MEMBERSHIP

INVITE INCLUDE INVEST 

and just IMAGINE what can happen! 

Denise Beckler 

12 Wright Ave. 

Stratford, NJ 08084 

856-448-3501 (can text) 

dwilliams722@verizon.net 

So last month, we talked about INVITE, what opportunities there are to invite someone to join the auxiliary. But what do you do with them once they join?? That seems like a silly question, but it is something to ponder when we think about how to INCLUDE new members. While recruiting helps our numbers, retention helps us to grow and be strong for our purpose - helping out veterans. That means including a new member is just as vital as inviting them to join! 

Did you know that roughly one-third of volunteers drop out of service within a year of signing up in a volunteer program? Why is that? Did they not feel welcome? In our case, did they maybe not understand our programs? Did they not feel needed?? We can't expect a new member to just "get" it at the first meeting, second or even third meeting. They need a seasoned member to talk to them, explain why we do what we do and to encourage them to help with a program, or upcoming activity. And don't think that "anybody will do it, because “everybody will think "somebody else did it and that new member could walk out the door of their first meeting feeling let down. YOU can be that somebody who welcomes a new member and makes him or her a stalwart member! 

Most join our organization because of their love of veterans, so help them get "boots on the ground" quickly and get them involved. Don't let anyone ever leave feeling like there isn't work for them to do, because we all know that's not true! So, get your "Ask in Gear" again, but this time to find out what your new member's likes and their interests are and then guide them to a program they will find rewarding. It doesn't take much to lose a person's interest, but it also doesn't take much to "hook" them to a good cause and as current members, it all lies with us! 

I look forward to meeting with a lot of you at the upcoming District Official Visits. I have some fun tropical themed giveaways in honor of our National President Peggy Haake, who is from Hawaii and I plan to "invest" some time with you all, "include" you in my program and so I "invite" you all to come! 

I want to thank you all for constantly "Reaching out for our Veterans" and "Serving our Veterans with Aloha". This is what we are about and I'm so proud to be part of this great organization and together, we can continue to be strong for those that rely upon us. 

Upcoming Award Dates 

$30 for Auxiliaries who reach 85% by September 30th - PLUS At Fall Conference there will be 3 drawings for Auxiliaries that reach 85% Membership! 

And get those Just One Cards in - $25.00 goes to the recruiter of a new Member Check out the Membership Program Awards sheet for all that's available to win! 

MEMBERSHIP PROGRAM AWARDS 

AWARDS FOR INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS FROM NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS You must fill out official form and mail to National Headquarters by May 31, 2020 

Dates of National award program is July 1, 2019 through April 30, 2020 

Red Plumeria Pin for 5 new and/or rejoined members. 

White Plumeria Pin for 10 new and/or rejoined members. 

Blue Plumeria Pin for 20 new and/or rejoined members. 

Plus a Special VFW National Auxiliary Member Drawing 

VFW Auxiliary member who recruits five (5) new and/or joined members, your 

name will be entered in a drawing for $300! 

AWARDS FOR AUXILIARIES FROM NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS 

50/50 award: $50 to each Auxiliary that reaches 95% by November 30, 2019 and $50 to each Auxiliary that reaches 100% Plus by January 31, 2020, based on the June 30, 2019 total membership numbers. Your Auxiliary could win up to $100 from National! 

AWARDS TO AUXILIARIES FROM DEPARTMENT OF NEW JERSEY 

$20 for Auxiliaries that reach 75% by August 31, 2019 

$30 for Auxiliaries that reach 85% by September 30, 2019 

$50 for Auxiliaries that reach 100% by December 31, 2019 

$100 for Auxiliaries that reach 104% by March 15, 2020 

Plus $50 for any District that reaches 100% by December 31, 2019 

FALL AND SPRING CONFERENCE DRAWING FROM DEPARTMENT OF NJ 

Fall Conference: 3 Drawings for Auxiliaries to win $50.00 each for 85% in Membership 

Spring Conference: 3 Drawings for Auxiliaries to win $50 each for 100% in Membership

One District drawing for $100 - must be at 100% by April 30, 2020 

(District drawing to be held at Department Convention in June) 

AND DON'T FORGET JUST ONE CARDS! There will be one $25 drawing to the individual recruiter of new membership with 3 chances to win - drawings at Fall and Spring Conference and Department Convention! 

Invite, Include & Invest - Imagine how great our Auxiliaries can be!