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Establishing and Maintaining a Membership Program. What is a membership program?.
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What is a membership program? • It is a program which asks people to contribute something - money, time, their presence, their names, certain actions - to your organization, in return for which they become somehow affiliated with it for a set period of time - usually a year
Why might you want to establish a membership program? • Broaden the knowledge and understanding of your cause and the work of your organization. • Build community support for the organization. • To involve members more deeply in the organization. • To afford you with predictable annual income. • Membership and familiarity with the organization may motivate people to contribute. • To develop a sense of identification with the organization among members. • A successful membership program can help to establish credibility with funders. • To increase your clout with policy makers.
When is a good time to establish a membership program? • Ask yourself these questions: • When is the best time to contact potential members? • When do you have the capacity to mount a membership drive? • When does the organization particularly need an infusion of cash? • Are there times or events when a membership drive would be particularly appropriate ?
Who are potential members, and how do you find them? • Start with people you know • Target specific groups that have some connection to the work of your organization • Consider buying or borrowing contact lists • Circulate a sign-up sheet at presentations • Go where the money is • If you haven't done it already, start building a contact list right now
How do you establish a membership program? • Develop a system for overseeing the membership process • Set fees or dues • Contact people • Personal meetings • Phone solicitation • Direct mailings • E-mail • Public appeals through the media • Record and answer responses
How do you maintain the program? • Keep building the list • Keep the list up to date • Respond to specific offers or requests from current members • Keep contact with the membership