools but want to really bring chess to my town in any way I can. I’m looking to see if any teachers want to become chess teachers/coaches but have the Selmer Chess Club as the Sponsor for any chess tournaments or events. Any advice for what I should do?
Depending on the size of your town, you might want to get to know the teachers and administrators (assuming you don’t already.)
You could try attending PTA and school board meetings and raise the issue in one-on-one conversations with others present. That might help you figure out what to do next.
Ok, thanks. I don’t know anyone at the Schools, but I will start getting to know them then slowly bring it up. I will make a plan then present it when I’m done.
I would start by visiting the the school office and leave off information about the benefits of chess to students and point out that it is a low cost activity. Also leave off your contact information at the office as well. I would imagine that most schools have heard about the benfits of chess to students and would contact you about coming up with activities. Most teachers are not experienced at teaching chess but they are experienced at teaching. Perhaps if you offer to make a presentation about the basic rules and some relevant reading material the teachers will be willing to take it from there. Also plug your club as a place where the parents, teachers, and students can all enjoy the royal game. Good luck!
For an outside group to come in a chess program in a school, you will have to follow district and state guidelines. That means that if clearances and background checks are required, then your group or an individual from your group who will work in the school will have to be in compliance. There are usually fees for these background checks.
Ideally, it would be best to have a teacher or administrator as a co-sponsor of the program. Not always easy as most schools that have teachers participating in after school programs pay them to do so. In these economic times, schools are reluctant to spend money, even if it is their best interest to do so.
Your plan must cover every base, answer every question asked by administrators. They have to be assured that the program will be managed properly, safe, and productive. Likely the program will need to be vetted and approved by a school board. A board might take 1 to 6 months before making a decision.
Have done this in several places. The process often takes some time, so do not be discouraged. It really helps to have an “in” with an individual on the board of directors or an eager administrator. The more professional your presentation, the better. If it does not work at first at a school, try with a local library or community center to build up a history of performance. Run some community chess activities, tournament and otherwise. Then go back to the school to offer your program. A bigger footprint in the community, a reputation for quality, and some supportive references from local politicians and NGOs will give you a better chance to introduce an after school chess program. They might even come to you.
I want to thank everyone for there advice. I do have a question, How would you direct a 4 member teams in a tournament? I would like to learn how to direct chess team tournaments before I do any presentations. Any advice on that?
The Selmer club appears to be in a small city (Selmer TN, population 4400 or so), and what works there is likely to be different than what works in a major metropolitan area, where school districts are likely to have extensive rules for outside parties. Even in small towns, school administrators are likely to be wary of people they don’t know. Finding a way to be ‘invited in’ is a good idea. Becoming a USCF affiliate may also be helpful.
You should probably ask your other question on the tournaments forum, as it is not really a ‘clubs’ issue.
It also depends on what you mean by ‘team tournament’, so more details would be helpful.
Ok, thanks