Think back to when you decided to join the League of Women Voters. If you’re like me, you were looking for a way to help register voters and encourage people to vote. You wanted to meet others who shared your commitment to protecting our democracy. What you learned was that the League is a large organization that’s complex, confusing and sometimes a bit intimidating.
Our goal with the New Member Mentor Program is to try to capture the enthusiasm of our new members, introduce them to the opportunities for involvement and encourage them to participate. In other words, make them feel that joining LWVBWC was a really good decision.
NEW MEMBER MENTOR PROGRAM
Mentors are knowledgeable and active LWVBWC members who will welcome a new member (NM), guide the NM to an activity/activities in which they can participate soon after becoming a member, meet other League members, understand the concept of non-partisanship, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) and encourage the NM to learn about the many ways to participate in democracy related activities at the local, state and national level.
Program Purpose: Inform, guide, encourage and retain new members.
Initial Contact
Following the President’s initial contact, the mentorship team lead welcomes the new member (NM) and learns why they decided to join. Lead encourages them to explore the League website, sign in and complete the member profile; including selecting interest areas. NM will begin to receive emails regarding these interests and team meeting information.
Mentor Tasks – 1st contact
Mentor contacts NM within a week and asks to meet with them in person, either one-on-one or at a League happy hour or coffee gathering where they can also meet other League members. At this meeting the mentor discusses any skills they have that might contribute to League work. Mentor gives NM their contact information and encourages them to call with any questions they might have regarding the League.
Mentor Tasks – 2nd contact early the following month
Mentor encourages NM to reflect on their League experience so far and answers questions they have. This meeting may present an opportunity to learn more about NM such as their current or past work experience, other organizations they belong/belonged to, and/or how NM can participate in local, state and national advocacy. Mentor talks more about the concept and importance of non-partisanship, the structure of the League and their personal experience in the League.
Mentor encourages NM to attend an orientation, member meetings, and member engagement activities (coffees, happy hours) that are coming up. Mentor asks if NM has any questions and asks NM if they would like to meet again.
This program contributes to Strategic Focus Area #5: Expand and strengthen organizational infrastructure for communicating internally and externally and engaging members so they can actively participate in bringing ideas to action.
This program contributes to Strategic Focus Area #5: Expand and strengthen organizational infrastructure for communicating internally and externally and engaging members so they can actively participate in bringing ideas to action.
If this sounds interesting, contact Joy Monjure at monjurej@gmail.com.