What is a membership program?
___You understand that a membership program is one that asks people to contribute something - money, time, specific actions, etc. - to an organization, in return for which they become affiliated with it for a set length of time.
Why might you want to establish a membership program?
You know that membership:
___Encourages commitment, and makes people feel part of the organization.
___Can broaden the knowledge and understanding of your issue in the community.
___Builds community support for your organization.
___Can involve members more deeply in the organization.
___Can afford you with a predictable share of annual income.
___May motivate members to contribute to an endowment or make larger annual gifts .
___Can strengthen members' support and advocacy in the community.
___Can establish your credibility with funders.
___Can increase your influence with policy makers.
When is a good time to establish a membership program?
You take into account:
___The best time of year to contact potential members.
___The organization's capacity to mount a membership drive.
___The organization's need for cash at specific periods.
___ The existence of events or periods when - because of the nature of the organization - it's most appropriate to conduct a membership drive.
Who are potential members, and how do you find them?
You know that you can:
___Start with the people you know.
___Target individuals and groups that have some personal or professional connection with the work of your organization.
___Buy, borrow, or trade contact lists from other organizations.
___Circulate sign-up sheets at presentations.
___Go where the money is.
___Build a contact list.
How do you establish a membership program?
You will:
___Develop a system for overseeing and coordinating the membership process.
___Set fees and dues.
You'll contact people by:
___Face to face meetings.
___Phone solicitation.
___Direct mail
___You know about bulk mail
___You know how to write and pretest a membership letter.
___You know how to get membership letters stuffed and mailed.
___E-mail.
___Public appeals through the media.
___Other methods: events, postering, etc.
___You will record and answer members' responses.
___You know how to write a member thank-you letter.
How do you maintain a membership program?
You will:
___Keep building your contact list.
___Keep contact and membership lists up to date.
___Respond to members' offers and requests.
___Keep contact with members.