Engagement is the Key to Retention

As we near the halfway mark of the year our membership focus needs to be squarely on retention. Many clubs have added a significant number of new members. Unfortunately, all to often we lose as many (and sometimes more) out the back door as come in the front. Now is a critical time to stand up your retention committee, and start canvasing your members on how satisfied they are, and finding out how to properly engage them in your club.

For new members, the "12 Letters" is a great way to reach out to them and let them know how much you value their membership in the club. This program is explained on our District Membership Development page. Here is a link to the "12 Letters" program on our District website:

 http://portal.clubrunner.ca/50138/SitePage/membership

Just scroll the page down and look for the 12 Letters heading!

For members that have been around for a while, make sure you are calling those who may have missed a few meetings lately. Let them know that you and the rest of the club miss them. Make sure they are getting the return on their investment of  time and money that will make membership in your club worth it! Set up some holiday social events, and make sure those that have been out of the loop get a special invitation to come. You could also add a holiday service project to your club's suite of activities. Go caroling, or be a secret Santa at the local battered women's shelter. The main idea is to get your members, new and old, engaged in your club. That is the glue that keeps them coming back, and will give your club the vitality to continue to serve your community far into the future!

That's All!