Reach Out! - A report on USCF Outreach Efforts

By USCF Secretary Rachel Lieberman

Over 20 million Americans play chess but less than half of 1% are USCF members. Of the hundreds of millions of Americans that may not play chess, many would become chess enthusiasts if they knew of a good reason to do so.

The value of chess in general and the USCF in particular has not been adequately brought to public attention. Most USCF communication has been to members and former members. It is essential that we now share our "secret" and introduce American chess to America.

To this end the Policy Board has created an Outreach Subcommittee which I chair. Dr. Robert Ferguson is the other member of the subcommittee. This report reflects the progress of our outreach efforts to date.

I will address three general areas of outreach. These are Chess in Education, Chess as a tool for Prevention, and the Media. I will conclude by emphasizing how anyone and everyone can help.

1. CHESS IN EDUCATION - The Chess in Education Committee, thanks to the efforts of Dr. Robert Ferguson, Jayne Bertovich, Sunil Weeramantry, and many others, held a reception at the Capitol Building in Washington DC in September, 1996. Representatives from government agencies and educational organizations attended, including the National Education Association (NEA). Through contacts made at this event mention of chess found its way into the January, 1997, issue of "NEA Today" magazine and over 3,000 requests for information were received and processed by the office. Chess in Education will be represented at upcoming teachers� conferences.

2. CHESS AS A TOOL FOR PREVENTION - Benjamin Franklin was the first prominent American to fully realize and advocate that chess could have a major positive effect on society. Two centuries later his ideas are equally applicable to today�s society. The concept is that chess provides a positive alternative to the many negative influences that confront youth. Additionally chess provides the discipline and thought processes necessary for children and adults alike to succeed in life and to recognize and be responsible for the consequences of their own actions. The "Summer Special" issue of "Chess Life" magazine contained two stories about judges who recognize the value of chess to society and are doing something about it. Sponsorship would be very helpful to institutionalize these and similar programs.

   My article on this subject was published in the Fall, 1996, issue of the "NOAPPP Network Newsletter" and received a good response. One contact that resulted from this article was the Spar and Spindle Girl Scout Council, which represents over 11,000 Girl Scouts in MA and NH. Arrangements have been made for USCF Scholastic Director Beatriz Marinello to introduce chess to this organization in September, 1997. The Girl Scouts of America organization is celebrating its 85th anniversary and can be a good partner of ours in bringing chess to female participants. We are also continuing to work with the Boy Scouts of America at the national level to develop chess merit badge and award programs.

   NOAPPP is a network of agencies, organizations, and foundations dedicated to the prevention of adolescent pregnancy. We presented a workshop at their annual conference in October, 1996, and it was very well received. Many of the attendees didn�t even know how the pieces move, but clearly understood the significance of chess as a tool for prevention. Many organizations are adding chess to their programs. Arrangements are being made for USCF Scholastic Director Beatriz Marinello to attend the NOAPPP conference in November, 1997.

   The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is enthusiastic about this concept and arangements have been made for the CDC (Atlanta, GA), the Illinois Caucus for Adolescent Health (Chicago, IL), the Latino Community Development Agency (Oklahoma City, OK)*, the Edgewood Independent School District (San Antonio, TX), The YMCA of San Antonio and the Hill Country (San Antonio, TX) to see chess programs in place in the New York schools and to conduct focus groups at the 1997 US CHESSathon. The CDC plans to include chess in their prevention programs in several communities and monitor and evaluate the results. *The LCDA is affiliated with HEART of OKC.

   Contact has been made with the Turner Foundation, the California Wellness Foundation, Multnomah County (OR) Health Services, the Children�s Aid Society, and others. Plans call for Specific proposals to be submitted.

3. THE MEDIA - A mailing was made to over 300 newspapers and agencies nationwide. It discussed chess as a positive alternative and specifically promoted the Super Nationals, the US CHESSathon, and the Kasparov-Deep Blue rematch. This mailing underscored one point that should be helpful to everyone. Newspapers were generally very interested in the "hometown" angle. Anyone who plans to participate in a significant national event should contact their local newspaper. There is a good chance of getting coverage for both the individual and the event. Another important point is the need for media kits to provide information on our top players and events.

   The Kasparov - Deep Blue rematch generated an unprecedented intensity of public visibility for chess. This opened the door to media interest in chess in general. Many local and national chess personalities appeared on radio, TV, newspapers, magazines, and the Internet. US Chess Online (the USCF website at www.uschess.org) was reachable by direct link from the official IBM site at www.chess.ibm.com. It is essential that we build on this momentum. Now is the time that you have public attention. Recognize it. Make good use of it. Keep your local media informed.

   Contact was made with "Modern Maturity", a magazine that reaches the membership of the AARP. Under consideration is an article about chess that will also seek volunteers from the magazine�s readership.

VOLUNTEERS - We need volunteers in order to take advantage of our opportunities. I published a call for volunteers in the May, 1997, issue of "Chess Life" magazine, which received a good response. Thanks to all who have indicated a willingness to help out. Many more are still needed. If you are interested in volunteering I can be reached at [email protected].

USCF is currently considering association with "America�s Promise - The Alliance for Youth", a national call for volunteers spearheaded by President Bill Clinton, the living US Ex-Presidents, and General Colin Powell.

The Outreach Subcommittee is interested in your input and appreciates any outreach that you are may be doing. Let me know how we may be able to help you.

Rachel Lieberman