The Boosted Volunteer

What does school district oversight really mean for booster clubs? In this episode of The Boosted Volunteer, Evan Eissler and Robin Eissler discuss why stronger communication, clear guidelines, and proper oversight can benefit both booster clubs and school districts. They explore what districts are actually looking for—from nonprofit status and tax filings to financial controls, insurance, documentation, and approved fundraising activities—while addressing common concerns about privacy and maintaining the booster club’s independence. Robin also explains how oversight can help protect volunteers from fraud, embezzlement, compliance issues, and personal liability. The conversation covers volunteer turnover, unauthorized fundraising, the importance of bylaws and operating procedures, and practical steps booster presidents can take to build a stronger relationship with their district. Ultimately, the goal is to create a framework that protects everyone while helping more resources reach the students and programs they support. Key Takeaways: 01:23 — Why school district oversight can be a positive thing for booster clubs. 03:32 — What school districts are actually looking for when reviewing booster clubs. 06:13 — How District Hub helps streamline documentation and compliance. 08:43 — How better systems can protect a booster club through volunteer turnover. 10:41 — How unauthorized fundraisers can create problems for schools and boosters. 14:21 — Why embezzlement is the number one claim for booster club insurance. 15:47 — How oversight and insurance can protect volunteers from personal liability. 18:00 — Why bylaws, operating procedures, and term limits matter. 19:23 — What can happen when booster clubs don't maintain compliance. 23:29 — How booster clubs and districts can build a healthy working relationship. 24:32 — What booster presidents can do if their district has no oversight process. 25:53 — Why stronger organizations can lead to stronger student programs. Ready to strengthen your booster club? Learn more about how BoosterHub can help your organization stay organized, compliant, and prepared for volunteer transitions. Visit www.boosterhub.com to learn more. 

Think your school's insurance automatically protects your Booster Club? Think again. Many Booster Club volunteers assume they're covered if something goes wrong—but a single accident, theft, or lawsuit could leave the organization and even individual volunteers financially exposed. In this episode of the Boosted Volunteer Podcast, host Robin Eissler sits down with Elgin Allen Jr., Founder & CEO of Association Insurance Management (AIM), and Jamie Fagan, President of AIM, to explain the insurance every Booster Club should understand before hosting fundraisers, concession stands, banquets, or community events. They break down the four essential types of coverage, discuss why embezzlement remains the most common claim they see, share real-world lawsuits that surprised even experienced professionals, and offer practical advice to help Booster Clubs protect their volunteers, finances, and mission. Whether you're a first-time Booster Club officer or a seasoned board member, this episode will help you better understand your responsibilities and avoid costly mistakes. Key Takeaways: 01:15 – How one playground injury inspired the creation of AIM and changed Booster Club insurance nationwide. 03:45 – Why Booster Clubs are more vulnerable to lawsuits than most volunteers realize. 05:00 – The questions every Booster Club should ask their school district before planning an event. 06:40 – Understanding the four essential insurance coverages: General Liability Crime/Fidelity Bond (Embezzlement) Directors & Officers Liability Property Coverage 10:50 – Can Booster Club officers and volunteers be personally sued? What every board member needs to know. 12:05 – Why embezzlement is the #1 insurance claim and the financial controls every organization should implement. 15:25 – High-risk fundraising events, vendors, raffles, fireworks, and other activities that require extra caution. 18:20 – Annual insurance vs. single-event coverage: which option makes the most sense? 19:35 – Common mistakes organizations make when purchasing insurance and how to avoid coverage gaps. 22:30 – Real insurance claims that prove anyone can file a lawsuit—even for unexpected reasons. 25:25 – Safety tips every Booster Club should consider before running their next fundraiser. 27:30 – How new Booster Club boards can quickly get insured and stay protected year after year. 28:45 – Jamie and Elgin share how school activities shaped their lives and why supporting student programs matters. Association Insurance Management (AIM) specializes exclusively in insurance solutions for Booster Clubs, PTOs, PTAs, and other educational nonprofit organizations across all 50 states.   References: Elgin Allen Jr.: LinkedIn Company: LinkedIn Website: https://www.aim-companies.com Facebook  Instagram  

What if the secret to raising $14,000 in three weeks was already sitting in your pocket?  Most booster clubs settle for the "standard" chocolate or much sales that require endless physical labor for a small fraction of the profit.  This week on The Boosted Volunteer, host Robin Eissler welcomes Marsha Sray, a fundraising powerhouse and former band booster president who turned a dilapidated equipment trailer into a rallying cry for an entire community. Marsha shares the exact strategies she used to "restore the pride" and explains why peer-to-peer fundraising is the ultimate engine for modern booster clubs. Whether you are trying to fund new uniforms, a championship trip, or just want to stop selling mattresses in the band hall, Marsha’s hands-on experience will show you how to turn a daunting financial goal into an exciting, high-energy event. Key Takeaways: 01:33 The "Eyesore" Inspiration: How an aging, disintegrating band trailer wrap became the catalyst for Marsha’s first major fundraising success. 03:00 Storytelling that Sells: Why one student’s quote about a truck "carrying our pride" was more effective than any professional marketing campaign. 04:16 The Power of the Ask: Why sitting around and talking about a problem for a year won't solve it, but simply asking the community will. 05:30 Peer-to-Peer vs. Static Pages: Understanding the "Ask-a-thon" model—using urgency, time limits, and exponential community growth to drive donations. 07:51 The "Magic" Number of Asks: Why most donations happen between the fifth and seventh time a person is asked. 09:25 Raising $15,000 in One Hour: The crucial role of the "kickoff" event and why being prepared with a contact list is the difference between success and a slow start. 11:13 Incentives & Humiliation Rituals: From duct-taping directors to the wall to eating ranch-flavored crickets—how non-monetary "hustle awards" drive student participation. 15:35 The Personal Touch: Why a phone call to Grandma or a personal text to an uncle outperforms automated messages every time. 17:55 Aspirational Budgeting: Why you should always push your goal just a little bit beyond what you think is attainable. 20:07 Celebrating the Fruits of Labor: The importance of a "reveal party" to show donors exactly what their money provided. Is your booster club running like a champ or just getting by? Visit BoosterHub.com to find the tools you need to manage your nonprofit responsibly, raise more money, and get back to the activities that matter most.   

What does it really take for Booster Clubs to survive—and thrive—in 2026?  As funding shifts, expectations rise, and responsibilities grow, many clubs are being pushed to operate more like full-scale nonprofits than volunteer groups. In this episode of The Boosted Volunteer, the roles are flipped as Evan Eissler interviews co-host Robin Eissler, CEO and founder of Booster Hub. Drawing from her experience working with thousands of Booster Clubs nationwide, Robin shares a candid look at the biggest challenges clubs face today—and the strategies that separate those that are thriving from those barely getting by. If your Booster Club feels stretched or unsure what to focus on next, this episode gets straight into the real issues. Key Takeaways 1:40 Funding is shifting—Booster Clubs are carrying more of the load 3:04 Booster Clubs vs PTO/PTA—what makes them different 4:32 Why some clubs thrive (and others burn out) 5:35 Strong clubs plan ahead—not just for the season 7:03 Communication gaps cause most problems 8:13 Compliance basics many clubs get wrong 11:20 “Mandatory fees” and where it gets tricky 12:54 Payment methods that can create risk 15:17 How to prevent fraud and money issues 17:06 Why credit cards can actually increase revenue 18:00 SMS works better than email for engagement 19:20 Planning for leadership and financial stability 22:30 Creating excitement around volunteering 23:24 One simple habit: reconcile your bank account To learn how Booster Hub can help you improve communication, increase engagement, and manage your Booster Club more effectively, visit www.boosterhub.com. Be sure to subscribe to The Boosted Volunteer so you never miss an episode packed with insights for today’s Booster Club leaders.

As Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities continue to reshape athletics, their impact is no longer limited to college programs. In this insightful episode, former professional football player and NIL education advocate Dr. John DeWitt joins host Robin Eissler to explore what this evolving landscape means for high school athletes, families — and most importantly — Booster Clubs. A former 12-year professional football player turned chiropractor, author, and keynote speaker, Dr. DeWitt is the founder of JD Football Training, where he provides NIL and recruiting education to student-athletes, parents, and school communities. In this conversation, Dr. DeWitt shares practical, real-world perspectives on navigating state-specific NIL rules, managing changing team dynamics, and turning potential disruption into meaningful opportunities for athletic programs. He also unpacks sponsorship complexities and leadership challenges, equipping volunteers with clear, actionable insights to stay prepared in a rapidly shifting environment.. Key Takeaways: 1:52 - NIL opportunities are expanding into high school athletics, creating confusion due to varying rules across states, districts, and schools. 3:33 - Booster Clubs must distinguish between team sponsorships and individual NIL deals to avoid compliance risks and locker-room tension. 5:40 - Families should avoid rushing into NIL agreements and carefully review expectations, exclusivity clauses, and long-term eligibility implications. 6:54 - Athletes with strong social media followings are increasingly attracting NIL opportunities, blending performance recognition with influencer marketing. 9:59 - NIL arrangements may influence Booster Club fundraising if donors feel contributions are benefiting individual athletes instead of the entire program. 11:25 - Coaches can turn NIL disparities into leadership opportunities that strengthen discipline, teamwork, and motivation. 12:15 - Education and proactive communication help Booster Clubs confidently navigate evolving NIL rules and responsibilities. 16:01 - Student-athletes should stay focused on long-term development rather than becoming distracted by short-term NIL incentives. 18:46 - Setting new goals after achieving milestones is essential for sustaining growth both in sports and in life. Resources: LinkedIn: Dr. John DeWitt Free NIL Resource: https://jdfootballtraining.com/NIL