Share the Secret with Someone

Does your chapter find it difficult to find new members?  Do you struggle to initiate even one or two new members each year?

Consider using the Membership Recruitment Plan.  If your chapter is or will be using the plan, now is the time to request members to complete a Prospect Card (sample is available at www.dkg.org). So, what tips can you give your members about finding the names of prospects?

Here are a few:

• Consider new teachers hired this year by the local district or community. 
• Volunteer to provide refreshments or the program at a district meeting or new teacher orientation.
• Set up an exhibit at a community meeting.
• Ask children and grandchildren for the names of their best teachers.
• Invite principals and administrators to provide the names of women teachers on staff they would like to honor with membership.
• Watch the newsletters and newspapers for the names of educators awarded for accomplishments, such as teacher of the year or national board certification awardee.

Take Steps to Re-Member

Because surveys show that members who drop membership often reconsider membership at a later time, take steps to ask them to reinstate and to assist members who move.  Here are a few ideas:

• Encourage members who are moving to call Society Headquarters to find a new chapter.
• Have a “homecoming” or “reunion” and invite anyone who was ever a member.
• Offer support to former members during difficult life circumstances.
• Continue to send chapter newsletters to former members (unless requested to stop).
• Invite former members to a Holiday Social or other informal meeting—bring them back to see what they are missing.
• No vote or extra fees are required for reinstatement or transfer— simply pay dues for the current year and complete the   reinstatement or transfer form.

What's Growing in Your Chapter?

Chapter growth can be challenging - sometimes hard to define, difficult to measure and uncomfortable to talk about.  What is growth?  Have you ever thought about what it means to be a "growing" chapter?

Of course, growth can mean new members and reinstatements, but it also includes keeping the members you have. Growing chapters have developed a culture that encourages member participation, engages new members and develops leadership.  Have you asked your members what they like and want in chapter programs and meetings?  Are you providing those things?  Are your members active in chaper events, projects and leadership?  Are they serving the state organization on committees?  Are they attending state organizaiton and international events?  These can all be indicators of a growing chapter.

Simply put, does your chapter have a strategy in place to insure sustainability and promote growth? If you have not heard about the new Membrership Recruitment Plan,  check it out!  It is posted on the International Membership Committee page and is adaptable for your chapter.  And, best of all, it has shown real results!  Look for more information in the next blog.