The primary responsibilities for retention, transition of student members and recruitment of members requires creative and continuous effort on the part of all members of the Committee. Specific recommendations to assist in both recruitment and retention are covered in the next two sections of this manual. This section, however, will simply list some suggested activities which have proven effective over the years in support of the overall cause of membership development. (Successful techniques should be forwarded to Headquarters so they might be included hers in future revisions.)
1. Be sure The User's Guide To SNAME Benefits and Services are available at all Section meetings. Section or membership chairman should announce this and say something about the need for a continued search for good, new members. Insert local mailing address under MAILING INSTRUCTIONS on back of Application Form. Other opportunities to distribute membership materials, e.g., joint meetings, should be identified and properly managed.
2. Include membership information in all local Section meeting announcements and remind members that applications are available in MARINE TECHNOLOGY.
3. Membership Chairman should introduce new members and guests at local Section meetings.
4. Recognize current members who recruit new members.
5. Follow up, by phone and in all other ways, on members who have not paid current dues to assure retention to the maximum extent possible.
6. Consider providing a complimentary meal to new members or guests. (Local Section must determine feasibility based on financial considerations.)
7. Provide name tags at local meetings being sure that guests and new members are clearly identified.
8. Be sure new members become involved in local Section activities to develop interest and loyalty early on. Look for ways in which they can contribute.
9. Locate and actively integrate new student members into section activities.
10. Be sure to promptly follow-up with all prospective members. Invite them to up-coming Section events.
11. Encourage Associate Members to upgrade their memberships when appropriate.
