MEMBERSHIP R & R RETENTION AND RECRUITMENT NCTA CONFERENCE
WORKSHOP AUGUST 2012
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MEMBERSHIP IS THE HEART AND SOUL OF NCTA TRAIL BUILDERS TRAIL
MAINTAINERS TRAIL PROTECTORS HIKERS/FOOT TRAVELLERS PASSIONATE
ADVOCATES STORY TELLERS FAMILY & FRIENDS JUST PEOPLE
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YOUNG >> OLD >> DAY HIKER >> BACKPACKER
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A PREMIER FOOT TRAIL NCNST A VALUABLE RESOURCE IN EACH STATE
40% Americans live within one day drive
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TOP 10 REASONS FOR NCTA MEMBERSHIP MEMBER QUOTES existence of
thousands of miles of world-class hiking trail that wouldn't exist
otherwise. "Being associated with a great group of like-minded
people. "Being a part of building something on a national scale
that Will endure beyond our lifetime. "Has more Trail completed
than the Appalachian Trail is long! "Serving and learning about the
communities that the North Country Scenic Trail passes
through.
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"Being connected to the rest of our 7-States through one common
trail. "An incredible link to countless places to enjoy the
outdoors. "Protecting a part of nature for future generations.
"Becoming part of a historic legacy established by our nation's
Congress. "Hiking!"
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TALKING POINTS FOR THE ROLE OF CHAPTER MEMBERSHIP CHAIR Goal:
R&R To Retain existing members and Recruit new members
(R&R) to increase NCTA membership 5% each year and eventually
to one member/mile or 4600 members. Objectives: For Each chapter
designate a Membership Chair and each chapter offer one open or
outreach event per month. Membership is the source of volunteers to
support chapter members and to construct, maintain and protect the
North Country National Scenic Trail. Membership is one source of
chapter funds. 20% of dues is returned to the chapter and 10% of
the dues is placed in the Field Grant fund. Chapters may apply for
Field Grants to fund projects (lumber, tools, brochures and
more).
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Chapter Membership Chair is the point person for R & R,
retention and recruitment. It is the membership that provides grass
roots support for building & maintaining the trail and
promoting the trail locally. Membership might be a function of the
Vice Chair/VP or communications coordinator or secretary or other
volunteer depending on other assigned functions. NCTA website
offers wonderful support and resources (a work in progress) to
assist all chapter officers and membership and provides for sharing
among chapters.
http://northcountrytrail.org/members/volunteer-resources
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Membership Chairs, with the help of chapter volunteers, can
spearhead the following: welcoming new members (ex. some send a
welcome packet, email or make a phone call). reminding lapsed
members (ex. some send/phone reminders, emails or thank you for
renewing notes). sponsoring and publicizing open chapter events ex.
hikes, work trips, potluck, picnic, presentation or program etc.
organizing outreach events in the community or trail towns (ex.
exhibits, posters, dissemination of NCTA or chapter brochures or
extra copies of North Star, presentations).
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SAFE TOOL USE DEMO AT LOCAL PARK
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SURVEY RESPONSES Most Successful R & R Strategies: # 1
Trail event/work event/hike/open to public # 2 Exhibit at public
event/location # 3 Focused hikes-Sequential, section and challenge
hikes Others: publicized events, speaker programs, food
event/party, meet up groups, word of mouth, networking, personal
contact of past due or expired, discount, brochures, invitation,
bring a friend
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Major Obstacles or Barriers to R & R: #1 Membership cost,
economy, gas cost #2 No membership chair, need charismatic person,
all too busy, older members do all work, no set goals, lack
recruitment tools, not encouraged to be involved other than trail
work #3 Need marketing and web interface, publicity, lack public
awareness about trail etc. #4 Geographic distance, spread out rural
population, distance from trail #5 Demographics- mostly older,
younger members not joiners or busy with family and have other
priorities Others: time and money for social events, too much trail
work, no encouragement, competition for time
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Most Successful Recruitment Tools Used: #1 Personal contact-
Word of mouth,, welcome new members, involve new members #2 Trail
events-hike, work trip, social, section or challenge hike #3
Publicity, exhibit, brochure in trail register Other: maps, reduce
membership cost to $13, we use none
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SHARE IDEAS [email protected] LEADER MONTHLY EMAIL NCTA
WEBSITE: http://northcountrytrail.org/members/volunteer- resources
http://northcountrytrail.org/members/volunteer- resources NCTA WEB
LINK TBA POWERPOINT INTRO TO NCTA AVAILABLE ON LINE
