Recruiting

• Five Stages
• Community Involvement
• Pointers
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Tips
• Tools

Impact of Membership Development

Most people involved with associations define “membership development” as the “strategies used to recruit and retain members.” For too long, membership development has been a series of tasks with success or failure measured by the number of new or renewing members. While raw numbers are relevant, the significance of the membership development process is much greater than the number of names in the database.

Membership development is a core process that impacts and is impacted by all program areas within the association.  The success of every publication, program, activity, and event depends, in some way, on a strong, informed, and active membership.  By the same token, membership development products and services contribute to overall member satisfaction.

Principles of Successful Membership Development

1. Both an organization’s greatest strength and its greatest potential lie within its membership.
2. Every member possesses unique skills, talents, abilities, and expertise that can contribute to the organization.
3. The focus of the membership development process is the development of the member.
4. The organization serves as a vehicle for members to achieve their personal and professional goals.
5. The goal of any organization is to identify, tap, and cultivate member potential.
6. Membership development is a process that cuts across all program and administrative areas of the organization.
7. Every association function impacts and is affected by the membership development process.
8. Everyone should contribute in some way to membership development.