Membership Officer Column: Difference between revisions
m streamlining |
m tables |
||
| Line 23: | Line 23: | ||
== Purpose == | == Purpose == | ||
Provide an overview of what a Local Group [[Membership Officer]] might include in a regular column. | Provide an overview of what a Local Group [[Membership Officer]] might include in a regular column. | ||
== What Makes a Good Column? == | |||
A regular Membership Officer column helps members feel informed, welcomed, and connected. It can reinforce the value of membership, highlight ways to engage, and remind members that there are many ways to participate in the group. | A regular Membership Officer column helps members feel informed, welcomed, and connected. It can reinforce the value of membership, highlight ways to engage, and remind members that there are many ways to participate in the group. | ||
Most successful Membership Officer columns do one or more of the following: | Most successful Membership Officer columns do one or more of the following: | ||
| Line 51: | Line 51: | ||
* Thank volunteers and hosts | * Thank volunteers and hosts | ||
* Share member spotlights | * Share member spotlights | ||
* Share information about members who have moved away or transferred | |||
* Offer condolences when a member passes away or experiences a loss | |||
|- | |- | ||
| Provide useful information | | Provide useful information | ||
| Line 69: | Line 71: | ||
Not every issue needs all three elements, but this structure can make writing the column easier. A short column that accomplishes those three things is often more effective than a longer article. | Not every issue needs all three elements, but this structure can make writing the column easier. A short column that accomplishes those three things is often more effective than a longer article. | ||
=== Need Ideas? === | === Need Ideas? === | ||
| Line 92: | Line 88: | ||
* Celebrate milestone Mensa membership anniversaries and birthdays | * Celebrate milestone Mensa membership anniversaries and birthdays | ||
* Reinforce that members help shape the group | * Reinforce that members help shape the group | ||
=== Related === | === Related === | ||
Revision as of 06:45, 3 June 2026
Words of Wisdom
A Membership Officer column helps turn membership into connection.
A short, thoughtful article can help members feel welcomed, informed, and connected while reinforcing the many ways they can engage with the Local Group.
What Success Looks Like
- Members feel welcomed and informed
- Members feel noticed and valued
- New members know how to get started
- Members see multiple ways to participate
- Renewals feel supported rather than transactional
Best Practices
- Keep the tone welcoming, practical, and member-focused
- Highlight opportunities rather than applying pressure
- Vary content to reflect current member interests and group activities
- Reinforce that there are many valid ways to participate
Common Pitfalls
- Sounding like a marketing or promotional message
- Overloading the column with information
- Assuming all members participate in the same way
- Using guilt or pressure around engagement or renewals
Purpose
Provide an overview of what a Local Group Membership Officer might include in a regular column.
What Makes a Good Column?
A regular Membership Officer column helps members feel informed, welcomed, and connected. It can reinforce the value of membership, highlight ways to engage, and remind members that there are many ways to participate in the group.
Most successful Membership Officer columns do one or more of the following:
| Focus | Examples |
|---|---|
| Welcome members |
|
| Help members engage |
|
| Build community |
|
| Provide useful information |
|
Simple Column Formula
A simple Membership Officer column might include:
- Welcome a new member, volunteer, or member achievement
- Highlight an upcoming event or engagement opportunity
- Share a reminder, resource, or answer to a common question
Not every issue needs all three elements, but this structure can make writing the column easier. A short column that accomplishes those three things is often more effective than a longer article.
Need Ideas?
- Noting membership milestones (long-time members, anniversaries, notable participation)
- Celebrating member achievements, awards, or volunteer contributions
- Highlighting members who have recently become more active or taken on new roles
- Sharing reminders about renewal timing and ways to stay connected
- Pointing members toward newcomer-friendly events or low-pressure ways to participate
- Encouraging lapsed or less-active members to re-engage in ways that fit their interests
- Answering common membership questions or explaining available resources
- Thanking hosts, volunteers, and members who help create community
Building Connection
- Share member spotlights or volunteer appreciation
- Highlight success stories from recent events
- Celebrate milestone Mensa membership anniversaries and birthdays
- Reinforce that members help shape the group