Area Coordinators
Purpose
Area Coordinators (ACs) help connect members in specific geographic areas, especially those who may be far from the Local Group’s main population center.
They serve as a local point of contact, helping members feel welcomed, informed, and included.
What Is an Area Coordinator?
An Area Coordinator is a volunteer who focuses on a defined geographic area within a Local Group.
They are often:
- A familiar local contact for members nearby
- An additional “welcomer” for new members
- A host or organizer of local activities
Why Area Coordinators Matter
Area Coordinators:
- Extend the reach of the Local Group
- Support remote and outlying members
- Create local opportunities for connection
- Help new members feel immediately included
Even a small amount of local activity can make a significant difference in member experience.
Core Responsibilities
| Responsibility | What It Looks Like |
|---|---|
| Hosting Events | Regular local gatherings
|
| Welcoming Members | Contacting new members in their area
|
| Supporting New Members | Helping nearby members meet
|
Working with the Membership Officer
Area Coordinators and Membership Officers should collaborate closely:
- Share information about new members
- Coordinate outreach efforts
- Align on communication and messaging
- Support each other’s efforts to engage members
Defining Areas
Area Coordinators are typically assigned based on geography.
Working with National Office
- Define areas using ZIP codes or geographic regions
- Request assistance in grouping members by location
- Adjust boundaries as membership changes
Getting Maps and Data
Through National Office, you can:
- Request maps of your Local Group’s service area
- Identify where members are concentrated
- Visualize remote or underserved areas
Member Lists by Area
- Request lists of members within a defined geographic area
- Use this to:
- Connect nearby members
- Support targeted outreach
- Invite members to an event near them
Supporting Area Coordinators
To help Area Coordinators succeed:
- Keep expectations clear and manageable
- Provide contact information for members in their area
- Share communication templates and ideas
- Recognize and appreciate their contributions
Avoid overloading them — consistency matters more than volume.
When to Appoint an Area Coordinator
Consider appointing an Area Coordinator when:
- A geographic area has multiple members
- Members are far from existing events
- Someone is willing to host or connect locally
- There is an opportunity to build engagement in that area
Tips for Success
- Start small — even informal meetups are valuable
- Focus on consistency rather than scale
- Encourage personal connections between members
- Keep communication simple and direct
Common Pitfalls
- Expecting too much from one volunteer
- Assigning areas without clear boundaries
- Failing to provide member information or support
- Letting the role become inactive without follow-up
Key Takeaway
Area Coordinators do not need to run large or frequent events.
Their value comes from being a consistent, local point of connection.