1. Retention Is Our Problem – Efforts are Needed to Enhance our Assistance, Communications, and Inclusion of ALL members 1 WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE ?

2. STARTING POINT IS THE STRATEGIC PLAN 2 Protecting earned retirement benefits of employees, retirees, and families (including our children and their families) by: Strengthening Chapters (give them the training, tools, and resources to do their jobs) Finding ways to retain and grow membership (expand definition for membership, strengthen reasons for joining, and provide services)

3. Things to Do to Resolve Problems 3 Determine which tasks are difficult for chapter officers Review tasks for underlying problem components Make recommendations Look at the BIG PICTURE

4. UNDERSTANDING the Problems 4 Identify those problems that have solutions that the Federation and Chapters can address by: Training Tools Resources

5. RETENTION IS A MAJOR PROBLEM 5 Strategic Plan Must Address Retention By: Improving the Assistance we provide to our membership and chapters Improving our Communications programs Improving the ways we Include members in our activities

6. Identify Assistance Problems and Solutions 6 ProblemsSolutions Managing meetingsTraining Securing new officersJob descriptions, training Suitable meeting location Training, guidance BudgetingTraining, tools Income projection Fund Raising Setting dues Funding special projectsFunding from National or Federation Getting members to attend Communications, chapter meetings tools, Program improvements

7. Identify Communication Problems and Solutions 7 ProblemsSolutions Production of the NewsletterTraining, tools, (Supplies, mailing, printing, information sorting, etc.ng interesting articles Training, tools Calling Trees Tools Bulk mailing permitTraining, tools Reimbursement for expensesBudgeting

8. Identify Inclusion Problems and Solutions 8 ProblemsSolutions Boring MeetingsTools, Resources Didn’t Feel WelcomedBuddy System ParticipationService Projects Committee Questionnaire on Interest Participation Provide ServicesKnow your membership TransportationGetting people to your Committee meetings Schedule small meetingIdentify common interests group

9. Identify Problems and Solutions for Retention and Recruitment 9 ProblemsSolutions Understanding responsibilitiesTraining, tools Understanding National ReportsTools, information Presenting data – editing, verifyingTools Knowing who to contact aboutTraining, tools (death notices, name changes, new members, dropped members)

10. How to Address Problems 10 Tools represent worksheets, computer programs, guide books, and other resources Funding represents access to resources Identifying structural problems Budgeting represents a planned financial structure Information represents access to resources (part of Tools)

11. Review Tasks for Underlying Problem Components 11 Lack of resources Funding (How do I find support for things like newsletters, membership initiatives, etc.) Materials (What letters, post cards, flyers, and guides are available and from whom?) Working in Teams (Am I part of a team working on legislative issues, membership, service officer activities, etc.)

12. Lack of Assistance Services 12 How do I change my personal information Get answers to my questions Get brochures, address labels, technical support, etc.) How do I find and keep support staff (officers, greeters, callers, etc.) How do I produce publications (Newsletters, member books, membership reports, etc.) How do I produce good programs (Programs/speakers, entertainers, politicians, etc)

13. Assistance Services 13 Am I a member of a team (Secretaries, Treasurers, Service Officers, etc.) How are directives sent (mail, email, etc.) What are my duties to the Chapter/Federation/National Who provides training and when How are my expenses reimbursed and by whom

14. Lack of a Clear Direction 14 What are the goals for the Chapter/Federation/National What role does my office play How do I participate in the goals setting process Where and when are goals and programs set How do goals and programs get translated into chapter programs

15. How Do We Address Problems 15 Chapter Funding Provide Budget guides Provide guidance on Dues Provide funding for membership recruitment/retention Provide funding for outreach – newsletters, brochures, post cards, letters, phone trees, email list, etc. Provide funding for the development of state-wide and District PAC, legislative teams Provide direct support for special projects

16. Options 16 Support for Chapter communications – Federation support Post cards to members for meeting notices Post cards to 2 nd Notice recipients Post cards to New Members Membership letters to Prospective Members Flyers Legislative support information Other ideas Calling Tree Email Tree

17. Improving Chapter Programs 17 Tools on website including Examples from other Chapters Newsletter on website Develop Federation Programs - could we export these programs to schools, civic organizations, etc as outreach/recruitment? NARFE presentations on the State Legislation NARFE entertainment programs – Travel, musical, corral, boating, sports, wines, health, and security Public Service presentations based on members expertise – Environmental, PHS, Agricultural, Security, computers and USPS.

18. Organizational Structure 18 Chapters provide an annual budget to the District VPs Provide guideline for a small chapter budget with online support List services the Federation can provide– bulk mailing, production, calling tree, email, etc Guidance on dues rate, budgeting, and other functions Training for Chapter Officers Development of support group by functions or programs (TEAMS)

19. Remember the BIG PICTURE 19 Questions Remain What makes people want to join a chapter or NARFE Who belongs to NARFE Who belongs to a chapter Who belongs to National Member group Do we project a clear image of who we are Are our aims clear to all Do we have political clout Do we have financial clout Do we have a clear communication/marketing strategy

20. Suggestions 20 Invite all chapter members to attend the Annual Convention Plan for a large attendance Create Committees that do things – have responsibilities Emphasize Federation-NARFE PAC Activities Creating NARFE PAC Committee Change the way we work with politicians Raise $75,000 by asking each member to contribute $10 Committee would report to the Convention on NARFE PAC Activities Convention time should be devoted to national and state elections Non-partisan reviews of candidates Set goals for discussions by members meeting with candidates Use questionnaires and surveys by mail or on line as appropriate to enhance member discussion/participation in decision processes Develop a clear communication/marketing strategy