Some longtime club secretary/treasurers are convinced that they know the ins and outs of membership maintenance. Some will hold onto new member applications, waiting until after dues billing dates so as not to be charged more from Optimist International. Others will hold on to to a new application so that they can maintain an even roster when they receive a resignation.
Is this fair to the new member? When a new member joins, they receive a new member package and pin from Optimist International. If the application is not submitted, that mailing is never generated and the new Optimist is never fully welcomed into the club.
Don't let this happen in your club! Members are never more impressionable than they are at the time they make the decision to join. Make sure your club is sending the right impression to the new member from the start:
- Induct new members into the club so they understand the club has goals and purposes.
- Present their new member packet.
- Pin their member pin on their lapel and encourage them to wear it.
- Engage them in a project immediately. Use the member interest finder to help your new (and veteran) members get involved.
