Produce materials that clearly show what the company/employer gains by joining and participating in your organization.
For members recruited during a membership drive, ask them to add at least one extra contact during their first year of membership.
During functions, suggest that officers look for new members and spend time with them. Make sure new members’ name tags indicate their status.
Scan industry, professional, and community publications, as well as the Internet, for ads by members. Try to get them to use the association logo or some sign of affiliation
Recognize best practice traditions in your club and recognize those that uphold them.
Put individual e-mail addresses of key leaders on your Web site.
Over the hump ceremony when the sixth speech is given
Involve the board in retention efforts. The health and growth of the organization is already among the board’s responsibilities. Divide the membership among the board and devise a retention system that awards points to board members for each member of their “team” during the year. i.e. 1 point if they attend a meeting, 25 points if they renew, etc., etc. Get commitment from the top volunteer leaders to not only talk about the importance of member participation and retention but also do something about it.
Colour code correspondence so members can quickly identify types of information. Such as one for educational info., one for legislative, etc.)
Institute a “thank you” column in publication to recognize members for involvement and leadership.
Send a member profile form to new members to gain information.
Have a special edition of your publication focus on how your organization is helping members prepare for the next century.
Be sure your Web page has hot links to individual members for business referrals and networking purposes.
Keep experienced members active through targeted involvement. Need to keep older members and new ones interested and involved. Keep the activities meaningful.
Give an incentive, such as a free gift, to members who renew by a certain date.
Have a renewal lottery.
Generate segmented and targeted renewal notices. Tell each segment how membership benefited them this year.
Send a special certificate of thanks to first-time renewals. The first two years produce the most drops. Focus hard on the first renewal.
Identify and recognize members with the most tenure. Sends a message that people stay a long-time.
Identify at least four specific contacts to make with first year members that are above and beyond the normal. Phone, fax or special newsletter.
Develop a written retention plan. Incl. Retention goals (retention rate, retention rates by category, % of drops that were first year members, activities to be undertaken, resources available to help, etc.
Do an e-mail survey of important questions and issues as they arise.
Establish an involvement committee. Purpose to get members to participate in some way.