Recruiting Members Is A Year-Round Activity

               Recruiting members is a year-round activity. It's NOT just for September and October.

To make the most of membership, find ways to reach out to those that didn't join earlier in the year. It's never too late to join!

At every PTA activity, set up a membership table. Display information about your unit's activities (photos, fliers, calendar of events, etc.) on the table. Stand by the membership table and be prepared to answer questions. Have blank membership cards handy for the new members you recruit.

Compare last year's membership list to this year's. Who didn't join your unit this year? Send a letter to those who didn't join. Tell them you value their membership and want them to join again this year.

Invite non-members to participate in your unit's projects and activities. Once they are involved, ask them to become members.

Read the MEMBERSHIP section in your annual PTA Resource Book. It offers a wealth of ideas for attracting new members. Your unit President should have received a PTA Resource Book at the end of last year.

Go to the MEMBERSHIP area in the National PTA web site (www.pta.org). It has even more ideas for attracting new members. Be sure to look over the Connecticut PTA web site too (www.ctpta.org).

KEEP YOUR EYE ON MEMBERSHIP

INFORM present members, potential members and the public about your membership drive and what PTA offers its members.

INSPIRE every member to take an active part in recruiting new members and making them feel welcome.

INQUIRE how other successful membership drives have been conducted. Adapt useful ideas for your campaign.

IMPRESS those who have talents your unit needs that they can make a real contribution. It's flattering to be needed.

INFLUENCE prospective members with your unit, State and National PTA's achievements. People like to be identified with a successful organization.

INNOVATE maybe it's time to change from old techniques of recruitment. Try some brand new ideas this year.

INTRODUCE new (or potential) members to everyone at the meeting.

INSTALL new members with a special ceremony. Keep it simple, but it will add warmth to your welcome.

INVOLVE new members on committees immediately.

IMPROVE methods of keeping old members active and interested.

INSTILL loyalty in every member. Use all opportunities through Public Relations to keep everyone fully informed of the unit's activities and achievements.

INFUSE your whole membership campaign with the smell of success.

- Courtesy of New York PTA