2021-2022 MEMBERSHIP PROGRAM
The Following program will be short and sweet. We are not rewriting the book; we are moving this Department forward. My goal as Membership Director is to make the Department of Michigan the envy of all other Departments. Commander Conklin has assembled a team that has what it takes to lead this Department into the future. We will grow our numbers by creating a product that sells itself to new members and shows our existing members that we truly appreciate them.
District Membership Liaison Teams (MLT)
Each District is responsible for naming FOUR individuals that best represent the VFW in that district. District MLT’s are charged with being the first line of contact within the community for new and prospective members.
Duties:
· Research and schedule membership table opportunities on their own or with guidance from the Department Membership Director.
· Establish lines of communication between MLT members, Post Commanders, and
Community representatives.
· Seek out community outreach opportunities.
· Build and maintain relationships with businesses, schools, municipal agents…etc.
·Report all activities to Department Membership Director.
Post Ambassadors
Each Post shall nominate ONE member that best represents their post to new and current members. Post Ambassadors must meet the following criteria:
· Good communication skills.
· Welcoming and encouraging attitude.
· Knowledge of VFW programs.
· Willingness to receive calls from new members and MLT’s.
New Member Timeline
1 week – Call to ensure member has received their ID.
Yes – Congratulate and invite them to the next meeting so you can formally induct them. No – Confirm that it is on the way and check back within 5 days.
1 Month – Inquire if the member has visited the Post.
Yes – Ask how their visit went. Do they have any feedback about the Post? Let them know about volunteer opportunities.
No – Ask if there is a day that you can personally meet up. Highlight a few upcoming events.
6 Months – Ensure that the member is receiving the Post newsletter, followed Post social media.
1 Year – Ask what they thought of their first year in the VFW. REMIND them that they are UNIQUE, DIFFERENT, and SPECIAL and that they have a place in the VFW. REMIND them of their renewal date. Outline the benefits of becoming a LIFE member and the ways that it can be purchased.
Membership PUSH
Four times a year the Posts and Districts will be encouraged by the Director to hold a membership drive or activity. These activities should not require spending at the Post or District level. Please reach out to the Membership Director if you have any questions or concerns.
Patriots Day Push (Sep 11)– Patriots Day weekend. Reach out in your community to see if there are any Patriots Day activities planned. A great opportunity would be to present the colors at a high school football game. Use this opportunity to recruit new members as well as renew interest in the Post.
Veterans Day Push – Veterans Day weekend. Local media will be wanting to run stories about Veterans in their communities. Contact them first! Participate in parades in any way possible. Contact local recruiters and see if you can talk to new recruits. They are our future.
Christmas Push – Encourage families to purchase Life Memberships or Legacy Memberships for the Veterans in their lives. See if there is a Toy for Tots drive in your area. Ask if you can host or seek donations on their behalf.
Spring Push - TBD based on previous push results.
Please be aware that all of the above activities can and should also be reported in your monthly Activities Report. One Team, One Dream!
Membership Program Awards
· Any Post the obtains 100% in membership will earn a banner.
· Any Post that obtains 100% by Fall Conference will be entered into a drawing for $200.00.
Deadline is September 15th. Drawing will occur at Fall Conference.
· Any Post that achieves 100% by Mid-Winter Conference that wasn’t 100% by Fall Conference will be
entered into a raffle for $200. Deadline is December 31st. Drawing will occur at Mid-Winter
Conference.
· The top 10 recruiters in the Department will earn a 2021 Membership Team polo. ·The top
recruiter in the Department will receive a 2021 Membership Team Captain polo. · The District
with the most recruiters who have recruited or reinstated 5 or more members will earn a certificate and $250.00. Each eligible recruiter must have recruited or reinstated at least 5 members.
· The Post in each division with the most recruiters who have recruited or reinstated 2 or more
members will earn a certificate and $200.00. Each eligible recruiter must have recruited or
reinstated at least 2 members.
Division 1, 0-99 members
Division 2, 100-199 members
Division 3, 200-299 members
Division 4, 300+ members
All Membership Awards are derived from the numbers coming from the National Membership MemStats and or records retained by our National Membership Department in Kansas City. In order to receive recruiter credit, you MUST put your NAME and VFW MEMBERSHIP ID NUMBER on the membership application form. It is crucial the POST QUARTERMASTER include the recruiter information when transmitting ALL MEMBERS, NEW and REINSTATED, to the National Membership Department. It is the responsibility of the RECRUITER and POST QUARTMASTER to ensure this is done.
Garrett Dickey, Director
44 E. 15th St.
Holland, MI 49423
937-570-8254
membership@vfwmi.vet