Chapters can take a lot of action to improve member retention, attract new members, and keep NARFE’s name before the public.  The following is a list of ideas for you to ponder:

·        Implement a Spotlight on Members program(see more details on narfefl.net).

·        For areas where the local Newspaper covers several chapters, do a multi-chapter meeting notice.  See the sample in www.narfefl.net.

·        Host NARFE Red Hat Society events.

·        Provide free tickets to local theater rehearsals.

·        Sponsor a NARFE Night at the movies

·        Obtain discount/free tickets at local attractions

·        Sponsor golf tournaments, bowling leagues, or other events to fund ALZ, FEEA or scholarships to seniors at local high schools.

·        Set up an annual Chapter goal for contributions to ALZ, FEEA, etc.

·        Set up an annual Chapter goal for membership.

·        Provide transportation for members who need help in traveling to attend meetings.

·        Honor couples with golden anniversaries (50 years) with a free dinner.

·        Give away certificates for free turkeys at Thanksgiving.

·        Have a joint meeting with school teachers, as well as state and city employees on common issues.

·        Enter a float into a parade.

·        Work with a local large grocery store to set up a booth where the Chapter can sell hot dogs and soft drinks.

·        Give baskets at the holidays to those with disabilities.

·        Obtain local sports team tickets at a reduced price and sell them.

·        Have a progressive cash drawing where you must be present to win.

·        Set up a Chapter/District “Speakers Bureau”, making members available to speak to other organizations.

·        Set up a NARFE table at fairs- health, county, state or community events

·        Join the Chamber of Commerce.

·        Place a NARFE welcoming sign on the roads into your town.

·        Establish a chapter website.  In a 2/11/06 email to me regarding Chapter 1002’s new website, President Pappa wrote: “I believe this is very good, and that every Chapter needs to establish a web-site similar to Chapter 1002.”

·        Keep members up to date via email.

·        Make sure members with email sign up for GEMS.

·        Distribute NARFE Magazines at highly visible places – dentists, doctors, banks, model homes, senior centers. National, if requested, will send extra copies for such use.

·        Attend meetings of Newcomer’s Clubs.

·        Advertise meeting notices, noting, if possible, speakers if they will be of interest to a large audience than just NARFE members.

·        Participate in local conventions of federal employee organizations.

·        Set up booths at senior extravaganzas, art festivals, boat shows, other local activities that attract large groups of people.

If you have any questions, or need any help, feel free to call or email me.  Also, send me suggestions for items to add to this list. 

 

Good luck!

 

Marc Harris

Public Relations Chair
Florida Federation - National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association
P: 239.549.9902
F: 239.236.0228
www.narfefl.net