Getting New Members January 2013

Introduction. The National Member Services Committee has developed a series of National Education Seminars to help our Lodges run more effectively. A number of sessions are available ranging from meeting management to public relations. Just contact the National office for more information ( ).

Topics of Discussion. Why do we need new members? Why would they join the Elks? Who is responsible and is there help out there? Welcoming the new member. Keeping the new member.

We Don’t Need New Members? Some members don’t like change and bringing in new members is a change. Understanding how your Lodge feels about new members is vital. The Lodge must realize that new members bring life to the Lodge. New ideas. More people to share the workload. New contacts for more new members. New members will become old friends!

Who is responsible? We have a Lodge Membership Director, right??? That’s the first step. You need a Lodge Membership Director! He/She keeps the Lodge focused and motivated, but every member is responsible for bringing in new members. There is a Lodge Membership Director’s Manual available from the National Office.

It’s not my Job! Every member is responsible for bringing in new members. If you are proud of your Lodge why wouldn’t you ask your friends, family, workmates to join? If you aren’t proud then you have an obligation to help fix the problems. Make sure you are working with your Lodge members not against them. Conflict is the number one cause of death for Lodges.

What do I tell a Prospective Member? Tell them why you joined. Tell them what you love about the Elks. Tell them about the great work the Elks do in your Community, your Province/Territory, your Country. If you aren’t sure what we do, find out! It will help you as much as the prospective member. Think about why you are a member and make a list.

Welcome, Welcome. How do you welcome a new member in your Lodge? Do they sit in the corner waiting for someone to talk to them? Show them some fraternalism. Make them feel welcome at the first meeting and at each meeting following. Assign someone to mentor the new member. Tell them what is going on. Educate them about the Elks!

Now that they are a Member. Once they are a member, are we done? NO! Work with your new members. Involve them in some projects. Ask them what they would like to see the Lodge get involved with. Challenge them. Listen to them and try their ideas. If all they hear is “no, we tried that and it didn’t work”, they won’t be around long.

Keep in touch. Make sure you keep the new member informed. Have a newsletter. Have a phoning committee. Do what you can to involve them. Have a past member that is getting burnt out pair up with the new member on a project. Both will benefit.

Recap. We need new members!!!! Welcome them and involve them. Proud members invite their friends, family and workmates to join. Don’t forget about the new member. Show them some fraternalism.

Putting it into Action. Fix any problems your Lodge might have. Make your Lodge fun. Make sure you have a Lodge Membership Director. Make the new member feel welcome and don’t forget about them. Keep in touch and encourage them to get involved.