1. Identify new members at meetings and events with a special ribbon on their name badge so that existing members can greet the newcomers and introduce them to others.
  2. Host a special orientation program to welcome new members, meet association leaders, committee members and to learn more about opportunities for involvement.
  3. Recognize new members at monthly, quarterly or annual meetings to connect them with a person or a committee.
  4. Send them a quick survey asking about their informational needs or professional aspirations. Connect them with volunteers who can support their professional interests. Generally, new members tend to be younger. Be sure some of your programming is targeting their specific needs.
  5. Set up a mentorship or buddy system to link seasoned professionals with newcomers. This can be done formally or informally. The most important thing is that there is opportunity for direct contact – set up meet-ups at events, A successful program has clear guidelines, benefits for both the mentor and mentee. Here is an example of a mentor program from AFP, one of SBI’s clients. 
  6. Connect new members with their peers. You don’t want to create an “island” where new members are with new members, but rather with members who share a professional link who are finding success in the organization.
  7. Implement a “Resume Review” at their conferences. This has been a popular program with existing “volunteer” members meeting with other members to read their resume and offer suggestions for a more dynamic resume. It is a great way for new members to network with more senior people as well as get better feel of the work environment.
  8. National Organizations can match new members with other association members in their area and then have a “new members’ reception” at the annual conference. The successful way to do this is with a direct promotion for new members to learn about committees and volunteer activities in which they can become involved. It is not an event for new members to meet new members. It is an event for new members to meet active volunteers in the organization.
  9. Focus very hard on new members as their renewal period is approaching. If the Membership Committee only focuses on getting these first year renewals, you will go a long way in growing the organization.