Increasing Membership

Increasing Membership
© ARC - August 18, 2008 Please Save/Care/Share

ARC, a federal and state micro nonprofit,
has had multi community service outreach programs
over the past four decades.

ARC sponsored `educational social soirees’
that were extremely well received.

There was a formula:
guests were warmly welcomed;
within the hour, there was a `social mixer’ -
something simple where guests would mingle
with a `magic moment and memory question’ -
light refreshments.

There was a literature table
where guests were encouraged
to place promotional materials.

Brief introductory announcements
were followed by guests
encouraged to make brief ones too.

Then guest speaker for a half hour -
someone interesting from group or person of interest -
make calls to local educators,
politicians, reporters. Music too -
sometimes dancing.

Crucial was volunteer confrere
who would make sure `new’
were given special attention -
and followed through with
get acquainted phone calls after.

Anyone knows how the birth or addition
of new member is joyously welcomed.

Anyone who has ever courted someone
knows the positive attention cared/shared.

Anyone going someplace new
and not knowing others
recognizes feelings of intimidation,
discomfort, hesitation, disorientation.

There is an `aura’ to place/people!

The organization that excels
with courting and new growth is PWP -
Parents Without Partners.

They call their special courting volunteers Amigos.

Although their organization has formal membership,
they hold monthly dances open to the public.
It is their way of extending community opportunities
to experience what they are all about.

Popular organizations take advantage
of FREE advertising.

The media is always open to `PSA’
public service announcements.
Following the simple News Release Formula
of Who, What, Where, When, Why -
newspapers publish in select sections:
Community, Business, Social, Religious, Events et al.

News Stories are very popular.

Make calls to `social reporters’ and invite them;
nothing like a feature exposure article!

Do personal mail-outs including the feature:
hand address envelope/write notes on back.

Most organizations are always in need
of `new’ members to the fold.
Ages 30+ are prime to attend:
Casino Nights, Texas Hold ‘em card games,
Speaker Presentations,
Dancing preceded by free lessons
(line/ballroom et al),
Bingo, Picnics with games,
Come on a to my house -
getting to know your neighbor party,
universal kith & kin un-birthday celebration,
holiday themes etc.

Schedule as much as possible
`free open to the public events’ -
reciprocity will follow.

Libraries and banks
often allow nonprofits use of their facilities on Sundays.

Business establishments like hotels, fraternal organizations,
veterans lodges love to sponsor events with no host bars.

Pray; make it simple, make it fun.
God Bless All+++###