Member Engagement
For a deeper understanding of how members engage, see Engagement Strategy and Philosophy.
Purpose
Support ongoing connection by helping members engage in ways that work for them.
Guiding Principle
Engagement is not limited to 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:
- 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:
How This Connects to Other Areas
Member engagement is supported by:
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