MEMBERSHIP R & R RETENTION AND RECRUITMENT NCTA CONFERENCE WORKSHOP AUGUST 2012

MEMBERSHIP IS THE HEART AND SOUL OF NCTA  TRAIL BUILDERS  TRAIL MAINTAINERS  TRAIL PROTECTORS  HIKERS/FOOT TRAVELLERS  PASSIONATE ADVOCATES  STORY TELLERS  FAMILY & FRIENDS  JUST PEOPLE

YOUNG >> OLD >> DAY HIKER >> BACKPACKER

A PREMIER FOOT TRAIL NCNST A VALUABLE RESOURCE IN EACH STATE 40% Americans live within one day drive

TOP 10 REASONS FOR NCTA MEMBERSHIP MEMBER QUOTES  existence of thousands of miles of world-class hiking trail that wouldn't exist otherwise.“  "Being associated with a great group of like-minded people.“  "Being a part of building something on a national scale that Will endure beyond our lifetime.“  "Has more Trail completed than the Appalachian Trail is long!“  "Serving and learning about the communities that the North Country Scenic Trail passes through.“

 "Being connected to the rest of our 7-States through one common trail.“  "An incredible link to countless places to enjoy the outdoors.“  "Protecting a part of nature for future generations.“  "Becoming part of a historic legacy established by our nation's Congress.“  "Hiking!"

TALKING POINTS FOR THE ROLE OF CHAPTER MEMBERSHIP CHAIR Goal: R&R To Retain existing members and Recruit new members (R&R) to increase NCTA membership 5% each year and eventually to one member/mile or 4600 members. Objectives: For Each chapter designate a Membership Chair and each chapter offer one open or outreach event per month. Membership is the source of volunteers to support chapter members and to construct, maintain and protect the North Country National Scenic Trail. Membership is one source of chapter funds. 20% of dues is returned to the chapter and 10% of the dues is placed in the Field Grant fund. Chapters may apply for Field Grants to fund projects (lumber, tools, brochures and more).

Chapter Membership Chair is the point person for R & R, retention and recruitment. It is the membership that provides grass roots support for building & maintaining the trail and promoting the trail locally. Membership might be a function of the Vice Chair/VP or communications coordinator or secretary or other volunteer depending on other assigned functions. NCTA website offers wonderful support and resources (a work in progress) to assist all chapter officers and membership and provides for sharing among chapters.

Membership Chairs, with the help of chapter volunteers, can spearhead the following: welcoming new members (ex. some send a welcome packet, or make a phone call). reminding lapsed members (ex. some send/phone reminders, s or thank you for renewing notes). sponsoring and publicizing open chapter events ex. hikes, work trips, potluck, picnic, presentation or program etc. organizing outreach events in the community or trail towns (ex. exhibits, posters, dissemination of NCTA or chapter brochures or extra copies of North Star, presentations).

SAFE TOOL USE DEMO AT LOCAL PARK

SURVEY RESPONSES Most Successful R & R Strategies: # 1 Trail event/work event/hike/open to public # 2 Exhibit at public event/location # 3 Focused hikes-Sequential, section and challenge hikes Others: publicized events, speaker programs, food event/party, meet up groups, word of mouth, networking, personal contact of past due or expired, discount, brochures, invitation, bring a friend

Major Obstacles or Barriers to R & R: #1 Membership cost, economy, gas cost #2 No membership chair, need charismatic person, all too busy, older members do all work, no set goals, lack recruitment tools, not encouraged to be involved other than trail work #3 Need marketing and web interface, publicity, lack public awareness about trail etc. #4 Geographic distance, spread out rural population, distance from trail #5 Demographics- mostly older, younger members not joiners or busy with family and have other priorities Others: time and money for social events, too much trail work, no encouragement, competition for time

Most Successful Recruitment Tools Used: #1 Personal contact- Word of mouth,, welcome new members, involve new members #2 Trail events-hike, work trip, social, section or challenge hike #3 Publicity, exhibit, brochure in trail register Other: maps, reduce membership cost to $13, we use none

SHARE IDEAS LEADER MONTHLY NCTA WEBSITE: resources resources NCTA WEB LINK TBA POWERPOINT INTRO TO NCTA AVAILABLE ON LINE