DIG 101
In order to develop a community of trail builders who are highly motivated to maintain and develop your network, here are several ways to generate a powerful sense of belonging and a high level of volunteer engagement. One step at a time, introduce as many aspects as possible to optimize your community system.
Organizational logistics :
- Always schedule chores for the same day and time each week.
- Limit events to a maximum of 3 or 4 hours.
- Plan 2 blocks of chores:
– Spring: 6 to 8 consecutive weeks (May-June)
– Fall: 2 to 3 consecutive weekends (October-November) - Communicate information in advance via your usual channels:
– Event feed on Dig!
– Your website
– Facebook
– Instagram - Integrate the Dig!t slang into your community (and don’t hesitate to use new terms).
- Lend no more than 1 or 2 tools per person.
- Group 4 to 8 trail builders together (with at least one Leader wearing a conspicuous orange cap).
- Assign specific, clear missions to your Leaders.
- Associate Greens with experienced trail builders or Leaders.
- Keep an eye on Greens and give them simple advice.
Dig !t Chapters leading the charge, transforming trails and communities.
Weekly participation prizes :
- Have free stickers available at every event.
- Provide cold beers and soft drinks for Teammates and Hangarounds.
- Provide juice, ice pops or candy for children.
- Arrange to have a sponsor for each dig event and draw participation prizes (for about 10-20% of teammates present).
Exclusive Swag and a Rewards Program unique to your Chapter :
- Inform your community about your Rewards Program.
- Publicize it via your social media and regular communications.
- Display it prominently.
- Offer free stickers at all times.
- Give your Leaders a bright orange Captain hat.
- Offer a free exclusive T-shirt after 12-15 hours/year.
- Reimburse season pass or club membership (ex. +25h/year).
- Offer exclusive merchandise (hoodies) to your Strikers (ex. +40h/year).
Community events and activities :
- Offer social outings and group events.
- Organize an annual Stunt event (12-hour Dig n’ Ride, Overnighter, etc.).
- Plan a friendly Chainless Run.
- Negotiate offers with local Hubs (bike shops), using Dig !t profile validation via QR code.
- Negotiate offers at your Hangouts (coffee bar, microbrewery, …)
- Tool up your Pitmaster and offer hot dogs.
- Nominate the volunteer of the month on your social networks.
- Organize an end-of-season party.
- Present the Golden Tool Award to the trail builder of the year.
- Organize a movie premiere party, theme days (costumes, vintage bikes, etc.) or challenges of all kinds (MasoClimb, rally, Strava challenge, …).
Establishing a community trail building culture takes years. Incorporate one element at a time and make sure you keep it effective over time. Inevitably, without even realizing it, all these small steps will add up and foster a true trail building culture with a strong sense of belonging to your local network.
