Transcript Executive Summary

Share the Pride of Elkdom
Public Relations & Membership
“How to Inform your Community,
along with Attracting New Members”
Presented by Andy Caporossi, PDD and John Simko, PER
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We have assembled notes on lodges that were
successful in terms of growing membership for
ten consecutive years, each bucking the
national membership trends.
They displayed many consistencies. Most
notably embraced modern communication
strategies and a strong presence in their
communities.
They are all passionate recruiters and provide a
family friendly environment.
All were active Elks Lodges with a bar….not
active bars with an Elks Lodge.
All displayed a good understanding of the
Order’s programs/opportunities and how that
translates back to the community they serve.
Share the Pride of Elkdom!
Share Your Lodge Impact
• You've likely heard it time and time again, but it bears
repeating; you need to routinely share where your Lodge
has made an impact. Not only does this help recruit new
members, it also allows Lodges to retain the support of
current members. Regardless of whether people support
the Lodge by donating or volunteering time, they'll likely
want to know they're contributing to making the
community and nation a better place. It's your job to
make sure they're able to see the impact they're having
through their involvement with your Lodge.
Share the Pride of Elkdom!
Increase New Members
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When deciding whether or not to join
the Elks and volunteer, many people
want to get a feel for the impact
they'll be having. Effectively helping
them visualize this impact through
advanced Public Relations programs
can boost your recruiting efforts.
Share the Pride of Elkdom!
Increase Membership Retention
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Even after candidates have joined your Lodge, they
likely want to know what impact their work had.
Studies have shown that members are more likely to
stop supporting the local Lodge and leave the Order if
they're unsure if the Lodge was making an impact in
the community. Sharing the fruits of their labor through
Public Relations can improve the chance they'll
volunteer more and remain members.
Share the Pride of Elkdom!
Increased Name Recognition
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No one is capable of supporting a cause or event
they don't know exists. Beyond simply getting your
Lodge name out there, people are far more likely to
support an organization they trust. While such trust
is developed over time through repeated positive
exposure, it starts with simple awareness of your
Lodge existence and mission. Of course not
everyone you touch will ultimately become an
active participant. But the more people you're able
to reach in some way, the greater likelihood you'll
reach people who are interested in participating.
Share the Pride of Elkdom!
Pictures Speak 1,000
Words
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When you complete a community or
committee project, It’s essential for
our members to see their impact
with photos. Replace the typical
long-winded article with photos.
Share the Pride of Elkdom!
Establish Your Authority on a Topic
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People are more likely to support an Elks
Lodge that consists of knowledgeable
Officers and committee chair people.
Public Relations success stories gives your
Lodge even more credibility and
exposure.
Social Media, Membership and
Public Relations are Cousins
Do’s & Don'ts
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Do be clear about your objectives.
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Do accept only Members as
“Friends”.
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Do set privacy controls.
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Do know when to ask for help.
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Do focus on using social media to
encourage attendance at lodge social
events.
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Do post photos of committees
performing charitable work.
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Don’t dive in head first. Social media
beginners should focus on a few things
and do them well.
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Don’t accept non-Members as friends.
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Don’t post photos of members drinking
or smoking.
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Don’t post photos that may be
“harmful” to the Elks image and
reputation.
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Don’t post names of children.
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Don’t post Lodge business that would be
in violation of your Obligation.
Membership Growth
Lodges that are growing membership have a strong presence in their
communities. Each have from one to four community service projects
which are well publicized. The Lodges are well known for these
community projects. All have successful Legacy recruitment drives.
Member’s spouses, children and grand children are joining. Making the
Elks a true “American family tradition”
Recruiting in the Community
What We do and How to Join
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All community events should include a
strong Public Relations and Membership
presence.
Set up a table with handouts.
Think of an airplane. Public Relations and
Membership are wings that allow the
plane to take flight.
Earn a good reputation as a premier
chartable organization in your community.
Provide a family friendly and member
friendly environment.
DARE TO SOAR
ON THE HORIZON
Membership/Public Relations webinars
Topics will include:
Best membership practices around the nation.
Public Relations tips to promote upcoming venues with Elks annual calendar.
Advice and examples on how to best tie in and leverage all your communication assets.
Lodge bulletin, email blasts, lodge website and members-only social media page.
The coordination and proper use of Elks logos and marks.
How to maximize all of the communication muscle that a Lodge/state has in its arsenal.
How to communicate with one voice.
ON THE HORIZON
We will be adding a Membership/Public Relations page to the Grand Lodge website
in the near future. Items will include recommended press releases and
other valuable tips…and show case some of the best practices around the nation.
Share the Pride of Elkdom
Public Relations & Membership
“How to Inform your Community,
along with Attracting New Members”
Presented by Andy Caporossi, PDD and John Simko, PER