Engaging your Membership
Ideas about membership for Friends Groups
If you’re part of a Friends Group, then you’ve probably given a lot of thought to the concept of membership already. Friends Group members are essential to the long-term viability of the group, serving as a base of support for mission-critical activities, donating to the group in times of need, and serving on the Board as official governing officers for the group.
The vital nature of your member base can make managing them somewhat intimidating to confront. People are inherently unpredictable, and it is daunting to consider all of the variables involved in successfully engaging your supporters. But you can set yourselves up for success by effectively defining, tracking, and building on your membership so that your Friends Group sustains itself for many years to come. Below are a few worksheets to get you started:
General membership of a Friends Group varies widely from informal to formal. Some groups manage membership as a mailing or email list. Other groups require annual dues in order to become a member. Membership fees, which can be anywhere from $5 to $500, enable Friends Groups to have an ongoing income that funds activities to support their mission.
Membership participation varies as well. Members should be updated about Friends Group activities, invited to events and meetings, informed about important issues, and involved in decision-making. A strong membership includes people of various experiences, backgrounds, ages, and skills.
At Friends Group workshops in 2019, membership was one of the main topics. Have a look at the materials in this section and check out the presentation to help build or refine your membership program.