PRINCE HALL GRAND CHAPTER ORDER OF THE EASTERN STAR, RITE OF ADOPTION HAWAII AND IT’S JURISDICTION INC. ATTRACTING AND RETAINING MEMBERS Presented by Ernestine Pratt Grand Worthy Matron

PURPOSE To provide guidance and information that will assist you with successfully attracting and retaining members.

OBJECTIVES  How to Attract Members  How to Retain Members  The GRAPE Principle  106 Ideas for Retaining Members

ATTRACTING NEW MEMBERS How do we entice visitors along to our projects and meetings and not only get them to come back again, but convert them into committed and dedicated team members?

WHO ARE YOU TRYING TO ATTRACT? Are you seeking to attract: Young people Professional people Family orientated people Take a look at your current membership - how would you define your current members?

BE RELEVANT An area where a lot of organizations fall down is in remaining relevant to their community. Potential members are not going to be attracted to an organization that performs projects that are completely irrelevant or unimportant to them. The question then is how do you determine what is relevant to them?

BE ACCESSIBLE Methods of Delivery newsletters and a website. This website should contain the answers to the questions they are most likely to ask. At a minimum it should provide information on: What your organization is about - What is your mission statement? What future goals are you aiming for? What past achievements are you proud of? Where your organization is located.

BE ACCESSIBLE cont. Your organization's membership requirements - Are there any restrictions on who can join? What is expected of a member? Are there attendance requirements? What does it cost to be a member? Organization project details - What projects are coming up on your organization's calendar? What is involved in these projects? Organization meeting details - When and where does your organization meet? How long do meetings run for? What can a member expect at an organization meeting? Organization contact details - Who should a potential member contact to become a member or get involved in a project

BE PROFESSIONAL First impressions ALWAYS count. It's important that a potential member's first impression of your organization is a good one. Being professional – has a lot to do with how the organization conducts itself. Member's appearance Member's conduct Website and newsletter content Project management Organization communication

BE ENGAGING Once you've managed to entice a potential member along to an Organization event it's very important to make them feel welcome and part of the team. Acknowledge their presence Extend a friendly welcome Assign a "buddy“ It's important to keep service projects interesting as well. Make sure your organization offers a diverse range of activities for members to get involved with and try not to get too repetitive with your projects.

BE WELL NETWORKED Networking is one of the most important things for a person or organization to do. Maintain contact with your organization's past members. Build working relationships with other community groups in your area. Build partnerships Become affiliated with community bodies and local councils

RETAINING MEMBERS Members are the lifeblood of any organization and are needed to keep the organization functioning. Successful retention of members depends on making them feel like they are a part of the group and involving them in the organization.

RETAINING MEMBERS Tips on making members feel a part of the organization include: Involve them in decision making Listen to their ideas Give them responsibility Encourage cohesion! Send them letters and minutes

RETAINING MEMBERS Your ability to keep membership also depends on your Ability to: Find out what motivates each person Meet at least one reason the person joined Be consistent and directed Provide legitimate procedures for change Delegate to new members Have fun with meetings and activities

RETAINING MEMBERS This can be done by: Successful programming activities Delegation of responsibility and decision-making powers Planned social gatherings Consecutive challenges (building opportunities for increased responsibility and growth) Retaining members is directly related to the strength of your organization and leadership — strengthening one will improve the other.

RETAINING MEMBERS It goes without saying... A member is the most important person in any organization. Our members are not dependent upon us. We are dependent upon them. Our members are a part of our organization, not outsiders. Our members are not just money in our bank account. They are human beings with feelings and needs, like our own.

RETAINING MEMBERS cont. Our members are people who share with us their needs and wants. It is our job to fulfill them. Our members deserve the most courteous attention we can give them. They are the lifeblood of this and every association. Our members need to feel that they are making a difference. Our members need to feel like they are a part of the group. Our members are the reason we exist, and without them we couldn’t survive.

CONCLUSION Members stay with organizations that are organized, dynamic and meet their personal goals for membership. Prospective members want to know that the organization is moving forward and successful in meeting the organization’s goals. Identify the needs of the individual members is the key to having a strong organization with enthusiastic members. To remember why people join organizations and what helps retain them, just think of the GRAPE Principle along with 106 ways to retain members, which is located in your packet.

PRINCE HALL GRAND CHAPTER ORDER OF THE EASTERN STAR (O.E.S) HAWAII AND ITS JURISDICTION INC. Please visit our web site You can find this presentation along with other training material at: KNOWLEDGE IS POWER

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