Let's Meet in Nashville!

Membership Chair for your state organization?  In-coming Membership Chair for your chapter?  Plan to join the International Membership Committee members in Nashville at the 2016 International Convention!  In addition to the committee breakout session, a special session is planned for 10:45 a.m. on Friday, July 8.  Members of the committee, and some Headquarters staff, will be available to answer questions, address concerns and assist you with ideas.  Visit the Events page on the DKG website (Breakout Sessions) or see the
convention program for more details.  See you in Nashville!

REGISTERED YET?

Have you registered yet for convention?  Nashville, TN, will be the site of the 2016 International Convention, July 5 - 9.  In addition to great speakers, informative breakout sessions, fellowship, fun and networking, you can find out about all the new resources available to chapters and state organizations.

Check out the Cyber Center and the Hot Topics sessions for new technology and tips on exploring the DKG website.  Learn how to navigate the members-only area (My DKG) and the DKG communities.

For information about the new Membership Recruitment Plan, strategies for growing your membership and keeping current members engaged, join the International Membership Committee on Wednesday, July 6, at the 2:00 p.m. session.

And State Organization Membership Chairs:  join the committee in a Q & A session to follow up on last summer's training and  catch up on the past year.  That session will be held on Friday, July 9, at 10:45 a.m.

So, make your plans now and join us in Nashville!

The Spotlight is on: MEMBERS!

Do you know a member who has received an award or been honored for an accomplishment?  Has your chapter achieved a goal or developed a strategy for success?  Are members really excited or energized by a new project or activity?

Share it with Nita Scott (nitas@dkg.org) at Society Headquarters and it could be the next story for the new "Member Spotlight" on the DKG website.  Email information, pictures if appropriate, and permission to use the story (and pictures)  on the DKG website and/or in DKG
publications.

And if you have not visited the DKG website to see the latest Member Spotlight, go to www.dkg.org and click on the Member Spotlight icon on the home page.

Share the Secret with Someone

Does your chapter find it difficult to find new members?  Do you struggle to initiate even one or two new members each year?

Consider using the Membership Recruitment Plan.  If your chapter is or will be using the plan, now is the time to request members to complete a Prospect Card (sample is available at www.dkg.org). So, what tips can you give your members about finding the names of prospects?

Here are a few:

• Consider new teachers hired this year by the local district or community. 
• Volunteer to provide refreshments or the program at a district meeting or new teacher orientation.
• Set up an exhibit at a community meeting.
• Ask children and grandchildren for the names of their best teachers.
• Invite principals and administrators to provide the names of women teachers on staff they would like to honor with membership.
• Watch the newsletters and newspapers for the names of educators awarded for accomplishments, such as teacher of the year or national board certification awardee.

Take Steps to Re-Member

Because surveys show that members who drop membership often reconsider membership at a later time, take steps to ask them to reinstate and to assist members who move.  Here are a few ideas:

• Encourage members who are moving to call Society Headquarters to find a new chapter.
• Have a “homecoming” or “reunion” and invite anyone who was ever a member.
• Offer support to former members during difficult life circumstances.
• Continue to send chapter newsletters to former members (unless requested to stop).
• Invite former members to a Holiday Social or other informal meeting—bring them back to see what they are missing.
• No vote or extra fees are required for reinstatement or transfer— simply pay dues for the current year and complete the   reinstatement or transfer form.

In-Touch and Involved

Members who are committed are frequently the most engaged in chapter activities.  However, members to whom we reach out and with whom we stay connected have the best chance of becoming committed, engaged members.

So, how does your chapter maintain communication and connection between members?  Many chapters provide members with frequent updates through newsletters, whether in print or by electronic media.  Phone trees and emails can also be great ways to "spread the word" about events or changes in chapter schedules.

Consider, however, a few other options when designing your chapter's communications & publicity plan.  Some chapters have developed Facebook groups so members can keep in touch regarding both chapter and personal matters.  Twitter, Instagram and other social media can also be great ways to increase communication.

Encourage your chapter members to keep in touch with the Society on an International level, as well. DKG has a Facebook page (www.facebook.com/dkgorg) where frequent posts share the latest happenings.  Find DKG on Twitter (@DKG_SI), LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com/delta-kappa-gamma-society-international), Pinterest (www.pinterest.com/DKGSI/)and Instagram (@DKGSI), as well. Of course, the DKG website (www.dkg.org)is also a great source of information and you can find links there to Follow Us.

What's Growing in Your Chapter?

Chapter growth can be challenging - sometimes hard to define, difficult to measure and uncomfortable to talk about.  What is growth?  Have you ever thought about what it means to be a "growing" chapter?

Of course, growth can mean new members and reinstatements, but it also includes keeping the members you have. Growing chapters have developed a culture that encourages member participation, engages new members and develops leadership.  Have you asked your members what they like and want in chapter programs and meetings?  Are you providing those things?  Are your members active in chaper events, projects and leadership?  Are they serving the state organization on committees?  Are they attending state organizaiton and international events?  These can all be indicators of a growing chapter.

Simply put, does your chapter have a strategy in place to insure sustainability and promote growth? If you have not heard about the new Membrership Recruitment Plan,  check it out!  It is posted on the International Membership Committee page and is adaptable for your chapter.  And, best of all, it has shown real results!  Look for more information in the next blog.