RECRUIT – RETAIN – REINSTATE and PUBLIC RELATIONS Communication, Inclusion, and Assistance

Appointed Federation Contacts MEMBERSHIP COORDINATOR Theron Rumsey (cell) 76 Woodland Hills Rd., Asheville, NC PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER Doris Maxwell P.O. Box 832 Graham, NC 27253

WHY SHOULD WE BE CONCERNED? 1.The National membership trend, since 1995 NARFE membership trend has declined from 450,000 to 330,000; greater than a 25% loss. 1.North Carolina membership has been declining similarly (a 15% decline since Dropped members represent the primary reason for our decline. Reducing the number of dropped members could result in a 5 – 10% growth each year instead of a loss.

WHY SHOULD WE BE CONCERNED? 1.NARFE is the only organization specifically looking out for us – our retirement benefits and financial well being as federal retirees. 2.The Perfect Storm could be upon us – Convergence of high federal debt, continued cost of two wars, troubled economy that will reduce tax income, urgent need to repair health care and social security systems. (NARFE magazine, Nov. 2008, pp. 37) 3.Health care benefits, COLAs, and economic security could be eroded. 4.At the National level, premium conversion, GPO, and WEP may become lost issues. 5.At the State level, the Son-of-Bailey and the Senior Homestead Act initiatives may become lost initiatives. NOTE: Use the January 2009 issue of the NARFE magazine as a resource regarding the many issues that NARFE supports that would benefit federal retirees.

WHAT SHOULD CHAPTERS BE DOING? Follow a membership plan The plan should contain the basics for, Retention, Reinstatement, and Recruitment supported by a strong element of Public Relations.

WHAT SHOULD CHAPTERS BE DOING? RETENTION 1.PR campaign among all members. Members need to be reminded of what NARFE has done for them as a result of their support of NARFE (Nat’l brochure F-122: What has NARFE Done for You Lately?, and NC Federation brochure: Welcome to Your Federation). 2.Emphasize dues withholding and/or multi-year dues payments. Both represent a savings in annual dues. 3.Newsletter where possible. 4.Organized, welcoming, and informative chapter meetings. 5.From National’s monthly M112 report, communicate (in person, phone, or letter) with members receiving 2 nd dues notice. 6.Ensure members are aware of services available thru the Service Officer.

WHAT SHOULD CHAPTERS BE DOING? REINSTATEMENT 1.From National’s monthly M112 report, communicate(in person, phone, or letter) with folks who have dropped their membership. 2.Emphasize dues withholding and/or multi-year dues payment. Both represent a savings in annual dues. 3.Emphasize the importance of NARFE, what NARFE has done and is doing for federal retirees and services available through NARFE. Folks should be reminded that the status of our retirement benefits and our financial security exists at the whim of our elected representatives on Capitol Hill.

WHAT SHOULD CHAPTERS BE DOING? RECRUITMENT 1.One-on-one. Each member recruit a member is probably the most effective way to introduce a new member to NARFE and to retain that member. 2.Emphasize dues withholding and/or multi-year dues payment. Both represent a savings in annual dues. 3.Community PR. Utilize you local or community newspapers, bulletin boards, visitor centers, and community festivals. 4.Organized, welcoming, and informative chapter meetings. 5.From National’s monthly M112 report, communicate (in person, phone, or letter) with prospective members listed in the report. 6.Plan and conduct at least one community activity each year that focuses on recruitment.

AVAILABLE INFORMATION, ASSISTANCE AND TOOLS National NARFE Office and Staff: Membership: (Recruitment & Retention) NARFE Magazine, monthly Recruiter’s Journal, quarterly Quarterly News, quarterly National Web Site: Supplies, forms, leadership manuals, recognition items, etc. Membership Perks Form letters Matching Funds program for membership projects Incentive awards Reports such as monthly M112 and M114. Federation: Direct support from elected and appointed leaders Federation newspaper Federation Web Site, Member workshop/training opportunities Accessible State Conventions Incentive awards

Internet Access to Chapter Reports Access the NARFE Web site – Click on “NARFE LEADERSHIP” Fill in - Last name: Rumsey, Membership ID #: Click on “Login” Click on “NARFE Online Reports” Click on “Chapter Reports” Fill in – User Name: Password: (User Name and Password must be set by Chapter President) Click on “Enter” You can now view, download, and print your chapter reports

Internet Access to Supplies Form Access the NARFE Web site – Click on “NARFE LEADERSHIP” Fill in - Last name: Rumsey, Membership ID #: Click on “Login” Under forms click on “Requisition for Printed Supplies” Fill out form and follow instructions