The Nonprofit Membership Toolkit

Step-by-step, The Nonprofit Membership Toolkit shows how to create, manage, and sustain a dynamic membership program that will help a social change organization thrive. Written for both new and well-established social change organizations, this book is grounded in proven marketing techniques. It gives managers and executive directors the information and tools needed to understand their current members and attract new ones, and it walks organizations through the process of linking program goals with membership goals. The Nonprofit Membership Toolkit includes a wealth of illustrative examples and sample membership publications. Schedules for typical membership tasks keep organizations on track, and the easily reproducible worksheets and checklists and the companion Web site help readers design a program that can be adapted to meet the unique needs of their individual organization. The Nonprofit Membership Toolkit will help executive directors, development directors, staff and board members, and other volunteers involve the community, build program effectiveness, and diversify and strengthen their organization's funding base.

Preface Acknowledgments About the Author Part One: Integrating Membership into Your Organization Introduction: The Membership Partnership 2. The Benefits of Membership 3. Defining Membership in Your Organization Part Two: Managing Your Membership Program 4. Building a Renewal Program 5. Inviting Member Action Through Special Appeals 6. Creating Effective Member Publications Part Three: Expanding Your Membership Base 7. Recruiting New Members 8. Converting In-House Prospects to members 9. Inviting Membership One-on-One 10. Recruiting Members by Mail 11. Electronic and Community Networking Part Four: Strategic Planning for Future Growth 12. Upgrading Your Members 13. Creating Your Membership Plan 14. Staying Legal Resources A. For More Information B. Recommended Protocol for Managing Membership Records and Finances C. Source Code Protocol for Members and Contributors D. Membership Activities Report Form and Tracking Patterns E. Copywriting Tips Index