The contents of this column reflect the letters we had received by the time we went to press, June 18, 2013. Letters are limited to 300 words or fewer. All submissions must include the author's name and location. Opinions expressed are those of the authors.
Further Ideas to Attract New Members
I believe that the first step of getting new members is to learn about as many blind people as possible living in the area. When knowing about their age, social status, nationality, gender and level of independence, it would be far easier to inform them in a way that could help them want to learn more about the organization and in particular, of projects, activities and events they could be involved with in some way.
Affiliates would need to be more flexible when planning meetings and events, so that as many people as possible could participate. Some people may have a transportation or financial problem, some may be employed and could only be present at events during certain hours and some may be sick, in the hospital or traveling. I believe that the Internet could serve as an advantage in this case, helping some of them be present through messengers while some important events are taking place.
It is also important that members working in a particular field should talk to others whose level of education is similar to theirs. Therefore, they may be encouraged by what they hear from them and may want to join if they know that the particular branch is striving to accomplish tasks that they could help out with.
- Adrijana Prokopenko, Macedonia