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Using Your Chapters to Unleash the Fraternal Energy of Your Members . James M. White September 6 & 7, 2013. The Challenge. Chapters are part of the very definition of a fraternal Legal Fraternal Mission Society has changed since the chapter structure was first developed
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Using Your Chapters to Unleash the Fraternal Energy of Your Members James M. White September 6 & 7, 2013
The Challenge • Chapters are part of the very definition of a fraternal • Legal • Fraternal Mission • Society has changed since the chapter structure was first developed • The local “lodge” is not the community center it once was • Immigrant communities have assimilated • Personal mobility has increased • TV, radio, Internet, social media, etc…. • Greatest Generation
The Challenge Source: Robert Putnam, Bowling Alone, (2000), p.54
The Challenge • “Fraternal” and “Financial” sides of larger organizations • Administrative burden of the relationship between chapters and the central organization • So: In an environment where: • Chapters are a legal requirement of being a fraternal • Social and societal forces are working against participation • Chapters have become part of larger “corporations” • What’s a well-meaning person to do?
One Solution • Rediscover the original purpose of the chapters • Realize that you cannot be everything to everyone • Use structure to support your objective, not hinder it • Let members find the best ways to satisfy the mission • Trust, but verify
Social Capital as the Foundation • “Glue” that enables “extra-normal” results • Bridging and bonding social capital • Social capital is intrinsically motivated • Based on trust; motivation is the keystone • Cannot control social capital • Is it “exogenous” or “endogenous”?
Elements of the Strategy • Separate structure from activity • Flexibility • Creativity • Low Investment • Not buying results • Financial Control • Encourage, but do not require, links to the business side • Pull strategy, not a push strategy • Kills motivation
Elements of the Strategy • Staff and volunteer roles • Minimize staff involvement • Give members the opportunity to be creative • Must fit your organization • What is the current nature of your chapters
Final Thoughts • This approach simultaneously addresses a number of different needs • Similar to managing advertising • This is all upside; the downside risk is minimal • This requires a “leap of faith”
Please Rate Today’s Overall Educational Program (Speakers + Workshops on September 6) Text a CODE to 22333 Exceeded My Expectations 497816 Met My Expectations 497817 Fell Short of My Expectations 497818