I am amazed how easy it is to fall into the old trap of re-running the same old and tired strategies and achieving the same old and tired results.

Things like the plea for help from the front, like asking the leaders who served last year and have now quit, or making some parents feel guilty enough that they come help out.

To be truly effective in recruiting staff you need to change your pitch often. This is the end of the '90s - it isn't the beginning of the '60s. Times have changed.

For example. In my own outpost We are about to launch a new program for recruiting leaders in the 19-25 age group. We will be offering these young adult the opportunity of earning their Duke of Edinburgh award (I think a similar program runs in the US called the Congressional Award). We invest in their lives - and they have the opportunity of outworking the service component of the award as leaders in Rangers. With the right prayer and atmosphere and achievement for these folk - many will stick!

But the important thing to note here is that this is a new approach to recruiting leaders. Something fresh.

If you think outside the square a little you'll have the opportunity of implementing some fresh new ideas - that might just pay off.

When thinking keep this uppermost in your mind

• Would I buy a service opportunity from you?
• What will the payoff for me be?
• How will I feel after getting involved in your program?
• Will I have the opportunity to be successful?
• Will me ideas be listened to?
• Can I bring my friends?
• Do I have to wear a uniform...