Share the Pride of Elkdom Public Relations & Membership “How to Inform your Community, along with Attracting New Members” Presented by Andy Caporossi, PDD and John Simko, PER

We have assembled notes on lodges that were successful in terms of growing membership for ten consecutive years, each bucking the national membership trends. They displayed many consistencies. Most notably embraced modern communication strategies and a strong presence in their communities. They are all passionate recruiters and provide a family friendly environment. All were active Elks Lodges with a bar….not active bars with an Elks Lodge. All displayed a good understanding of the Order’s programs/opportunities and how that translates back to the community they serve.

Share the Pride of Elkdom! Share Your Lodge Impact You've likely heard it time and time again, but it bears repeating; you need to routinely share where your Lodge has made an impact. Not only does this help recruit new members, it also allows Lodges to retain the support of current members. Regardless of whether people support the Lodge by donating or volunteering time, they'll likely want to know they're contributing to making the community and nation a better place. It's your job to make sure they're able to see the impact they're having through their involvement with your Lodge.

Share the Pride of Elkdom! Increase New Members When deciding whether or not to join the Elks and volunteer, many people want to get a feel for the impact they'll be having. Effectively helping them visualize this impact through advanced Public Relations programs can boost your recruiting efforts.

Share the Pride of Elkdom! Increase Membership Retention Even after candidates have joined your Lodge, they likely want to know what impact their work had. Studies have shown that members are more likely to stop supporting the local Lodge and leave the Order if they're unsure if the Lodge was making an impact in the community. Sharing the fruits of their labor through Public Relations can improve the chance they'll volunteer more and remain members.

Share the Pride of Elkdom! Increased Name Recognition No one is capable of supporting a cause or event they don't know exists. Beyond simply getting your Lodge name out there, people are far more likely to support an organization they trust. While such trust is developed over time through repeated positive exposure, it starts with simple awareness of your Lodge existence and mission. Of course not everyone you touch will ultimately become an active participant. But the more people you're able to reach in some way, the greater likelihood you'll reach people who are interested in participating.

Share the Pride of Elkdom! Pictures Speak 1,000 Words When you complete a community or committee project, It’s essential for our members to see their impact with photos. Replace the typical long-winded article with photos.

Establish Your Authority on a Topic People are more likely to support an Elks Lodge that consists of knowledgeable Officers and committee chair people. Public Relations success stories gives your Lodge even more credibility and exposure. Share the Pride of Elkdom!

Social Media, Membership and Public Relations are Cousins

Do’s & Don'tsDo’s & Don'ts Do be clear about your objectives. Do accept only Members as “Friends”. Do set privacy controls. Do know when to ask for help. Do focus on using social media to encourage attendance at lodge social events. Do post photos of committees performing charitable work. Don’t dive in head first. Social media beginners should focus on a few things and do them well. Don’t accept non-Members as friends. Don’t post photos of members drinking or smoking. Don’t post photos that may be “harmful” to the Elks image and reputation. Don’t post names of children. Don’t post Lodge business that would be in violation of your Obligation.

Membership Growth Lodges that are growing membership have a strong presence in their communities. Each have from one to four community service projects which are well publicized. The Lodges are well known for these community projects. All have successful Legacy recruitment drives. Member’s spouses, children and grand children are joining. Making the Elks a true “American family tradition”

Recruiting in the Community What We do and How to Join All community events should include a strong Public Relations and Membership presence. Set up a table with handouts. Think of an airplane. Public Relations and Membership are wings that allow the plane to take flight. Earn a good reputation as a premier chartable organization in your community. Provide a family friendly and member friendly environment. DARE TO SOAR

ON THE HORIZON Membership/Public Relations webinars Topics will include: Best membership practices around the nation. Public Relations tips to promote upcoming venues with Elks annual calendar. Advice and examples on how to best tie in and leverage all your communication assets. Lodge bulletin, blasts, lodge website and members-only social media page. The coordination and proper use of Elks logos and marks. How to maximize all of the communication muscle that a Lodge/state has in its arsenal. How to communicate with one voice.

ON THE HORIZON We will be adding a Membership/Public Relations page to the Grand Lodge website in the near future. Items will include recommended press releases and other valuable tips…and show case some of the best practices around the nation.

Share the Pride of Elkdom Public Relations & Membership “How to Inform your Community, along with Attracting New Members” Presented by Andy Caporossi, PDD and John Simko, PER