The rule in brainstorming is to generate as many specific ideas as possible before pausing to examine any of them. By summarizing points of agreement instead of focusing on differences, the group can be rapidly guided to a consensus recommendation. I then began that approach by doing an open-ended survey through Chess Life. An internal quality improvement mechanism that takes the data and creates a feedback loop to improve existing services and add new ones. All these things are feasible at low cost if the right approaches are taken.
Scholastic chess poses special challenges with respect to membership growth and retention.
Our scholastic leaders have accomplished things in bridging the gap between organized chess and the larger world outside. In the process, they are firmly establishing chess as a positive social tool, and are elevating chess in the public mind. Because of these things, they need to have enhanced influence in making decisions in the USCF that affect them. Recently, I was able to take some ideas from a scholastic discussion and use them to help reduce pressure on scholastic dues. Scholastic chess is the foundation of our future, and for that reason we all need to work together to give the support needed for the growth in this area.