Welcoming New Members

  Welcoming new members is one of the highest-impact things a Local Group can do.

Purpose

Help new members feel welcomed and connected early to the Local Group. This is in addition to the contacts from the National Office.

Guiding Principles

Welcoming is about helping members feel seen, informed, and connected from the beginning.

• Timely first impressions shape long-term engagement
• Personal contact is preferred over automated communication
• Members understand how to engage locally (if they choose)
• Welcoming is a shared responsibility

Success is measured by whether members feel acknowledged and included — regardless of participation level.

Key Actions

Step	What It Means	References
Make Initial Contact from Local Group	Reach out to new, reinstated, and transferred members Use personal, welcoming communication	Use Local Group Reports to identify new, reinstated, and transfer members Member Contact Methods Making It Personal
Help Members Get Started	Help members understand how to engage Share relevant information and opportunities Provide guidance without overwhelming Reduce barriers to first participation Provide guidance for virtual involvement	Share New Member Orientation information Provide New Member Welcome Packets Local Group Events and Activities Encouraging First Event Attendance New Member Events Supporting Remote Members

Best Practices

Welcoming members at in-person events is not the responsibility of one person

• Involve officers and experienced members to greet new members
• Use name badges and clear identifiers
• Ensure new members are acknowledged at all events, not just New Member events
• Consider newsletter articles or other ways to acknowledge new members

Common Pitfalls

• Delayed or no initial contact
• Overwhelming new members with too much information
• Relying only on mass or automated communication
• Focusing only on event attendance
• Leaving new members to navigate alone

Related

Core Context

• Membership Officer

Welcoming Process

• New Member Contact Methods
• Welcoming Timing and Reports
• Making It Personal

Supporting First Engagement

• Encouraging First Event Attendance
• New Member Events
• Mentor Programs

Resources

• Membership Officer - Templates and Samples
• Best Practices Shared from Local Groups