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Volunteer Hub

Recruiting New Members: Guidance

How to recruit new members

Members can be recruited through a variety of sources but the most effective way to recruit members is by face-to-face contact. Events organised by an IWA branch whether it be a meeting, social, work party, lock wind or boat rally provide the perfect platform for recruitment.  Other sources of recruitment come through national advertisements in publications, promotion of IWA through leaflets, website and social media.

Leaflets

Membership leaflets provide a good prop for starting a conversation with potential members as they contain basic information about what IWA does.  The potential member can take the leaflet away to read at a later date and there’s a membership form included. Branches should make sure that their branch code is stamped on any membership forms distributed to gain recognition for recruitment. The membership team at Head Office has a range of leaflets and other literature available that can be used for recruiting members. Please contact Tracy Higgin – [email protected] on 01494 783453 ext. 601.

Branch Stands

If a branch organises an event or attends an event organised by others, it can be useful to have a display which contains information about IWA, the branch, and relevant local campaigns for the public to look at. Where a full stand isn’t appropriate, basic PVC banners with logos and website links and a basic message can be printed. PVC banners are useful at clean-up events so that the branch can gain recognition for the work by passers-by. Staff at the Chesham office can assist with putting printed posters and material together. Please contact Verena Leonardini –  [email protected] for more information.

 

Recruiting new members face to face

Enthusiastic volunteers are more likely to engage potential members than an advert or a leaflet, which is why events or walks provide a good platform to recruit.  Spread the word!  Many members join after hearing about IWA from friends.

It’s important that anyone representing IWA is informed about what IWA does, current campaigns and IWA’s policies.

Things to Remember

  • wear IWA corporate clothing at events
  • your sales / display stand is a vehicle for promoting the IWA and for growing membership
  • share your enthusiasm / knowledge
  • provide forms, pens, a clip-board or hard surface, table and chair
  • when completing forms with a prospective new member please encourage payment by Direct Debit as it costs us less in administration. Annual DD payers receive a free Imray map of the waterways too!
  • Also point out the benefit to IWA of making a Gift Aid declaration if they are able to do so – we can claim back 25p for every £1 they give, see Gift Aid for guidance
  • accept that recruitment requires the drip, drip, drip process and then one day someone will walk up to you and say “I’ve come to join!”

Recruitment v Retention

IWA’s membership retention rate is good, and once a member has joined we are likely to retain them as members for many years.  Retention of members is cheaper than recruiting new members, and loyal members are good advocates of the Association. It is therefore important that existing members feel valued.

What influences a member’s decision to renew?

  • IWA campaigns and policies
  • IWA’s image
  • subscription levels
  • information received from Head Office – Waterways / Bulletin / website
  • quality of welcome – both national and local
  • quality of local communication – branch magazine / programme card / branch emails / personal touch
  • opportunities for involvement – Waterway Recovery Group / walks / meeting up with like-minded individuals

Helpful Q&As

What are IWA’s key selling points?
  • IWA is led and run by volunteers
  • IWA is independent and impartial – we do not receive government funding and we are an independent voice for the waterways
  • We support all navigable waterways and speak on behalf of all waterway users – boaters, canoeists, walkers, anglers, runners, cyclists, paddleboarders
  • IWA provides expert advice, professional support, hands-on, practical volunteers and equipment for restoration projects.  Waterway Recovery Group is part of IWA and runs around 20 week-long canal camps per year when volunteers go to restoration sites and support the work of the local volunteers
  • IWA gives financial aid and expert advice and we are always happy to share our knowledge!
  • We encourage the carriage of freight on suitable waterways
Describe IWA, in a nutshell

IWA is a national membership charity working to protect and restore more than 7,000 miles of inland waterway.  We are volunteer led and independent.  We do not receive funding from government and we use our voice on behalf of all waterway users to campaign to ensure our waterways are as good as they can possibly be.

What makes IWA unique?
  • We are the only membership charity fighting on behalf of all inland waterways in England, Scotland and Wales
  • We are the only waterways charity with a network of local committees monitoring planning applications – to ensure new waterway developments are beneficial to the waterways and our heritage
  • We are the only campaigning group with a nationwide voluntary restoration work force
  • We are the only membership charity undertaking work of benefit to all waterway users
Is signing up new memberships easy?
  • NO – it requires patience, charm, effort and not a little faith
  • listening is key….and then use what you learn to help the potential supporter know how IWA can make a difference to them
  • Practice what you might say to potential supporters – there is no one way to describe IWA, and so with practice you will find your own words that will work for you
  • Always remember to ask the potential supporter to join.  The ask is really important and is what many potential salespeople forget to do.