30-Day Quick Start Checklist

Your First 30 Days as Lodge Chair

The first month in your new role sets the foundation for your success. This checklist guides you through essential tasks that will position you to lead an effective DAP program. Don't worry if you can't complete everything in exactly 30 days—use this as a roadmap, not a strict timeline.

Week 1: Learn and Connect

Day 1-2: Understand the Basics

Read through all materials in this course
Review your lodge's DAP history—what activities have been done before?
Find your lodge's DAP materials and supplies inventory
Locate your CLMS login credentials (ask your lodge secretary if needed)

Day 3-4: Connect with Leadership

Meet with your Exalted Ruler to discuss expectations and support
Get contact information for your District and State DAP Chairs
Introduce yourself to your District Chair via phone or email
Ask about upcoming district or state DAP meetings or training

Day 5-7: Assess Your Starting Point

Review last year's DAP activities in CLMS
Identify which schools your lodge has worked with previously
Note any existing relationships with school contacts
List current DAP volunteers and their contact information

Week 2: Build Your Team

Day 8-10: Recruit Key Volunteers

Identify 3-5 lodge members who might be interested in DAP
Personally invite each one to join your DAP team
Look for members who are retired teachers, parents, or grandparents
Don't overlook newer or younger members—they bring fresh energy

Day 11-14: Hold Your First Team Meeting

Schedule a brief meeting (30-45 minutes) with interested volunteers
Share DAP's mission and your vision for the lodge program
Discuss roles: presenters, event helpers, material coordinators
Set a regular meeting schedule (monthly is typical)
Assign someone to help with CLMS reporting if you need support

Week 3: Plan Your Outreach

Day 15-17: Research Local Schools

List all elementary, middle, and high schools in your area
Identify public, private, and charter schools
Note the school year calendar—when do classes start and end?
Research any existing drug prevention programs at these schools

Day 18-21: Make Initial Contact

Draft a brief introduction letter or email for school principals
Mention any previous relationship between your lodge and the school
Offer a menu of what DAP can provide (presentations, Red Ribbon support, materials)
Send to 3-5 schools to start—don't overwhelm yourself
Follow up with a phone call within one week

Week 4: Get Organized

Day 22-24: Order Materials

Review the DAP materials catalog with your State Chair
Determine what materials you'll need for the upcoming months
Place your first materials order (allow 3-4 weeks for delivery)
Organize existing materials for easy access

Day 25-27: Set Up Your Systems

Create a simple tracking spreadsheet for contacts and activities
Set up a folder (physical or digital) for DAP documents
Establish a calendar for DAP activities and deadlines
Practice logging an activity in CLMS

Day 28-30: Report and Plan Ahead

Report your progress to your Exalted Ruler
Share updates at a lodge meeting
Create a 90-day plan with specific goals
Schedule your next volunteer team meeting

Quick Wins to Build Momentum

While working through this checklist, look for quick wins:

If a school responds positively, schedule a presentation promptly
If Red Ribbon Week is approaching, plan a simple activity
If you find enthusiastic volunteers, put them to work immediately
If your lodge has unused materials, distribute them to schools

Early successes build momentum and demonstrate the value of the program to your lodge.

Common First-Month Challenges

Can't find previous DAP records? Start fresh—build your own documentation system.

No one wants to volunteer? Start with one or two committed members. Success attracts more volunteers.

Schools not responding? This is normal. Persistence pays off—we'll cover school outreach strategies in the next module.

Overwhelmed by everything? Focus on one thing at a time. You don't have to do everything in your first year.