On any journey, especially a long one, INFORMATION is needed to travel safely and not get confused or lost. Seeing a SURVEY CREW AHEAD sign helps me to be aware of my surroundings while on my journey.
The crew may be working on improvements to the road I have chosen. Possibly, they are studying if there are ALTERNATE ROUTES that may be safer or finding the best spot to put a REST AREA.
The SURVEY CREW AHEAD sign reminds me to watch for them in the area, and that they will not be impeding my journey.
I feel that the TOPS Field Staff crew is equivalent to a SURVEY CREW. Coordinators and Advocates play a pivotal role in setting up chapters and helping steer members on their journey.
The challenge of any SURVEY CREW is to gather all the INFORMATION and share it equally and appropriately with everyone.
I was amazed how, despite each member receiving the same INFORMATION, interpretations varied, which resulted in different chapter experiences. I am also troubled to see comments on social media about rules or membership fees that are contrary to what was shared with each member from TOPS News, TOPS Rules, TOPS Guide for Members, blogs, our website and Field Staff.
It has always been my opinion that if we work hard to enrich the chapter experience, TOPS can help ensure that potential members who come in from the VISITOR PARKING area feel welcomed and want to come back—that the TOLL AHEAD signs won’t be a deterrent.
Possibly, our SURVEY CREW is not large enough to weed out misconceptions and help members enrich their chapter experiences. An example of an erroneous belief happened when I met with Field Staff for the first time as TOPS President. I was informed that it was difficult to find Advocates because each Advocate needed a minimum of ten chapters to oversee. However, this item could not be found anywhere in TOPS’s literature. Yet, the majority believed it was true. It is not. An Advocate can oversee just a few chapters in their area so that it is not a hardship to travel.
We need more Advocates who are nearer the chapters to convey the necessary accurate INFORMATION directly to the members.
Misconceptions are difficult to dispel. It is critical for the TOPS SURVEY CREW to be out in the field to correct errors and stop misunderstandings.
Reach out to your Field Staff so they can help you enrich your chapter.
