Area Coordinators

Purpose

Area Coordinators (ACs) help connect members in specific geographic areas, especially those who may be far from the Local Group’s main population center.

They serve as a local point of contact, helping members feel welcomed, informed, and included.

What Is an Area Coordinator?

An Area Coordinator is a volunteer who focuses on a defined geographic area within a Local Group.

They are often:

• A familiar local contact for members nearby
• An additional “welcomer” for new members
• A host or organizer of local activities

Why Area Coordinators Matter

Area Coordinators:

• Extend the reach of the Local Group
• Support remote and outlying members
• Create local opportunities for connection
• Help new members feel immediately included

Even a small amount of local activity can make a significant difference in member experience.

Core Responsibilities

Host Local Activities

• Organize events on a regular cadence (monthly, quarterly, etc.)
• Keep events simple and sustainable
• Provide consistent opportunities for local connection

Welcome New Members

• Contact new members in their area
• Serve as a friendly, local point of contact
• Help connect new members with nearby Mensans

Support New Member Integration

• Assist with new member events (local or group-wide)
• Encourage first-time attendance
• Help reduce the “walking into a room of strangers” barrier

Working with the Membership Officer

Area Coordinators and Membership Officers should collaborate closely:

• Share information about new members
• Coordinate outreach efforts
• Align on communication and messaging
• Support each other’s efforts to engage members

Defining Areas

Area Coordinators are typically assigned based on geography.

Working with National Office

• Define areas using ZIP codes or geographic regions
• Request assistance in grouping members by location
• Adjust boundaries as membership changes

Getting Maps and Data

Through National Office, you can:

• Request maps of your Local Group’s service area
• Identify where members are concentrated
• Visualize remote or underserved areas

Member Lists by Area

• Request lists of members within a defined geographic area
• Use this to:

 * Identify potential Area Coordinators  
 * Connect nearby members  
 * Support targeted outreach  

Supporting Area Coordinators

To help Area Coordinators succeed:

• Keep expectations clear and manageable
• Provide contact information for members in their area
• Share communication templates and ideas
• Recognize and appreciate their contributions

Avoid overloading them — consistency matters more than volume.

When to Appoint an Area Coordinator

Consider appointing an Area Coordinator when:

• A geographic area has multiple members
• Members are far from existing events
• Someone is willing to host or connect locally
• There is an opportunity to build engagement in that area

Tips for Success

• Start small — even informal meetups are valuable
• Focus on consistency rather than scale
• Encourage personal connections between members
• Keep communication simple and direct

Common Pitfalls

• Expecting too much from one volunteer
• Assigning areas without clear boundaries
• Failing to provide member information or support
• Letting the role become inactive without follow-up

Related Topics

• Supporting Remote Members
• Welcoming New Members
• Events and Activities
• Membership Officer