1. Membership Involvement is the Key First Timer’s Event – District 8 28 September – 30 September, 2007 – A Draft Proposal Peter, I’ve put this together in a presentation format. There are several places for you to make specific decisions. I will use to indicate. I will use to show my recommendations. ? 

2. I N V O L M E N T Is The Key Page 2 Contents  Mission  Goals  Participants  Communications  Timing Options  Venue, Refreshment and Giveaway Options  Action Steps  Draft District Commander Communication

3. I N V O L M E N T Is The Key Page 3 Mission To role model behavior, at the District level, that demonstrates the importance of recognition for involvement and the need for specific actions to increase member retention

4. I N V O L M E N T Is The Key Page 4 Goals  Special welcome for participants at their first District event  Platform for answering questions  Venue to solicit feedback – initial first impressions

5. I N V O L M E N T Is The Key Page 5 Participants Your Decision My Thoughts First time attendees  National Representative  District Bridge  Squadron Commanders  Squadron Membership/Membership Involvement  Have never attended a 1 st Timer’s event  ? ? ? ? ? ?

6. I N V O L M E N T Is The Key Page 6 Communications ActionPerson Initiating Proposed Timing Letter (e-mail) to Commanders District CommanderASAP (see draft on p. 11) Letter (e-mail) to Admin Officers District Admin Officer End of August Letter (e-mail) to Membership/ Involvement Chairs District Membership Involvement As soon as the decisions/times are established It’s critical to be able to publicize at the Squadron level early enough for planning

7. I N V O L M E N T Is The Key Page 7 Event Time Options with Pros and Cons (see next page) OptionProsCons Fri pm  Answer questions early  Will meet people who will be at most conference events  Help to make conference more meaningful – guidance re: seminars, meetings, etc  Most 1 st Timers (local) come only to Sat meetings  Many local officers arrive at dinner or later Sat am  Would have to be very early for most 1 st timers will be participating in the am  Would be inconvenient for those leading other Sat events Sat – directly after Conf  Most 1 st Timers would be available with some prior notification  Bridge members should be available  No conflicting activities  Attendees not staying at hotel may stay for Commander’s Cocktail Party  Many 1 st Timers are already gone  Usually a welcome break time for Bridge ? ? ? 

8. I N V O L M E N T Is The Key Page 8 Event Time Options with Pros and Cons (continued) OptionProsCons Sat prior to Commander’s Cocktail Party  Historical time  Many 1 st Timers would leave if they’re not staying for dinner  Poor past attendance Sun am  New event may bring folks back  Most 1 st Timers staying for the weekend don’t have a specific Sunday event  Would be inconvenient for those leading other Sun events  Many 1 st Timers would already be gone ? ?

9. I N V O L M E N T Is The Key Page 9 The Devil Is in the Details Venue Options 1. Poolside 2. Commander’s Suite 3. Meeting Room 4. Board Room Away from other action ?  Refreshment Options 1. Champaign and cake Something a little different 2. Wine and cheese 3. Coffee and pastry Giveaway Options 1. 1 st Timer glasses (match to refreshments) 2. Mugs 3. Notepads Leftover giveaways could be used at a future event ?  ? 

10. I N V O L M E N T Is The Key Page 10 Action Steps 1. Review package and make decisions 2. Assign responsibilities for venue, refreshments and giveaways 3. Prepare communications as recommended on page 6

11. I N V O L M E N T Is The Key Page 11 Draft District Commander Communication Dear Commander: Our District membership declined 12.4% from 2006 to 2007. To reverse this trend, we are taking a number of actions at the District level. In previous communications, I have outlined the membership involvement focus at the upcoming Norfolk Governing Board that will provide useful information for use at the Squadron level. In addition, there will be two activities at our 28 September Fall Conference. On Saturday, there will be a Membership Involvement seminar at ______ in Room ______. This meeting will offer practical and tactical suggestions for increasing membership involvement and retention. I ask you to encourage your Membership/Membership Involvement chairs to attend. At ________, after the District Conference, we will hold a 1 st Timer’s Reception in room ______. You are cordially invited to bring your 1 st Timers to meet the District Bridge and National Representative ________. Please communicate these two activities at your upcoming events and in your newsletters. Let me know if you need additional information or have questions.