Welcoming New Members
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Welcoming new members is one of the highest-impact things a Local Group can do. |
Purpose
Help new members feel welcomed and connected early.
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Welcoming new members is one of the highest-impact things a Local Group can do. |
Guiding Principle
First impressions shape long-term engagement.
Welcoming is about helping members feel seen, informed, and connected from the beginning.
Philosophy
- First impressions matter
- Personal contact is preferred over automated communication
- All members matter — including those who may never attend events
- Welcoming is a shared responsibility
Success is measured by whether members feel acknowledged and included — not by event attendance.
What This Means in Practice
A successful welcoming process means:
- New members receive timely contact
- Members understand how to engage locally (if they choose)
- Members feel included regardless of participation level
- Outreach is thoughtful and appropriately personal
Key Actions
Make Initial Contact
- Reach out to new, reinstated, and transferred members
- Use personal, welcoming communication
See:
- New Member Contact Methods
- Accessing Reports (timing of contacts)
- Encouraging Attendance
- Making It Personal
Help Members Get Started
- Share relevant information and opportunities
- Provide guidance without overwhelming
Support First Engagement
- Reduce barriers to attending first events
- Help members feel comfortable and included
See:
Build Early Connections
- Introduce members to others
- Support mentor or buddy connections where appropriate
See:
Best Practices
It Takes a Team
Welcoming is not the responsibility of one person.
- Involve officers and experienced members
- Use name badges and clear identifiers
- Ensure new members are acknowledged at events
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