Membership

BPW MEMBERSHIP
(Everyone's Responsibility)
A Call to Recruit from State Membership Chair Phyllis Riccadonna

This year our State President, Trecia Kimes-Brown, has drafted an outline for the whole year, which includes going to our past, present, and future. Our future is in the balance - membership is key. The theme for the year is Back to the Future.

Jump on board right now and form a membership committee within your local. The committee will keep the telephones busy all summer retaining the members you already have. When you convene in September, you won't have to guess who is coming back - you will know. A successful start for any local, and what better way to start planning National Business Women's Week.

As State Membership Chair, I will challenge all locals as follows: 6 new members - one in their 20's; one in their 30's; one in their 40's; one in their 50's; one in their 60's; and any age as a member of the military or one who has served in the military. The successful locals will be recognized at 2009 Conference, and these categories will include awards. Of course, if the locals recruit many members in all of these categories, you will be the Top Local. The reason for the different ages is to recognize the need to recruit younger members for continual growth of BPW.

Keep in mind suggestions for recruiting:

ASK

If you don't ask someone to join BPW, you are not doing your part as a member. You would be surprised to know that your friends, or a frequent acquaintance might be interested in joining. If you have just met a stranger, ask her. Ask if they know what BPW represents: networking with other women, legislative goals to improve working conditions for all women, making new friends, being a part of a national organization that sets the agenda in your community for all working women. Do not discount all working women - local bank teller, waitresses, mall managers, healthcare workers and marketing directors, and just about anyone you come in contact with.

FOLLOW-UP

Okay, now you have the attention of a prospective member. Invite her to come to the next meeting. If you think the next meeting is not especially well-planned, ask to plan the following meeting for your club and then ask your prospective member. If you are having an interesting speaker (don't forget to ask the members themselves to speak), this would be a good time to make your plans. Take her to lunch or try a dinner to get to know her better. Spending time with someone makes all the difference.

FOLLOW-THROUGH

Its the night before the meeting. Call your prospective member and make sure she is still on board. She might make up "the last minute excuse", but that’s okay, you will still follow-through for the next meeting. If you have not made contact the night before, call the day of the meeting and let her know how important it is to you that she comes.

DON'T GET DISCOURAGED - AFTER YOU ARE SUCCESSFUL IN GETTING SOMEONE TO ATTEND, YOUR RECRUITMENT SKILLS WILL GET BETTER AND YOU WILL ENJOY BRINGING IN NEW MEMBERS. MAKE CHALLENGES AMONG YOUR MEMBERS IN EACH LOCAL.


"ANY ORGANIZATION'S SUCCESS IS IN THE STRENGTH OF ITS NUMBERS"


GET MOTIVATED AND MOTIVATE OTHERS!!!!!!!!!!!!