Make New Friends, But Keep the Old...

by Susan J. Ellis

The challenge is not just spreading the word to the general public to find new people but also in finding ways to revitalize the involvement of inactive members. Why not start with the people already interested enough in the organization to remain on the membership rolls and pay dues?

In articulating the issues, a pattern of missed opportunities emerges – times when intentional outreach in new ways might have motivated new volunteering. Here are a few examples, many of which are equally relevant to assuring that agency-based volunteer programs also keep welcoming additional volunteer involvement.

Separating age groups with little follow-up. A missed opportunity is usually after a high school project, when the teens are assumed to be going off to college.No serious attempt is made to keep them engaged in the work of the organization.

There are a number of fallacies here: not every high school grad goes to college or leaves town to go to college; leaving the area to go to university doesn’t sever ties as students return home to visit and virtual assignments can be developed; and if no attempt is made to retain college students, the high school student’s activities become a memory and not something he maintains throughout adulthood.

Life changes. A related issue is what happens when organizations – especially faith communities – are family-based. As the children grow up their maturing skills may not be recognized or utilized.Pay attention to your members/volunteers and what’s happening in their lives!Each change is an opportunity.

Offer volunteers the chance to increase (or temporarily decrease) their participation to match their new circumstances.Also make a point of directly contacting people on the membership roster whom you have never met.

Dues renewal notices. When letting your members know that their annual fees are due, why not find out more about them? Adding a couple of questions to the notice could be helpful in finding new recruits. This is a communication tool – use it.

More missed chances to communicate. Just some other opportunities available to communicate: do you include a recruiting messag ein your e-mail signature line; are there notices of new opportunities posted where volunteers keep their coats and personal items?

To read more about what Susan J. Ellis has to say about opportunities for organizations to engage existing members even more check out http://energizeinc.com/hot/2007/07may.html.
 

Last updated: July 2, 2008