Editing Recruiting Area Coordinators

== Purpose ==
Area Coordinators (ACs) extend the reach of your Local Group by creating local connections in outlying areas.

This page outlines how to identify, recruit, and successfully onboard Area Coordinators.

== Guiding Principle ==
You are not recruiting “event planners.”

You are recruiting:
* Connectors  
* Welcomers  
* People willing to say, “I can be the local point of contact”  

Keep the role simple and approachable.

== Step 1: Identify Where You Need ACs ==

* Review member distribution (by ZIP code or area)  
* Look for clusters of members outside your main activity area  
* Identify underserved or remote regions  

See:
* [[Area Coordinators]]
* [[Serving Remote Members]]

== Step 2: Identify Potential Candidates ==

Look for members who are:

* Located in the target area  
* Responsive to communication  
* Interested in connection (not necessarily leadership)  
* Already hosting or attending events (even informally)  

Good candidates often include:
* Life members  
* Long-time members  
* Recently enthusiastic new members  

== Step 3: Make a Personal Ask ==

Do not rely on general announcements.

Instead:
* Reach out individually (email, phone, or in person)  
* Explain why you thought of them specifically  
* Keep the ask simple and low-pressure  

Example:
''“We have several members in your area, and I think you’d be great as a local point of contact. This would mainly mean welcoming new members nearby and possibly hosting an occasional meetup.”''

== Step 4: Set Clear, Realistic Expectations ==

Be explicit about what the role does — and does NOT require.

Emphasize:
* Flexible time commitment  
* Optional, simple events  
* Support from the Membership Officer and board  

Avoid:
* Overloading the role  
* Implying large or complex responsibilities  

== Step 5: Provide Immediate Support ==

Once someone agrees:

* Share a list of members in their area  
* Provide simple communication templates  
* Suggest an easy “first step” (e.g., coffee meetup)  
* Connect them with the Membership Officer  

Early support increases long-term success.

== Step 6: Start Small ==

Encourage new Area Coordinators to:

* Begin with one simple event  
* Reach out to a few nearby members  
* Focus on connection, not turnout  

Success = consistency, not scale.

== Step 7: Recognize and Retain ==

* Thank Area Coordinators regularly  
* Highlight their efforts in newsletters  
* Share positive feedback from members  
* Check in periodically to offer support  

Recognition helps sustain engagement.

== Where to Find Candidates ==

* Member lists by geographic area  
* Newsletter contributors  
* Event attendees (especially repeat attendees)  
* Volunteers in other roles  
* Recommendations from current members  

== Common Pitfalls ==

* Sending mass requests instead of personal outreach  
* Over-explaining or overcomplicating the role  
* Assigning areas without support or data  
* Expecting immediate or large-scale results  
* Failing to follow up after recruitment  

== If No One Volunteers ==

* Start by connecting members informally  
* Host occasional events in the area yourself  
* Revisit later when engagement increases  

Sometimes the role follows the activity — not the other way around.

== Key Takeaway ==
Recruiting Area Coordinators is about making a simple, personal ask to the right person — and supporting them to succeed.

You are building connection, not filling a position.