Reply #14: Membership

[JNelson6563]

The key to success in my experience has been membership.

I too belong to a once fledgling local party. They took it over abuot three years ago with a negative balance of -$800.00 and little else. They put together a newsletter and sned it to anyone who's interested/comes to events. Our readership was at about 925 or so when I sent out a membership mailing to all of them.

I did all the labor and only charged my party for the ink cartridges. We've got a postage permit (which I think costs nothing but you have to have the funds in a prepaid account for mailings) so I was able to send it out much cheaper. I sent out 905 hand signed letters, with opportunities to volunteer, pay the minimal dues AND make an additional donation. I also included a membership form. No SASE or anything, to reply they'd have to provide stamp, envelope and copy my info onto it. They did.

Boy did they!! I did this project for about $300. I've taken in over $3000, added significantly to our membership and raised an army of volunteers.

Mind you I only got involved a year or so ago. Had no idea what I was doing and didn't know a soul. They elected me to the board last June and named me membership chair the same day. I decided to stir things up a little bit. It's been a lot of work but the rewards are fabulous. To attend one of our events these days is really something. Standing room only! We also have the resources to host fabulous fundraisers for Senators etc. which garners us political capital with them. They attend events of ours occassionally and that adds to attendance which, in turn ads to our coffers. We are in an unprecedented postion financially speaking in that we can offer serious backing to candidates.

If I can help you with any specifics in future efforts just PM me, I'd be glad to help.

Julie