Editing Reconnecting with Lapsed Members

{{Words of Wisdom
| wisdom  = 
Focus on connection, not pressure.

Rejoining should feel like an invitation—not an obligation.
| success = 
* Members feel welcomed back, regardless of whether they immediately renew
* Some members re-engage through events or communication
* Outreach is consistent and manageable
* Former members retain a positive impression of the Local Group
| best    = 
* Keep communication personal and conversational
* Emphasize belonging and community—not just benefits
* Make it easy to rejoin (include clear next steps if appropriate)
* Follow up only if there is interest or engagement
| pitfalls =
* Using overly formal or transactional language
* Focusing only on renewal instead of reconnection
* Sending generic, impersonal messages
* Reaching out too frequently without response
}}
== Purpose ==
Reconnect with former members in a respectful, welcoming way and make it easy for them to return. Depending on the Local Group, this might be done by the [[Membership Officer]], the [[Local Secretary (LocSec)]] or someone else.

Learn more about the Lapsed Member Contact Program (See [[National Tools and Resources]]) .

== What This Means in Practice ==

* Outreach is friendly, not transactional
* Members are reminded of value without being pushed
* Communication is clear, personal, and low-pressure
* Reconnection is prioritized over immediate renewal

== Key Actions ==

=== Identify Lapsed Members ===

* Use the Lapsed Member Report (See [[National Tools and Resources]]) to identify members who have not renewed.  
* Ensure the report is current
* Focus on recent lapses first, when possible

=== Reach Out ===

* Contact members via email, phone, or other appropriate channels
* Use a friendly, welcoming tone
* Acknowledge their past membership

=== Invite Reconnection ===

* Share relevant updates about the Local Group
* Highlight opportunities to engage (events, content, community)
* When appropriate, invite them to attend an event as a guest

=== Track Outreach ===

* Keep a simple record of who has been contacted
* Note responses or follow-up needs
* Report outreach as required for national programs or incentives

== Related ==

* [[Renewal and Retention]]
* [[Reconnecting with Lapsed Members: Local Group Outreach Examples]]
* [[Responding to Members]]
* [[Handling Difficult or Negative Responses]]