by Ed Luttrell
National Grange Director of Leadership and Membership
The Meeting Is Not the Reason
Do you need to attract some new members because it is
sometimes hard to get a quorum? As you start, remember that the
meeting is not the reason that most people will join. Focus your
efforts on the reasons that people will join.
People want to be with their friends or to make new friends.
Potential members want to have a good time, full of fun and
enjoyment. Most important, they have needs that when met, will
entice them to give their loyalty, effort, and time to the cause.
Your meeting should be viewed as a means to the end, not the result.
Meetings need to have reports of what has happened. Plans need to be
made about the future, and ideas of what could be done in the
community presented at the meeting. The meeting must be the place
where action starts, not just a monthly event.
Remember that the meeting is not the reason and watch your Grange
grow.
FOCUS ON A PRINCIPLE
One method of looking for new members is to take the time
to reflect on what is most important to you and your fellow members.
Talk about the principles your members share. Remember that
principles are deep fundamental beliefs that you will not
compromise. Your principles are part of who you are.
When thinking of new members, look for someone who shares a
principle. Don’t look for a new secretary, look for someone who is
honest. Look for someone who already has the same principles as you
and your fellow members.
Start telling people what the principles of your Grange are. Make a
poster for your hall that shows the importance of your principles.
Don’t be shy, share who you are with your community. The people that
share those fundamental beliefs will be pleased to know that an
organization exists in their community that has the “good stuff”.
Focus on a principle in your Grange and watch your Grange grow!
MAKE FRIENDS WITH THE MEDIA
When you want new members for your Grange the first step
is to let people know you are still around. In order to show your
community that you are there, you need some publicity. Your local
media (newspapers, radio, cable or local TV) are important and
critical allies to get your message to the people in your community.
It’s time to make friends with the media!
Make a list of all the media. If a major newspaper puts out a local
section regularly include that section on your list. Are there any
talk radio programs that focus on the area? Then you build a team to
make contact with them. Use your members' different skills. One
member may take cookies or other goodies to the local office. Others
will make contact and ask how to submit information. One might find
out what format photos need to be in. Another may enjoy writing
short articles.
No matter how you initiate it, you must visit with the reporters.
Find out what they are looking for and find ways to cooperate with
them. Be mindful of their deadlines and work with them. You will
become a trusted source of positive local information when they know
you by name and see or hear from you regularly. Never forget to
thank them when they do print an article or photo.
Make friends with the media and you will significantly increase the
opportunity to gain new members for your Grange.
