Member Engagement
Words of Wisdom
Engagement is not limited to in-person events.
Members connect in different ways, and all forms of participation are valid.
What Success Looks Like
- Members have multiple ways to engage with the Local Group.
- New members find opportunities to connect.
- Members participate at a variety of engagement levels.
- Members feel welcomed and included.
- Engagement is not dependent on a single activity or event.
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
Purpose
Support ongoing connection by helping members engage in ways that work for them.
What This Means in Practice
Member engagement is the ongoing process of helping members connect with the organization, with activities, and with one another.
- Offer multiple ways to participate
- Respect different levels of engagement
- Encourage connection without pressure
- Support a variety of interests and needs
- Focus on belonging, not just attendance
Supporting Member Engagement
Offer Multiple Ways to Engage
Members engage through different channels:
- Local Group Events and Activities
- Newsletters and written content
- Virtual Engagement
- 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
Measuring Engagement
Look beyond attendance. Consider:
- Email engagement
- Content interaction
- Renewal rates
- Member feedback
- Variety of participation styles
Feedback Loops
Make it easy for members to share input.
- Short surveys
- Informal check-ins
- Anonymous feedback options
Focus on understanding, not just increasing activity.