Member Engagement

 For a deeper understanding of how members engage, see Engagement Strategy and Philosophy.

 Events are one of the primary ways members connect. See Local Group Events and Activities.

Purpose

Support ongoing connection by helping members engage in ways that work for them.

Guiding Principle

Engagement is not limited to in-person events.

Members connect in different ways, and all forms of participation are valid.

What This Means in Practice

• Provide multiple ways to engage
• Respect different levels of participation
• Encourage connection without pressure
• Focus on belonging, not just activity

Key Actions

Offer Multiple Ways to Engage

Members engage through different channels:

• Local Group Events and Activities
• Newsletters and written content
• Online communities
• Passive participation (reading, observing)

A strong Local Group supports all of these.

Encourage Participation (Without Pressure)

• Share opportunities clearly and consistently
• Use welcoming, low-pressure language
• Avoid guilt-based messaging
• Let members choose their level of involvement

Connect Members to Each Other

• Introduce members with shared interests
• Help new members meet at least one person
• Encourage small-group or informal connections

Connection is often more important than programming.

Support Different Interests

• Encourage a variety of activities and topics
• Support member-led initiatives
• Recognize that not all members want the same experience

Include Remote and Less-Active Members

• Ensure communication reaches all members
• Provide engagement beyond in-person events
• Recognize and value non-attending members

See:

• Supporting Remote Members

How This Connects to Other Areas

Member engagement is supported by:

• Events and Activities
• Member Communication
• Welcoming New Members

These areas work together to create a consistent member experience.

Best Practices

• Keep engagement options simple and accessible
• Personal outreach is more effective than mass messaging
• Small, consistent efforts are more sustainable than large, infrequent ones
• Focus on helping members feel comfortable and included

Common Pitfalls

• Focusing only on event attendance
• Overloading members with too many options
• Using pressure or guilt to drive participation
• Ignoring less-visible or remote members
• Assuming one approach works for everyone

Related

• Engagement Strategy and Philosophy
• Supporting Remote Members
• Events and Activities
• Welcoming New Members