Editing New Member Orientation


== Purpose ==
Help new members feel welcomed, informed, and comfortable engaging in a way that works for them.

'''Guiding principle:''' [[There is no “right” way to participate.]] Orientation should reduce pressure, not create it.

Effective new member orientation:

* Is '''welcoming and low-pressure'''
* Provides '''clear, simple guidance'''
* Supports '''multiple ways to engage'''
* Builds a sense of '''belonging from the start'''

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== 1. Goals of Orientation ==
A successful orientation should:

* Help members understand '''what the group is and how it works'''
* Show '''multiple ways to engage''' (not just events)
* Make it easy to '''ask questions and connect'''
* Reinforce that '''all levels of participation are valid'''

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== 2. What to Cover in Orientation ==
Keep it simple, welcoming, and practical.

=== About the Group ===

* Mission and purpose
* What makes the local group unique
* Connection to the broader organization (if applicable)

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=== Ways to Participate ===
Emphasize flexibility and choice:

* Attend events (optional)
* Join online discussions or email threads
* Volunteer or help organize
* Simply stay informed via newsletter

👉 Be explicit: ''“You can engage as much or as little as you like.”''
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=== What to Expect ===

* Types of activities offered
* Typical event format (casual, structured, etc.)
* Communication channels (newsletter, social, website)

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=== Key Contacts ===

* Local leaders or organizers
* General contact email
* Who to reach out to with questions

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=== Getting Started (Simple Next Steps) ===
Offer 2–3 easy options:

* Attend an upcoming event
* Reply to introduce themselves
* Join an online space

👉 Avoid overwhelming with too many actions
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== 3. Format Options ==
Orientation can take different forms depending on capacity:

=== Live Orientation ===

* Short (20–30 minutes)
* Includes Q&A
* Can be recurring (monthly/quarterly)

=== Written / Self-Guided ===

* Email welcome series
* PDF or webpage
* Recorded video walkthrough

👉 Best practice: offer a '''self-guided option''' even if live sessions exist
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== 4. Local New Member Handbook ==
A local handbook provides a consistent, reusable resource.

Communications guide, MC, SIG, profile, email choices, definitions: national new member handbook, encouragement to attend events, guest policy, how to meet people, [[Jargon Decoder]]

=== What to Include ===

* Welcome message
* Overview of the group
* How to participate
* Event expectations
* Communication channels
* FAQs
* Contact information

=== Format Recommendation ===
'''Use a local website whenever possible'''

Benefits:

* Easy to update
* Shareable link
* Accessible anytime
* Can link to events, forms, and resources

Alternative formats:

* PDF (good for quick distribution)
* Shared document (easy to edit internally)

=== Keep It: ===

* Clear and concise
* Friendly in tone
* Easy to scan (headings, bullets)

👉 Think “quick start guide,” not a long manual

== Greeting New Members ==
Personal connection early on makes a big difference.

=== Best Practices ===

* Send a '''welcome message soon after joining'''
* Use a '''friendly, human tone''' (not overly formal)
* Reinforce that '''there’s no pressure to participate'''
* Include:
** Link to the handbook or website
** Upcoming events (optional, not overwhelming)
** Contact info for questions

=== Optional: Personal Outreach ===

* Assign a '''point person''' for new members
* Offer a '''low-pressure 1:1 conversation'''
* Invite—but don’t require—introductions

👉 The goal is to open the door, not push them through it

== Ongoing Onboarding (Beyond Day One) ==
Orientation is not a one-time moment.

* Check in after the first few weeks
* Highlight different ways to engage over time
* Continue reinforcing that '''all participation styles are valid'''

== Common Pitfalls to Avoid ==

* Overloading with too much information
* Implying that event attendance = “real” participation
* Using guilt-based language (“we hope to see you soon”)
* Making orientation feel mandatory or high-pressure

== Simple Orientation Checklist ==

* Welcome message sent
* Handbook or website shared
* Ways to participate clearly explained
* Key contacts provided
* Low-pressure next steps offered
* Tone is inclusive and flexible