As we all know, “USPS” does not stand for the “United States Postal Service.” It is the abbreviation for the “United States Power Squadrons”, a proud organization that will shortly celebrate its 100th anniversary. Like Coca Cola, UPS, and most other entities, we have our own logo, the USPS Ensign.
For our Centennial Anniversary in 2014, a special Ensign is being designed. As we prepare for that event, we want to increase our display of pride and to advertise it to our fellow boaters. Too many have no idea what we are about.
In my last two years of cruising in our sailboat around the New Jersey, New York and New England waters (the home base of four districts with more than 5,000 members), I SPOTTED ONLY 3 ENSIGNS. ARE THE REST OF YOU HIDING?
1) ARE YOU PROUD TO FLY THE ENSIGN?
2) ARE YOU TRYING TO GROW OUR MEMBERSHIP?
3) DO YOU NEED NEW MEMBERS TO HELP IN CARRYING OUT OUR IMPORTANT MISSION?
4) DO YOU SUPPORT THE USPS, ITS AIMS AND OBJECTIVES?
Hopefully these all apply, and it is just a matter of an oversight that has to be addressed.
To encourage the display of the ensign on our member boats, District 4 ran a “Spot the Ensign” competition and raffle. When spotting a boat flying the Ensign, a member would hail that boat and gather details concerning the vessel’s name, its captain and the sighting location. This data was reported to the District and entered in a raffle, with a winner drawn and a $100 prize awarded at the annual conference. The reporting boat, if flying also flying the Ensign, was also entered. An additional $25 was added if the entrant was actually present at the conference.
The above program could be run on a district or multi-district level. The USPS Marketing Committee will hold a similar program at the national level and welcomes your comments or questions. Contact me, P/D/C David J. Meshulam, AP.
Flying the ensign should be a privilege and thus sought after by new members looking for the recognition of being part of our elite organization.
P/D/C David J. Meshulam, AP
Liaison to Boating Clubs
Marketing and Public Relations Committee
