So, you just became an LMC or an SMC, what in the world do you do now???

As Membership Chair you have a job description. Let’s take a look at it. “As LMC and/or SMC, you are an extension of the NALS membership committee, which has been formed to promote membership growth and retention...” Let’s think about what this means.

On every level you represent the real presence of NALS at each function you attend. NALS could not be what we are right now without the activities and involvement of each level. Each strengthens the other in a continuous loop of support. Projecting enthusiasm about NALS and the benefits you have received will be noticed by those around you just as easily as projecting boredom or ambivalence. Try to imagine yourself as a potential member meeting a Membership Chair for the first time. The earliest contacts that a potential member has with an association make a serious and lasting impression of the association. Once the member joins, subsequent contacts can have some influence on that first impression. Safeguard that all contacts are upbeat and positive.

In an ideal world some of this would be effortless, but we are not living in that perfect place. What else can we do? Spend time with an individual member, a small group, or a large assembly of members and listen, offer ideas, listen some more, and draw on what NALS offers our members. Our professionalism should be evident whenever we talk and whenever we listen. When you are prepared with knowledge about NALS you will handle answers to questions with ease and can recognize and utilize opportunities to reach potential members and increase participation of current members.

Become familiar with the NALS Membership theme and use it in a way that is appropriate for your position. You are never alone in your efforts and can reach a member of the Resource Center, a national leader or a member of the Membership Committee nearly 24/7. Use these possibilities to discuss ideas, receive suggestions and draw on their experience.

Throughout this chapter in NALS.org is helpful information and you should refer to it often. It is the result of contributions from members, just like you, over several years. This entire publication is reviewed and modified annually in order to maximize its potential to aid your efforts. Again, I repeat that you are not alone.

Set aside a few minutes this week to look over your roster and select two or three members with whom you have not had contact in the last few months and send them a short note. Next week, take time to phone members that have not attended a meeting lately and listen to what they have to say. The following week, choose the members that are most active in your chapter or state and take a minute to thank them for their efforts.

As your term progresses, take a look back over the past year and evaluate your work and of those that participated in your membership programs. Think about what you might have done differently and what you wish you had accomplished. There may yet be time to pull out a few ideas and put them into practice.

At the appropriate time in the future, your term will end, but your participation in membership efforts will continue and are vital to your successor. Membership is not the sole responsibility of one person as its successes, disappointments, struggles, and achievements become part of the fabric of the chapter and the state to which you belong.

Not all of what happens through the Membership Committee is measurable by numbers such as an increase in membership of three percent. Measurement is also by the satisfaction level of the average member. Are we meeting the individual’s needs and do we really know what those needs are?

Is there a program you truly felt would be viable, but did not have the time or opportunity to put into motion? You may still have time during your term. Otherwise, why not let the incoming Membership Chair hear about your idea(s) and offer to become a part of the next Membership Committee and accept the responsibility of carrying out the ideas. Review your plans with the new Chair and incorporate his or her input into the ideas.

When your term does come to a close there are some things you should do. Gather all your files, put them in order, and be sure they are complete and ready to pass on to your successor. Next, prepare a memo or letter to your successor outlining the status of projects. Include in that memo any suggestions, ideas, or comments that would be helpful. Most of all, add a paragraph voicing your encouragement and willingness to answer questions that may arise. Once your term ends and your successor’s term begins, make yourself available to provide assistance, but allow the new Membership Chair to function as the head of the committee.