2016 COUNCIL OF LEADERS

SO YOU HAVE NEW MEMBERS….. LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF FLORIDA PRESENTERS FRAN BAER, KAREN COALE, and HALEY RICHARDS So You Have New Members, Now What?

2016 COUNCIL OF LEADERS

The League of Women Voters of Florida, a nonpartisan political organization, encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. LWVFL MISSION

WELCOMING NEW MEMBERS AGENDA PLANNING ANNUAL ACTIVITIES SURVEYING MEMBERS KEEPING MEMBERS INFORMED NEW MEMBER SURVEYS ENGAGING MEMBERS

Why people volunteer TODAY? Help Others Make a Difference Make Friends and have FUN Learn and gain new perspective Explore and Develop own strengths Which one is your reason for joining the League? *LWVOC presentation by Pat Grierson: Volunteerism Today *Article Series from the Melos Institute: Patricia A. Hudson, MPsSc & James R. Hudson, Ph.D

POOR VOLUNTEER MANAGEMENT Lack of information about volunteer opportunities or short term assignments Conflict with other volunteer activities Not asked to volunteer How do you address some of these issues?

MEMBERS NOT CUSTOMERS Customers Have an independent isolated role Seek value for their dues Do not participate and rarely rally to the defense of a company Incentives and marketing strategies work on customers, not members

MEMBERS NOT CUSTOMERS Members Play an integrated engaged role Part of a distinct community with rights, duties and responsibilities Membership organizations are about developing human capital What are your reactions to this distinction? How does the League help you develop?

WELCOMING NEW MEMEBRS New Member Process that includes timely and multiple contact with new member (timeline and roles) Welcome , letter or phone call with date/timeframe for next Orientation and 2/3 upcoming events Share your League’s program and probe for new members interests via ed/mailed survey or phone call Post membership contact info on eblast and membership lists Identify new members to leadership and encourage them to reach out at upcoming events Share interests with applicable committee/study and action, etc. chairs Assign a mentor based on interest survey Steps that your League does?.

WELCOMING NEW MEMEBRS New Member Process: Timely and Multiple Contacts with New Member Welcome letter, , or phone call Share your League’s program Probe for new members interests Update e-blast and membership lists Identify new members to leadership Share interests with applicable committee Assign a mentor What Steps does your League Use?.

ORIENTATION BEGIN to acquaint new members with League process, programs, lingo and activities

ORIENTATION CONTENT Rich History and Proud of it! Major role – Education & Advocacy Program –What is it? and How is it formed? Identify National, Florida and Local League Leaders Who speaks for the League? Upcoming activities Where to find more information? What additional topics do you cover?

SAMPLE MEMBER INTEREST SURVEY

SAMPLE MEMBER HANDBOOK

SAMPLE ORIENTATION GUIDE

HAVE FUN AND BUILD A COMMUNTIY Team activity using websites Social after League meeting Committee Chairs Present Mentors in attendance Interest surveys What are your ideas?

WAYS TO KEEP MEMBERS INFORMED Newsletter Blasts Announcements at League Events Google Groups Facebook Events Remind Text Messages Phone Tree Membership Socials Field Trips

ANNUAL KICKOFF

MEMBERS SURVEYING

MENTORING

Imagine If... YOUR League was growing in membership and funding YOUR League had its own coach for support, ideas, and guidance YOU and YOUR League leaders had training and mentoring before leading OUR League’s voice was as strong and powerful as our reputation in all communities across the United States! Contact: Lynn Fenster MLD State Coordinator (757) MEMBERSHIP & LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS