Members: How to Get Them and How to Keep Them! The two ‘R’s: RECRUITMENT & RETENTION

Why did YOU join AAUW?

AAUW survey shows Top 5 Reasons why members join: * Connection with women of similar interests * A friend asked me * Belief in the mission – especially true of women under 50 * Participation in a local program * Participation in philanthropic activity

HOW MANY PEOPLE ON YOUR MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE? ?

How Does YOUR Branch Get New Members? Your Most Powerful Tool Is AAUW! Member gets a member Community Outreach Social Media

WHERE TO LOOK FOR NEW MEMBERS  AAUW National members in your community  Civic & Community Groups  Professional Groups  Student Groups  Colleges & Universities  Women's Organizations

GUIDING PRINCIPLES FOR MEMBERSHIP Use every event as a membership opportunity Open program meetings to the public. Have events at times when working & younger women can attend. Carry applications and/or business cards with you. You never know when you'll meet a prospective member!

GUIDING PRINCIPLES FOR MEMBERSHIP Be visible in the community – In person & in print: Share your good works  Newspaper: ads and articles  Flyers, Open Houses, Community Events  Collaborate with community organizations  Branch Website and Facebook  Invite community members to participate in projects

GUIDING PRINCIPLES FOR MEMBERSHIP Utilize AAUW Promotions:  Shape the Future Campaign  Give a Grad a Gift  College/University Membership and e-students  15 - Month Memberships  $46 of the National Membership Dues is tax-deductible  Membership Payment Program (MPP)

Now that you've got them … How will you keep them? Why do members stay? Why do members leave? Branch Surveys A new member that is engaged within the first 2 years, stays a member.

New Member You only get one chance to make a first impression! Welcome Engage Educate Involve Energize

KEEPING MEMBERS Welcome New Members and Guests  Identify them in special way  Personal Greeters  Introduce at the beginning of meeting  Introduce in newsletter, short bio  Send welcome letter  Give Welcome Packet – in person Include:  AAUW brochures  Branch directory  Branch newsletter  AAUW gifts KEEPING MEMBERS

Engage new member  Buddy / Mentor Program  Meet as a Group  Interest Group Chairs – Reach Out and Invite  Make an effort to get to know member  What are their passions?

Educate and Involve KEEPING MEMBERS  “New Member Orientation” should be …  fun  creative  energizing  ongoing ( more than once a year)  Invite member to participate in small ways  Help member personally connect with AAUW  Give recognition for involvement

When a Member Leaves... EXIT INTERVIEW Hard to do but necessary:

VALUE PROMISE By joining AAUW, you belong to a community that breaks through educational and economic barriers so that all women and girls have a fair chance.