1. How To Grow Our Membership Fred Rogers…frrtx@icloud.com…972-977-9342 1

2. What are our Objectives? Believe that we can! Acknowledge the need for growth Understand the role of strong leadership Importance of a Membership Committee Identify written Action Plan elements Review 2

3. “I Think I Can” Positive Thinking is Powerful and Contagious ! 3

4. Why Is Membership Growth Important? To maintain a dynamic voice in Washington that will continue to protect the interest of all veterans, service members and their families If we fail to grow…it is only a matter of time before we cease to exist…it is our lifeblood! Our Leadership is committed to Membership Growth, and we must all support that initiative 4

5. 5 Traits of Successful Commanders 1 - Leadership…out in front 2 - Training…teaching / learning 3 - Mentoring…helping develop others 4 - Monitoring…follow up 5 - Motivating…appreciate & recognize accomplishments 5

6. What Is An “Escalator Society”? 6

7. The Threat of an “Escalator” Society Have we become so accustomed to “taking the escalator” that we forget that we must take “Steps” to be successful? Do we want to arrive at our destination without taking the trip? Success will occur when we take the proper steps and plan 7

8. 5 Steps to Success Step #1 - Division & District Commanders Step #2 - Post Commanders Step #3 - Post 1 st Vice Commanders Step #4 - Membership Committee Step #5 - A written Action Plan Let’s discuss each step individually… 8

9. Step #1 Division & District Commanders you must Place a high priority on membership growth and achieving goals Clearly express your positive expectations that achieving assigned goals is not optional Stress that it is the responsibility of each Post Commander and get their agreement Communicate – Monitor – Mentor - Motivate 9

10. Step #2 Post Commanders you must… Place a high priority on membership growth and achieving goals Clearly express your positive expectations that achieving assigned goals is not optional Stress that it is the responsibility of each Post member and get their agreement 10

11. Step #3 1 st Vice Commanders you must… – Be committed and have a positive attitude – Make a written status report at all meetings… – where are we now? – how will we get to where we are going? L ead your committee to success 11

12. Step #4 Develop a Post Membership Committee Divide up the work…assign specific responsibilities Involve the entire membership – “everyone recruits one” Make it a “Family Project” – Legion, Auxiliary & Sons 12

13. Step #5 Develop a written plan…it is your roadmap to success…the tactics What do we need to do? How are we going to do it? Who is going to do it? When will it be accomplished? Keep it Simple and Flexible 13

14. Six Elements Of An Effective Membership Plan 1.Retention 2.Renewals 3.Recruiting 4.Legion Programs 5.Communicate – “Spread the Word” 6.Reward Let’s discuss each element… 14

15. Element #1 - Retention #1 Objective is to “Close the Back Door” Involve your membership Post activities Solicit involvement on committees Personal phone calls Personal visits Communicate, Listen & Appreciate 15

16. Element #2 - Renewal Set aggressive deadlines Fast Start – 25% by July 31 st – 50% by August 31st – 100% by Veterans Day Personal phone calls & visits You will finish the same way you start… 16

17. Element #3 - Recruiting Use Headquarters “345” Roster – Personal letters & Phone calls – mylegion.org Expired Member List Membership Drives – Major Retailers – All Post events 17

18. Element #4 – Legion Programs Boys State Oratorical Boy Scouts Legion Baseball Junior Shooting High School JROTC School Awards Your Post will grow if you are involved in your Community! 18

19. Element #5 - Communicate Does your Community know what you are doing and why? External Does your membership know what you are doing and why? Internal Public Service Announcements Post website…is it up to date? Social Media…Facebook Public Access TV 19

20. Element #6 - Reward! National Commanders Annual Award Lone Star Recruiter Award Posts / District Competitions Continuous Years - recognition Citations – “Certificate Maker” CD 20

21. Review We must believe! We must recognize the need for growth Understand the role of strong leadership Importance of a Membership Committee Develop a written Action Plan Five Action Plan Elements: Retain, Renew, Recruit, Legion Programs & Communicate Reward successes 21

22. One Last Comment Execution Is Essential 22