SECTION 4 Membership Life Membership Eligibility Membership ...

Follow-up:• Contact eligible members within a few days.• Ensure membership teams are knowledgeable on VFW programs and services.• Make prospective members feel welcome when they join.• Invite them to be an active part of the post and join your recruiting efforts.TIP: Professionalism is very important. Ensure the booth area is well organized and clear of fooditems or clutter. When prospective members are at the booth they should be the focus of the conversation.Telephone RecruitingTelephone recruiting can be very effective for:• Collecting dues from continuous members• Reinstating former members• Enlisting prospective membersTelephone recruiters should:• Posses knowledge of the VFW, it’s programs and services• Have a pleasant speaking voice• Be prepared to overcome objections• Have a script-key points, important facts and method of ending the callCollecting delinquent dues via telephone:• Ask the member how they are doing and show concern for the members needs• Inform the member that the post is conducting its annual membership drive• Stress the importance of membership and urge the member to pay their dues• If needed, arrange for a member of the membership team to come by and collect the dues• Inform the member of current post functions and activitiesMail campaigns are useful for:• Sending dues remindersMail Campaigns• Following up on door-to-door and recruiting booths contacts• Encouraging members to visit the postMembership IdeasThe Membership Chairman and membership team should take an active role in the organization of recruitingevents at the post level. However, every post member should be involved in recruiting activities and communityinteraction. These activities attract prospective members and engage current members. A strong, activepost promotes sustained membership. Remember, face-to-face interaction is always the best way to interactamong veterans.Membership Building Ideas:• Activities which foster community involvement, patriotism, Americanism, or youth programs• Service Officer activities and linking veterans to benefit assistance59