Guide Membership Recruitment Navy League of the United States July 2001 2300 Wilson Boulevard Arlington, Virginia 22201-3308 800-356-5760
Contents Overview...2 Where to Go for Recruiting Assistance...3 How to Begin Your Council s Recruiting Efforts...5 Membership Recruitment...6 Recruiting Idea Sheet...8 Recruiting One-on-One...10 What is the Navy League of the United States?...11 Welcome Letter...13 New Member Survey...14 New Member Orientation Plan...15 Sample Press Release...16 1
OVERVIEW The more members we have, the more we can do. With strength in numbers, we will be heard! GOAL: Increase your council's membership with new members who bring new ideas, new enthusiasm, and help increase your council's voice. Recruiting new members is something all Navy Leaguers can do. Members need to simply tell people about the Navy League and some of the various activities your council offers, and then invite them to visit or join. Everyone members come in contact with (except active duty military) can become a member of the Navy League. To be the most successful with recruiting, the council's Recruiting Committee should establish the overall plans for the year's recruiting activities. The council will generate more excitement among its members and achieve increased success by having their own special recruiting campaigns. As we work toward fulfilling the Navy League's mission, we need to create a fun and interesting environment so that members will enjoy their participation and want to invite others to join! This Recruiting Guide offers successful ideas used by many Navy Leaguers and councils around the world. After reading this information, select the ideas you feel will best fit your council's structure. Then, let us know about your successes so that we can share them with other councils. Have you asked someone to join the Navy League today? 2
WHERE TO GO FOR RECRUITMENT ASSISTANCE? Who to Ask? National Vice President for Membership Recruitment Region President State President Director of Membership Services, National Headquarters The individuals listed above will be happy to either assist you or recommend someone in your area to assist you. You can find their names and addresses in the NLUS Directory which is published after the National Convention. NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS Membership Enrollment Forms: There are several types of enrollment forms you can request from headquarters Membership Department: a) Regular Enrollment Forms with return address: These contain an enrollment form, Navy League history and mission, list of benefits, and return envelope. b) Regular Enrollment Forms without return address: Same as above except the return envelope does not have headquarters address printed on the envelope. c) Pocket Enrollment Forms: A small tri-fold enrollment form members can carry in their pockets. Carry these every place and you are ready to sign up a new member. d) Special Invitation to Join: These invitations look like a formal invitation with a return card and envelope. These are especially good to send to community or city officials or anyone you wish to have a very special invitation. Exhibit Kits: A great way to attract new members and to spread the word about the Navy League is to staff a booth at all local fairs and exhibits. Call headquarters to get these materials. Council Activity Guides: Council guides are available from National Headquarters to assist you. Call headquarters Membership Department toll-free number to receive your free copy. Listed below are some of the available guides: 1. Welcoming New Members 8. Sea Service and Family Support 2. Community Education 9. Council Formation and Council Building 3. Highline Program 10. Ship Commissioning 4. Membership Recruiting 11. Public Relations Handbook 5. Retention 12. Nominating Procedures 6. Hosting National Navy League Meetings 13. Youth Programs 7. Legislative Affairs Guide 14. Ship Adoptions 15. Business Awareness: Community Affiliates, Business Associates, and Corporates 3
Other Items Available through National Headquarters Membership Department: 1. Operations Manual-Bylaws and operation procedures for councils 2. NLUS Directory-Listing of all Council Presidents to National President 3. Membership Certificates-Free for councils to give new members 4
HOW TO BEGIN YOUR COUNCIL'S RECRUITING EFFORTS 1. Appoint or elect a Membership Chairman or Vice President This should be a highly visible position. See pages 4 & 5 for responsibilities of this position. 2. Appoint a committee Size depends on size of your council 3. Committee develops and implements a plan for the year Conduct membership recruiting contests with prizes. Set-up awards for Top Recruiter of the Year and possibly of the month or quarter. Coordinate and publicize national membership contests within your council and "sweeten the pot" with local prizes and awards. 4. Coordinate with the Retention Committee to recognize new members properly Retention is equally important as recruiting must have a retention chairman or VP. Retention starts the day a member joins, so recognize all new members. Offer special recognition to new members who bring another new member to the next meeting. 5. Recognize, Recognize, Recognize Prospect who attends your meeting. New member during their first meeting as a member. Member who recruited a new member. 6. Promote, Promote, Promote Promote your local recruiting campaigns. Promote all national recruiting contests. 7. Communication Keep your members informed through a regular council newsletter. Remind members during your monthly meetings about all upcoming activities. 8. Council Programs Plan regular council meetings which are advertised well in advance of the date. Meeting topics should be interesting and varied. Council activities should include hands-on projects which give all members an opportunity to participate. Give new members an immediate assignment to a council committee-get them involved! 5
MEMBERSHIP RECRUITMENT The recruiting of new Navy League members is essential to the continuing vitality of the individual council and the Navy League. Every Council should have a membership committee, with an aggressive committee chairperson and/or vice-president overseeing membership recruiting. The individual in charge of membership recruiting should be one with qualifications such as those of a real estate or insurance salesperson. All members should be urged to wear their membership pins. This frequently leads to questions which could result in a new member. Some Councils encourage this by fining (a nominal sum) those members who attend a meeting without their membership pins. All members should carry membership applications. This enables one to "strike while the iron is hot" should an individual express any interest in membership. Councils or individuals whose financial condition permits should consider "gift memberships." Make direct contact with business and community leaders who are known to have had previous maritime service. Special formal invitations to become Navy League members are available and have proven very effective where appropriate. The membership committee should arrange local Council membership contests with prizes for the winners plus laudatory mention in Council newsletters. Review local companies or merchants who either sell to the maritime services or support them and ask them to become Corporate Members, Business Associates, or Community Affiliates. Joint meetings should be arranged with other local service and patriotic organizations (Rotary, Kiwanis, Vietnam VETS, Naval Reserve Association, the Retired Officers Association, etc.) At such joint meetings it is especially important to have readily available Navy League membership applications, brochures, back issues of Sea Power, copies of council newsletters, etc. Such joint meetings, if properly organized, not only provide a potential source of new members, but also provide an excellent opportunity for carrying out the Navy League's educational mission. Note: At times, additional copies of the current issue of Sea Power magazine are available from national Headquarters upon request. Remember the Navy, Marine, and Coast Guard Reserve population are good sources of potential members. Special attention should be given to recruiting the spouses of active duty personnel, and the spouses of those married individuals who are already council members. 6
"Why should I join the Navy League?" There is no single answer to that question. It is important that all members be familiar with the Navy League's objectives and statement of policy plus the specific rights and privileges of membership. However, a less materialistic but rational reason is this: The citizens of our nation buy all types of insurance; life insurance, homeowner s insurance, health insurance, auto insurance, and others. By joining an organization dedicated to supporting our maritime services, a citizen is, in fact, buying National Survival Insurance. Other ideas for the Recruiting Committee: 1. Monitor newsletters and publications sent from headquarters. These are most often compilations of ideas that have been successful for other councils. 2. Review and establish a Recruitment and Retention plan for each year. 3. While these two positions are interwoven because "retention begins the minute a member is recruited," most councils find they are more successful when these responsibilities are divided. 4. Good recruiters are not always good retention people. 5. The Chairperson/VP should report all activities and programs implemented by the Committee to the Council Officer collecting the information 6. Call headquarters for Exhibit Kits and get involved in every possible fair, county/city exhibits, chamber of commerce activities. a) A variety of guides are available. Some are free and some cost a nominal fee. 1 ) Various applications 2) Drawing slips to have a drawing at the end of the day. a. Use the names to contact later about joining, or b. Send to headquarters for a special mailing and request to join. *Include your council's name and receive credit for all who join through this special endeavor. 7
RECRUITING IDEA SHEET 1. Plan a special "Bring a New Member Council Meeting" and have a special prize drawing with two winners: A Recruiter and A New Member. 2. Encourage members to sign up their spouse. Have a member fee for your functions and a higher guest cost to encourage spouses to become members. 3. Gift membership for birthday or holiday gifts are a good way to generate new interest from a younger generation. 4. Good Programs are essential for the growth of your council. Tell a prospective member they are needed in your council and give them an assignment to a committee immediately upon joining. Sign your council up for all local activities so that the Navy League's name is involved in numerous community activities and causes. 5. Exhibit at all local or regional events. Request an exhibit kit from headquarters Appoint someone who is on the recruiting committee to be the exhibit coordinator and be responsible for: Seeking opportunities to obtain a booth at all local events Schedule members to staff booth Train booth personnel. 6. Keep extra enrollment forms and have available at each meeting. Remind members to take an enrollment for in and recruit at least one new member during the month. 7. Promote the 12-A-Year Club, which is offered through headquarters. Recruit 12 new members in a year, which would equal only one per month. Receive a 12-A-Year Ribbon to wear at all meetings, including national meetings. Receive a special certificate from the National President and National Vice President for Membership for recruiting 12 members during the year. Offer an incentive on the council level for these members too. 8. Promote national membership campaigns. Recruiting contest information is sent to all members, but get involved and remind your members. Offer local council incentives to augment the special offerings from national. 9. Recognition!!!!!!!!! Recognition is very important to everyone Recognize all members who recruit a new member Recognize recruiter of the month, quarter, and definitely recruiter of the year 10. No Secrets to Recruiting 8
Personal contact is the most effective way to recruit new members Everyone is eligible to be a member except for members of the military who are on active duty. Many people have heard about the Navy League but falsely assume that previous military experience is required. Understand the Navy League--"What is it and what do we do." A lot of people have never heard about the Navy League so tell everyone. 11. Form a council speakers' bureau for local schools and other organizations: Sign up members in your council who have served our nation in all of the previous wars to be resources for schools or other organizations. Sign up other members who can effectively and articulately explain the Navy League's mission and activities to other organizations. 9
RECRUITING: ONE-ON-ONE If you talk with Navy Leaguers who are continually recruiting new members, they will tell you that the best way to recruit is to just "ask someone to join." There are no "secrets" or award winning techniques, simply a one-on-one conversation. Recruiting can be fun---simply share your enthusiasm for the Navy League and its mission with everyone you meet. Ideas to remember: 1. Be knowledgeable about the Navy League History Mission Member Benefits Local activities 2. Have enrollment forms with you at all times. (Call headquarters for a supply of enrollment forms) a. Regular Enrollment Form 1.) Contains information about a-c above 2.) Enrollments self mailer a) Check b) Credit Card (Visa, MC, American Express) b. Pocket Enrollment Form 1.) Enrollment form requires sender to provide a mailing envelope 2.) Small easy to carry in pocket, no details about the Navy League c. Special Invitation to Join These are simply special invitations, which can be rnailed. These are often used for: 1.) Local community leaders 2.) Any special group a council wishes to extend a more formal invitation to join. 3. Who to ask: Friends Relatives Co-workers Doctors Lawyers Accountants Everyone you meet Share your Navy League experience, then simply ask someone to join!! 10
WHAT IS THE NAVY LEAGUE OF THE UNITED STATES? In 1902, spurred by the desire to create an organization to speak for the Navy and carry its message to the American people, a small group of Navy supporters gathered in New York to form a patriotic organization, dedicated toward the establishment of national prosperity and strength. With the cooperation and encouragement of President Theodore Roosevelt, the Navy League of the United States was formed to display before the citizens of our country, information as to the conditions of our naval and maritime forces. The objective and purpose of the Navy League was simply to educate and motivate the American people. The need to awaken interest and support merchant marine was evident. Over the years, the Navy League has compiled an impressive record of accomplishments in meeting this challenge. Through Navy League forums, events and publications, dedicated civilians, the defense community and elected officials have been kept abreast on issues of national and international importance. Today, the Navy League is engaged in myriad activities to serve all citizens, the community, industrial leaders and elected officials. Local councils support the families of service personnel with legal and financial aid in time of need. Membership in the Navy League is open to all United States citizens, except those on active duty. Members of the reserve not on extended active duty are also eligible for membership. Active duty spouses can be members of the Navy League and are encouraged to join at a special reduced rate and participate in Navy League activities. The Naval Sea Cadet Corps, congressionally chartered, was founded to introduce American youth to the customs and traditions of our maritime services, and to motivate them to achieve their personal best levels of maritime skills. Inner-city programs familiarize the youth of today about the need for strong and effective sea power and their own potential role in serving their country. The Navy League today conducts local, national and international educational programs aimed at garnering support and understanding for America's maritime services and for the people who serve them. There are over 70,000 members of the Navy League in 333 councils around the world. There are almost 350 Sea Cadet Corps units training 10,000 young men and women. There are 600 Sea Cadets leaders and 3,400 adult Sea Cadet officers who direct the monthly activities of the Sea Cadet Corps. Last year 1,000 Sea Cadets joined our armed services. Navy League Councils have done such tasks as: adopted ships and stations to provide support and awards for the personnel; provided monthly, quarterly and yearly awards for outstanding enlisted and junior officers; recognized spouses of service personnel at awards banquets; provided service to families when ships are deployed; set up welcome parties for visiting ships; organized local and national recognition occasions for enlisted personnel and 11
provided assistance to recruiters; and provided numerous local and national scholarships for our nation's youth. Each member of the Navy League receives a monthly copy of SeaPower magazine and a copy of the yearly Almanac of Seapower, published as the January issue of SeaPower. Many councils have monthly meetings and social events that include service members as guests. The Navy League has a yearly convention and a mid-winter meeting that governs the operations of the organization and fosters increased activities in local councils. Navy League members are patriotic and look forward to helping those in service. They are a social group that knows how to obtain results and solve problems. They join together to help keep citizens informed on the importance of Sea Power. Many times they only have to be asked to solve a problem or give assistance. They are helping to build a stronger and better United States. Information on membership or other Navy League activities can be obtained from the Navy League National Headquarters at 2300 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, Virginia 22201-3308 or call 703/528-1775 or 800/356-5760 or you may also find us on the Web site address at www.navyleague.org. 12
WELCOME LETTER Date Name Address City, State Zip Dear: Welcome to the Navy League Council. As a member of our council, you support the worldwide mission of the Navy League as well as local projects. We have programs and special activities which support the men and women of the sea services and provide information and programs to educate our community about the importance of sea power to our nation's national defense and continued well being. We have adopted ships/units which give us an opportunity to provide direct, hands-on support to the men and women who work for our freedom. It is important to our community and the nation to support youth initiatives. This is achieved through annual local and national scholarship programs, support of Sea Cadets, and other youth endeavors such as NROTC and NJROTC programs and essay contests. On a more personal note, membership in our council will offer you a networking opportunity with community leaders. You will enjoy the camaraderie of our members as we work together to fulfill the mission of the Navy League and to simply enjoy each other's company in different social settings. All of these activities are achieved through the team work of our members. A new member survey is enclosed to find out your interests and to ask you to volunteer to help improve our programs. Please complete this survey and return in the enclosed envelope. We hold monthly (quarterly, etc.) meetings, and out next activity will be, on at p.m. at. We would like to introduce you at this meeting. We are happy that you have decided to become a part of the Navy League and look forward to working with you in future activities. Please call if you have any questions. Sincerely, Enclosures: 1. Survey 2. Return addressed envelope CP or Membership Chairman 13
New Member Survey Name: Phone Number: How did you learn about the Navy League: (Please circle appropriate answer) 1. Someone asked me. 2. Know someone involved. 3. Newspaper/other medias. 4. Former service member who had contact with Navy League. 5. Received information in the mail. Listed below are activities we support throughout the year. As a new member of our council, we need you to select the area or areas in which you have the most interest. We need your input to continue to offer more interesting and worthwhile events and activities for our members and community. (If your schedule does not allow full participation at this time, list your interests for future involvement. Our Council Needs You! Volunteer Areas of Interest Activity Now for future Involvement 1. Serve as an officer (Cirlce one) Yes No Position: 2. Committees A. Retention B. Membership C. Sea Cadets D. Newsletter Editor (published monthly) E. Service Recruiting F. Program G. Scholarship H. Family Support/Active Duty Spouse I. Ship/Unit/Facility Adoption J. K. 3. Meeting Greeter (welcome members and guests at a meeting. Indicate preferred month:.) 4. Military Ball 5. Fund-raising 6. Social Activities A. Golf B. Tennis C. Cruises D. Dances E. Other Do you have ideas for new or different programs which will help us better educate the community about the need for a strong maritime defense or to offer improved support of our men and women of the sea services? (Please describe on back) Return to: 14
NEW MEMBER ORIENTATION PLAN If you have a large council, form a committee. If you have a small council, select 3-4 members to execute this program. Objective: Orient new members in the mission of the Navy League, explain how it works, and explain your council's purpose and activities. Scope: Provide all new members with sufficient information to be effective members and receive all benefits of membership. 1. Offer a special session monthly or quarterly for new members. This could be held 30 minutes to an hour prior to or immediately following a regular meeting. 2. Have a well-planned session which explains: a. Mission and policies of the national Navy League b. Mission and policies of local council c. Yearly activities d. Special activities e. How the new member can become immediately involved (Have new members fill out the "New Member Survey" during this session. Then next meeting or before, tell them the committees they are on and provide the name of the committee chairman.) The key is to find something for everyone who wants to participate. 3. Each quarter or twice a year, have a special social for new members who joined since the last social. 4. New member ribbons. Get some inexpensive ribbons or make special name badges for new members to wear during their first meeting. RECOGNIZING new members is critical so that they can feel that they belong very quickly. Be sure their sponsor or an assigned sponsor introduces new members individually during the social period and to the entire group at the beginning of the meeting. 15
SAMPLE PRESS RELEASE This is a sample press release for you to re-type and fill in the information in parentheses. If you prefer, you may use this sample as an original release by whiting out the information in parentheses and writing or typing over the whiteout space. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: (Name) (Telephone number) (Date) NAVY LEAGUE NOW ACCEPTING MEMBERS (CITY, STATE) The Navy League of the United States, a patriotic educational association that supports the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and the U.S.-flag merchant marine by educating American citizens on the need for strong sea power invites local citizens to its next meeting, to be held (date, time, location, speaker and/or special activities, cost). The Navy League was founded in 1902, at the urging of President Theodore Roosevelt, who said: "it seems to me that all good Americans interested in the growth of their country and sensitive to its honor, should give hearty support to the policies which the Navy League is founded to further. For the building and maintaining in proper shape of the American Navy, we must rely upon nothing but the broad and far sighted patriotism of our people as a whole." From a small band of citizens in New York in 1902, today, the Navy League has grown to more than 70,000 members in 350 councils worldwide. Navy League councils participate in many local activities, such as providing recognition to outstanding Sailors and Marines, sponsoring Sea Cadets, League Cadets, and NJROTC programs, hosting notable speakers, visiting ships or naval facilities, and celebrating sea service anniversaries. Activities of the (name) Council include: (list) For more information, contact (name & telephone number) -END- 16