Path to Successful Membership Recruitment & Retention Virginia State Council’s Membership Committee & Membership Task Force Committee Presenters: Charlie Montgomery and Sam Thompson

How Do Chapters Establish A To Successful Recruitment & Retention of Members

Start With the Five Key Building Blocks For a Sound VVA Chapter Make It Fun and Exciting Leadership Development Membership Development Communication and Public Relations Community Programs and Projects

Consider Team Make-up – Leadership & Members Identify Skills and Talents Required for a Membership Team Designate Team Leader

Use the Membership Development Stairway to Successful Membership Recruitment & Retention Prospecting - Recruiting - Orienting - Involving - Renewing

Determining Avenues for GROWTH Identify Potential Members Search the Internet for Veterans’ Web Sites Identify Other Concentrations of Veterans Use Your Chapters Non-Renewed Member List Work With Your State Council Membership Committee PROSPECTING By

Haven’t Found That Reliable Source of Funding Yet? Should Lack of Funding Impact Your Recruitment of Members? Not if You Discover the Internet!

Communication in the Information Age Design & Launch Your Own Web Site on the Internet Establish an Address for a Point of Contact Expand Distribution of Your Newsletter with Electronic Version Contact List for Posting Updates on Veteran Related Issues RECRUITING By

ORIENTING Get an Early Start on Making New Members Feel Welcome Explain VVA’s Vision, Mission and Current Priorities Seek Information on Their Reasons for Joining VVA

Create or Develop To Remind Members of the Value of Their Membership And Provide Orientation on Your Chapter & VVA’s Mission

Create a “New Member Packet” Contents:  Welcome Letter From the Chapter  Chapter/VVA Pin  Membership Certificate  DVD on the Chapter’s Fund Raisers, Activities and Community Service  Temporary Membership Card  Chapter Newsletter

As Our Generation Reaches Retirement Age It’s Our Time to Lead the Nation’s Veteran Population Develop Better Visibility with the Public Through Your Community Programs & Projects Develop Public Legislative Awareness within Your Community Become an Influence on Veterans’ Issues within Your Community INVOLVING

RENEWING Messages Delivered to Members During the Renewing Stage are as Important as Messages Delivered During the Recruiting Stage

God Bless America and Our Troops