Planning for Growth: Developing Successful Membership Strategies

 

As we approach the next century, many voluntary organizations, including IFUW, are experiencing falling membership figures. If we remain static, fail to recruit and retain members, then our organizations will cease to exist. In contrast, if we grow in numbers, our organizations will have more strength to accomplish our goals leading to more impact and influence in our societies.

We need to find strategies to reverse this downward trend and to build on the successes of those experiencing growth. We should be asking questions such as: What does our organization have to offer? How can we reach prospective members most likely to be attracted by our organization? How can we create an atmosphere for continued growth? How can we market ourselves and make our organization more visible?

Planning for Growth: A Guide to Successful Membership Recruitment suggests methods and strategies to assist IFUW national affiliates and local branches to recruit and retain members. The material excerpted from the IFUW publication of the same title, has been adapted for the Internet.

Starting with a Clear Vision: helps members to review current efforts and to identify priority organizational and individual member needs.

Developing Successful Strategies: looks at focusing membership development efforts and shows how strategies can be designed for specific target groups.

Creating a Positive Environment for Growth: examines some of the elements that can make an organization attractive and responsive enough that new members want to join and stay.

Growth doesn't just happen; it requires careful planning, continued participation, and commitment by all members. The more involved, the greater will be the chances of success!