retention the best recruitment strategies
TRANSCRIPT
BLACKS IN GOVERNMENT
REGION XI
Rev. Barbara Johnson-CoxRXI 2nd Vice President & Membership Chair
April 28, 2021
What BIG RXI Leaders Need To Know!
BIG MEMBERSHIP
Membership is not just EVERYONE’s responsibility, but
OUR responsibility. Otherwise, it’s nobody’s responsibility.
Our members are the lifeblood of Blacks In Government. Members help:
✓ BIG to fulfill its Mission✓ Increase BIG’s Revenues, and✓ Propels the organization forward
We need to be CLEAR on the “value” that BIG Membership adds to individual lives!✓ Why does BIG exist? ✓ BIG’s Mission and Vision✓ BIG’s Goals & Responsibilities✓ What are the Benefits?✓ Why should someone join BIG?
Note: The most common reasons that people join an organization are:
(1) Continuing education, (2) networking, and (3) career advancement opportunities
BIG BEGINNINGS
BRIEF HISTORY
✓ Know BIG’s History
▪ Founded: In 1975 by Black employees at the Department of Health, Education and Welfare. (Parklawn building in Rockville, MD).
▪ Incorporated: A Non-profit organization under the District of Columbia jurisdiction in 1976.
▪ Purpose: To address and provide support for the wide assortment of racially motivated problems faced by the HEW Black employees in Rockville.
▪ Goal: To promote EQUITY in all aspects of American life, EXCELLENCE in public service, and OPPORTUNITY for all Americans.
BIG MISSION & VISION
✓ Know BIG’s Purpose, Vision, Mission, and Guiding Principles
▪ BIG MISSION: Enable all present and future Black employees in Local, State, and Federal governments to have the ability to maximize their career opportunities and provide a mechanism for inclusion, growth and advocacy.
▪ BIG VISION: Member focused, world class enterprise, recognized for excellence.
▪ BIG PURPOSE: An advocate of equal opportunity and professional development for Black government employees at the Local, State and Federal government levels and others dedicated to justice for all.
▪ BIG GUIDING PRINCIPLES: Be Accountable; Commit to Excellence; Act with Integrity; Take Responsibility; Work as a Team, Remain Loyal and Dedicated.
GOALS & OBJECTIVES
✓ Know BIG’s Goals and Objectives
1. To be an advocate - of equal opportunity for Blacks in government.
2. To eliminate practices of racism and racial discrimination -against Blacks in government.
3. To promote professionalism - among Blacks in government.
4. To develop and promote programs - which will enhance ethnic pride and educational opportunities for Blacks in government.
5. To establish a mechanism for gathering and disseminating information - for Blacks in government.
6. To provide a nonpartisan platform on major issues of local, regional and national significance - that affect Blacks in government.
The BIG National President the Honorable Ms. Shirley A. Jones, Esq. wrote, “I first joined BIG in 1989 fresh out of law school as a new attorney. I joined on the strength of the name Blacks In Government. I didn’t renew my membership after the first year. Although I was intrigued by the name, I didn’t see the value of a BIG membership for my career as an attorney. In short, I was naïve thinking that BIG had nothing to offer me. To the contrary, BIG has actually done a lot for my career. I came to see how serving in leadership positions within BIG helped with my communication skills, and what lawyer doesn’t need strong communication skills? Serving on BIG committees and leading the Region helped me collaborate
more effectively with others; with my time management, and I saw how BIG had helped me hone my project management skills and leading and developing other competencies. BIG can do the same for your career. As the members, we are the ones who shape BIG at the chapter level, and decide the types of activities that will benefit us and our agencies from planning to implementation. Putting the hard work into BIG is the same as putting in the hard work for your job and they both will pay off in dividends. I can attest to that.”
EVERY MEMBER OF BIG SHOULD BE SELLING THE ORGANIZATION
WHY I JOINED BIG!
Honorable Gerald R. Reed, BIG Presidential Advisor wrote, “Why did I join BIG?
From the onset, it was more inquisitive - then it became a passion when I truly
believed that BIG was looking out for the least of us. In addition, seeing the
early professionalism within BIG, it created a strong sense of belonging. After
getting intensely involved, BIG became a purpose in my life. As a voice of
advocacy, a network of professionals, training opportunities, and the ability to
grow my leadership skills, BIG was the only organization that encompassed such a wide range of
opportunities, that if you put your mind to it, you could grow as an individual, progress as an employee,
and develop as a leader. All of which I attained by being a member of the National Organization of
Blacks In Government, Inc. (BIG).”
EVERY MEMBER OF BIG SHOULD BE SELLING THE ORGANIZATION
WHY I JOINED BIG!
REGION XI MEMBERSHIP STRENGTH
**Chapters must maintain at least “10 Regular members” to remain in active status
**Chapters should be inclusive of various age groups, ethnicities, professions,
businesses, etc. (Target groups not already represented in your chapter. )
May Madness Membership Drive - May 2021
Total RXI Chapters: 54
Total Membership Strength: 2,432
2021 RECRUITMENT GOALS
➢ Increase Membership: A Top Goal for Blacks In Government
The BIG National President Honorable Shirley A. Jones, Esq., wrote…
“Growing our membership base should be paramount… my emphasis will be on
GROWING and RETAINING BIG’s membership…”
➢ In 2021 – Chapters must clearly identify its “Recruitment & Retention” Goals!
➢ What percent of membership increase do you want to achieve? 10% 15% ?
✓ Chapters must establish challenging, yet attainable, recruitment goals.
✓ Keep annual statistics on its Membership:
(1) Gains; (2) Losses; (3) Retention Rate
**Once your goal is attained - then celebrate your achievement!
2021 RECRUITMENT STRATEGIES
✓ May Membership Recruitment Month – Make a BIG Deal out of Membership Month! (See
National May events)
✓ Chapter Budget. Include in your chapter budget - funds for membership recruitment and retention.
✓ Recruitment Incentives: Present incentive awards to the top 3 members (or top member) who
recruited the most new members (e.g., gift cards, shout out at meetings; etc.). Incentives help to
encourage all members to participate in recruitment activities.
✓ Encourage all members to recruit at least one new member!
✓ Elevator Speech: Have your speech ready that includes: The purpose of BIG; Why you became a
member; and the biggest benefit of BIG.
✓ Wear your BIG pins! It’s good public relations - and can generate conversations.
✓ Monthly Membership Report: Include statistics on your goal’s progress, how the recruitment is
progressing and the number of members who left (last 3 yrs.) – to help motivate recruitment efforts.
✓ Host “Bring a Friend” meetings: Encourage members to bring potential members to your
meetings, make it a reoccurring event!
2021 RECRUITMENT STRATEGIES
✓ Email template: Create an “Invitation to Join BIG” email template. A “sample invitation” that
members can copy and paste into emails or their Facebook page - to send to their colleagues.
✓ “Free Membership” Chapter raffle: Give away 3 free “Regular” memberships to new members.
Contact all individuals who entered the raffle – “invite” them to your meetings and to join BIG!
✓ 2021 NTI: Invite to your co-workers to attend the 2021 Virtual NTI – include information on how to
join BIG.
Extend invitations to all individuals to attend BIG events, and to become a member
including: clergy, directors, foundation executives, small business owners (your barbers,
hairdresser), city government officials, council members, school principals, and so on.
✓ Get ideas from other chapters who are successful in membership growth.
✓ Ask your members for recruitment ideas – they may have ideas you haven’t thought of.
✓ Ask members to list their BIG membership in their professional bios.
2021 RECRUITMENT STRATEGIES
✓ Develop a Chapter Website – Create a website for members and prospective member. Include:
▪ “Join BIG” Section
▪ Membership Articles: Articles that are on topics that your potential members could be
interested in – to generate more interest in BIG.
▪ Member Testimonials: Film member stories and testimonials – to give prospective
members a “visual reminder” of how engaged your current members are.
▪ Chapter Meetings: Publicize chapter meeting dates, time, location.
▪ “Members Only Section” – that visitors can’t see. It can generate interest – they may
wonder - “What else am I missing out on?”
✓ Chapter Materials/Handouts:
▪ Develop an attractive chapter brochure and handouts – give them out at each of your
events (or via email). Include the chapter’s mission, activities, and contact information.
▪ Develop a Chapter Newsletter. Encourage members to share your newsletter. Especially if
they are featured in it!
Hold Chapter Events:
✓ To keep attracting new audiences: Invite Guest Speakers and BIG Leadership to speak on:
✓ Voting Processes and Procedures
✓ Legislative Issues and EEO Issues
✓ BIG Scholarships
✓ Various Topics: Black Lives Matter; Youth Competition; Self-confidence; Income Tax
Strategies; Investment Strategies; Finance, fun activities (Trivia games)
✓ Always offer a “membership invitation” to your guest speakers.
✓ Create “Welcome Packages”:
Create a “Welcome Package” for new members. Include a button or pin and information on BIG
chapter contact information, etc.
Present Information about BIG to Other organizations:
Introduce BIG to other organizations who are in accord with BIG’s principles, policies and objectives.
Share BIG’s mission with other civic-minded organizations.
2021 RECRUITMENT STRATEGIES
2021 RECRUITMENT STRATEGIES
Reach out to Former Members:
Some members may come back if you ask them! Contact former members and encourage them to
renew. Previous/older rosters, that list your Chapter former members, may be obtained from
Region XI.
**Welcome and Thank those who renew their memberships!!!
May Membership Drives
✓ Region XI:
RXI Incentive: The top three Chapters that recruit the most “NEW” members during May
will receive monetary awards and certificates. 1st Place winner $125; 2nd Place winner $100;
3rd Place winner $75. All Chapters are asked to participate in our May Membership Drives!
An increase of one new member – is better than no new members!
✓ At BIG’s National Level:
President Jones has invited everyone to attend all BIG National Membership Events – beginning
May 1st “Where Do We Go From Here”. (Program dates: May 8th, May 15th, May 22nd).
READY, SET, GROW!
2021 MEMBERSHIP DRIVES
RETENTION STRATEGIES
“RETAINING” YOUR MEMBERSHIP STRENGTH!
The KEY to successful membership retention – is Encouraging Members to get Involved!”
✓ Make your new members feel like they belong! Reach out to them – get them involved in chapter
activities.
✓ People want to feel that they are valued – and are a part of something. Show them that BIG is
invested in them – as “individuals” – NOT JUST for the funds that they bring in. When members
know that BIG is interested in building relationships with them – then they will feel - more valued
by BIG – and more inclined to stay with BIG.
✓ Convey the concept that everyone is important to the success of your chapter. Each member plays a
vital role in membership development.
✓ Be Mindful! It is in the FIRST YEAR of membership - where organizations experience the most
loss - of its members. They don’t come back after the first year – because they lack the inspiration
to be involved.
RETENTION STRATEGIES
✓ Encourage members to become: LIFETIME and GOLD PLUS members in 2021!
. **Remind members that ONLY Lifetime members can purchase Gold Plus memberships.
ISSUE: When members upgrade memberships – the database changes the “Join Date”
to the date that the person upgrades! Check your rosters – if this happens - contact the
National Membership Chair.
✓ Encourage members to sign up for BIG distribution lists – become informed members!
✓ Invite members to Chair and serve on committees, attend events, conferences.
✓ Encourage members take “advocacy-related” actions, e.g., contacting their Congressional leaders
on such issues as: voting procedures, and other legislation concerned issues.
✓ Recognize “potential members or members” who have received outside recognition, i.e.,
newspapers, magazines, etc. Send them a copy of the article with a personal, handwritten word of
“Congratulations!”
✓ Host seasonal meet-and-greets with a fun activities (e.g., Virtual Trivia games)
RETENTION STRATEGIES
Chapter Programs: Ask members to take part in your chapter programs: They can Host (MC) the
program; entertain (sing); introduce a Speaker, Pray, etc.
Fill all Elected positions and Appoint Chairs to all Committees! Members want leadership
experience!
✓Update Chapter Bylaws:
1. Expand your Executive Committee: Include all positions: Exec. Vice President – 1st, 2nd,
3rd, Secretary, Corresponding Secretary; Treasurer, Financial Secretary.
2. Create new committees: Chaplain, Audit, Community Outreach, Health & Wellness;
Finance, Program & Education, Communication and Public Relations, AE/EEO, etc.
Thank your Members - Regularly
✓ Host a yearly Chapter event just to say “thank you” to your members. Consider a member brunch,
picnic, or other fun gathering.
✓ Chapter Awards: Host an Annual Chapter Member Award program – recognize exceptional
Chapter Members – in several categories.
2021 RETENTION GOALS
Recognize & reward Your members for their Accomplishments at the Region & National levels
- for their exceptional leadership and membership accomplishments:
(1) At the Region Level:
December: RXI Gala Awards. These awards recognize members and chapters.
Two of these awards include the “Region XI Membership Awards” – ☺
a. Greatest Percentage Increase for the year (smaller chapters usually win this award)
b. Greatest Numerical Increase for the year (mid-large chapters usually win this award)
(2) At the National Level:
- May 4th: “Distinguished Service Hall of Fame” Award (DSHOF)
- June 24th: “New” Lifetime/Gold Plus Members: Members who upgraded memberships in
the past year (June-June) - are presented with plaques; gold cards; gold name plates.
- June 30th. Sterling Awards: Maintain your June 30th & July 1st rosters. Chapters with the
greatest increase in membership strength receive awards. (ex: July 1, 2020 – June 30, 2021)
- June 30th Prestige Awards: For members, chapters, and regions – for exceptional work
performed from January - December 2020.
REMINDERS
PRESIDENT & MEMBERSHIP CHAIR - REMINDERS!
Membership Payments: Encourage members to join or renew the memberships “online”. For those
who prefer mailing payments to National – include this “Attention Line” in the mailing address.
“Attn: Mr. Jerry Jackson, BIG National Membership Chair”.
Chapter Roster Reviews: Review your chapter rosters for inaccuracies – Monthly! Send updates to the
National Membership Chair Mr. Jerry Jackson [email protected] and 2nd Vice President &
Membership Chair [email protected]!
1. If a member is not listed (or is dropped) from the chapter roster! Immediately send in the
corrections for updates.
2. If an individual is not recognized: Do not ask that the person’s record to be deleted! Contact them -
send them a “Welcome” email with information about BIG, your chapter, meeting times, etc.
3. If a member’s membership is expiring: Promote renewals early! Send out reminders:
3 months out; 2 months out; and finally 1 month out – prior to their membership expiration dates.
Keep Chapter Rosters
PRESIDENT & MEMBERSHIP CHAIR TASKS
REMINDERS!
▪ Membership Dues/applications are to be sent to the National Office in Washington, DC. -
not to the RXI’s post office box.
▪ Make check payable to “Blacks In Government” not “BIG Region XI!”
▪ Membership Applications. Don’t forget to check the “Employment Sector” of the form –
Federal, State or Local government. BIG wants to identify BIG members at all levels of
government.
1. The National 1st Vice President: Coordinates programs and activities and develops initiatives to promote the
employment status of Federal employees.
2. The National 2nd Vice President: Promotes the employment status of State employees.
3. The National 3rd Vice President: Promotes the employment status of Local employees.
PRESIDENT & MEMBERSHIP CHAIR TASKS
REMINDERS!
➢ Choosing A BIG Chapter:
Remind prospective members: When choosing a chapter – Do not check “Undecided”!
Choosing a chapter helps to ensure that the members have guidance, are kept active and informed! Members can
always change chapters later - at any time!
➢ Free National BIG Memberships? No!
Inform prospective members – that they may see the word “Free” listed by the chapter name
that they choose – tell them to ignore the word FREE! BIG memberships are not “Free.”
They must complete the online membership process until the membership payment is made.
(Regular membership $35; Associate memberships $25 or $20. Lifetime membership $325.
Gold Plus membership $250)
Also, let them know that “chapter dues” (if any) are paid directly to the Chapter Treasurer.
SHARE YOUR IDEAS!
Recruiting new members is a Never-Ending drive!
Each event that your Chapter hosts - is a chance to recruit more members!
READY, SET, RECRUIT!
BLACKS IN GOVERNMENT
BIG Mailing Address
Blacks In Government, Inc.Attn: Mr. Jerry Jackson, BIG National Membership Chair
3005 Georgia Avenue, NWWashington, D.C. 20001-5015
BIG Websitewww.bignet.org
Click on “Join Blacks In Government”
BIG Membership Contact Information
Rev. Barbara Johnson-CoxRXI 2nd Vice President & Membership Chair
Mr. Jerry Jackson, BIG National Membership [email protected]