compiled by Ardis Bazyn, ACB Membership Chair
The annual ACB Membership Committee Seminar was held July 10. Ardis Bazyn, ACB Membership Committee Chair, facilitated the seminar. This year’s theme was “Positive Strategies for Membership.” The first panel focused on “What Techniques Affiliates Have Used to Improve and Grow Affiliate Membership.” Speakers were Carla Ruschival, president, ACB Families and Library Users of America; Doug Powell, president, Alliance on Aging and Vision Loss and ACB of Virginia; and Jeff Bishop, president of Blind Information Technology Specialists.
Some of the actions they took to get new members are below:
- Affiliates provided programs to keep members and other participants interested and involved. Families and Library Users have monthly programs of interest to families. Library Users also has monthly calls titled “Library Without Walls.” AAVL has monthly programs and has led an advocacy effort to get seniors with vision loss more services. BITS has joined with companies and members to provide monthly trainings for members and some for anyone interested. They have found ways to get professional training for those wishing to enhance their career goals.
- These affiliates also provided some additional benefits for membership. Both Library Users and AAVL have raffles for those joining the affiliate early each year. BITS offered free memberships to those interested during the last year. This rejuvenated the affiliate, and generates more trainings and email discussion lists to assist members with technology issues.
The second panel discussed “How to Have Successful Meetings Which Make Everyone Feel Valued.” Speakers were Julie Brannon, immediate past president, Washington Council of the Blind; Doug Powell; and Jeff Bishop. Speakers shared the following techniques they’ve used to make everyone feel comfortable being involved.
- Following a prepared agenda keeps the meetings running smoothly. Involving all participants by asking for suggestions and comments make all feel welcome.
- Having open board meetings allows all members to understand what is going on in the affiliate.
- Being open to diverse committee members allows a wide variety of thoughts on programming and events.
- A good meeting should include a friendly greeting, welcome to newcomers, and a pleasant tenor during the meeting.
- The leader must handle difficult people with “thank you, but we must move on.”
- Most meetings should incorporate some networking and getting acquainted time. Lunch, dinner, or snack time either before the meeting starts or afterward; chat time on calls or webinars; and additional topic calls for various groups.
Each year ACB presents growth awards. One is for the largest number of new members and one for the largest percentage of growth. The winner in both categories was Blind Information Technology Specialists. They grew by over 500 members. Congratulations to BITS.
The ACB Membership Committee has focus calls on membership-related topics each month, generally the fourth Sunday. In September, we’ll be having several calls for committee chairs to share their recent activities so those listening might join ACB or get more involved. In October, some focus calls will highlight special-interest affiliates and their missions, activities, and how to become a member of those affiliates. Stay tuned to the community events schedule for details.