Robert Leon
Membership Committee Chair
Phone: (408) 772-3584
leonrobert@hotmail.com
Signing up members is the first part of the process; however, here is the key to start the second part of the process: As a Sponsor, are we touching on the topic of Mooseheart and Moosehaven? Are we talking about what the Lodge does in the Community and the internal activities of the Lodge? Are we encouraging our candidates to attend a New Member Orientation or Lodge Enrollment Ceremony (Yes, those are still available)?
Now here is the final key to Membership: What are we doing to help the new members get acclimated and active in their Moose Home? We lose so many ‘NEW’ members after a year because we are not doing a good enough job of ‘ENGAGING’ with these Members when they come into the Social Quarters, attend a dinner, or any other activity of the Lodge. As I’ve been hearing lately, “There are a lot of nice Moose Members in our Fraternity; and if you can’t find one, BE ONE!”
Think back to when you were being recruited to join and how you can improve on what your Sponsor told you about The Moose. Every new candidate has a different interest, so perhaps you can find out and get in touch on what your Lodge has to offer in that area of interest. If your Lodge does not already have an activity the candidate can relate to, herein lies a good opportunity to get a program started and who know how many others were just waiting for this type of activity as a reason to join the Lodge or even participate as a Member in good standing.
CNMA will soon be starting a ‘New Membership Campaign’ beginning May 1st and running until September 30th. For those of you who have signed Members and had them enrolled in your Lodge, the “I Make A Difference” incentives will be going out to your District Presidents for distribution at the end of the campaign; some of them I will deliver personally at one of your District socials, could yours be the One?
On a final note: Thank You to ALL the Districts who have welcomed me to speak on Membership, your hospitality is beyond measure. As much as I would love to visit individual Lodges, it has been easier for me to speak at the District level, although I will speak at the Lodge level if asked. I have mostly been in the north. My goal is to attend some District socials in the south if invited and as time allows.
We are trying to build a Membership team of enthusiastic Moose Members who believe and live the principles of our Fraternity and will agree to actively participate in Membership building. So please reach out to me, so we can get you on the Team ASAP.
Fraternal Regards,
Robert Leon
CNMA Membership Chairperson
BROTHER PRESIDENT – IS YOUR MEMBERSHIP TEAM WORKING FOR THE LODGE?
Every lodge should be vigorously pursuing ways to bring new members into the lodge. Membership is the life blood of the lodge. Financial success depends on membership growth.
Membership promotion starts with the Lodge Officers, the Membership Chairman and their Committee! This is a team effort. The Membership Committee should have long term and short term membership programs going at all times within the lodge. These programs can be seasonal, fit the environment of the area and/or it’s membership likes. The don’t have to be expensive.
Membership Programs that fit the times can be a huge success. Use the short term ‘Turkey and/or Ham’ program around the Christmas Holiday’s. There are many programs that could be highly successful in a lodge. It just takes a little imagination, promotion and work on the Membership Teams part to come up with a program that will work. Reward your sponsors.
The Membership Campaigns from Moose International and your own California/Nevada Moose Association are supplemental membership promotional programs to the Lodge Membership Program. For best results, keep all programs first and foremost for all members to read, see and hear about. Get them motivated in promoting membership and sponsoring new and former members. While you are promoting membership, don’t forget to recognize the Sponsors!
A good membership team that knows the Moose program can do wonders. Moose International and the California/Nevada Membership Committee are always available to answer questions, furnish information and help! Use all resources available to bring success to your lodge!
PROMOTE MEMBERSHIP!
- know the importance of gaining new members into your lodge and keeping current ones?
- know and are they reminded of the “Membership Departments” award program?
- know and are they reminded of the “California/Nevada Moose Assoc. award Program?
- have the opportunity to see these programs by way of the advertisements sent to your lodge?
- know about “Member Benefits” well enough to share this info with their prospective candidates?
And, most importantly, is your lodge doing anything to recognize your sponsors by way of:
- Sponsor awards “presented” at enrollments.
- Sponsors names in your newsletter alongside the name of their new member.
- Or by just making a “big deal” over your members willingness to be a SPONSOR. Remember that each new member that enrolls in your lodge and spends a little over $10. a week will mean an extra $600 a year to your social quarters. If your board of officers would CONCENTRATE on enrolling and getting 2 new members actively involved in your lodge, it would mean an additional $14,400 in revenue each year. “Just 2 new members a month.”
Don’t tell US that the combined forces of your Board of Officers and a good Membership Committee couldn’t work together to make this a goal.
It is very workable and should be the focus of every lodge.
<> WORK THE PROGRAM <>
MOOSE BENEFITS CAN SAVE YOU MONEY!
Tool to Help You Sponsor Members!
IS YOUR LODGE STRUGGLING?
IS THE LODGE LOSING MEMBERS?
IS YOUR LODGE HURTING FINANCIALLY?
WELL ASK YOURSELF THIS
Does my lodge have an active Membership Committee that is always promoting membership within the lodge to attract your members to sponsor new and or former members? Yes or No!
An active Membership Committee working hand in hand with the Board of Officers will in most cases eliminate many problems when a lodge is struggling.
An increase in membership brings in financial support, but it does’t stop there. You need to keep your members active and coming to the lodge.
Your Membership Committee needs the help of an active Family Activities and Sports Committee. They are needed to promote programs and activities for the whole family (All ages) to enjoy. When we joined the Moose, we heard of the many fun things we do in the Moose. Does your lodge have fun things to do?
Just enrolling a new member does not keep them coming back. In many cases they drop out at the end of the dues year. Get them involved! You need to also close the back door of membership loss!
Make your lodge the”Friendlest Place in Town!”
Also make sure your lodge is clean and bright. A dirty and dungy lodge is a Turn-Off to many people.
Remember – Membership Growth And Retention Starts With The Board Of Officers.
