Most of the efforts to recruit and maintain ESP members in XI Chapter takes place during the fall and winter months. The membership chairperson uses e-mail as the primary means of communication to all Extension employees through a listserv. There are at least two newsletters produced each year. Each newsletter is posted on the XI chapter website.
The state of North Carolina is divided into seven districts that include 100 counties plus the Cherokee Reservation. Each district has a membership chairperson. The state membership chairperson will work in conjunction with the district representatives to solicit/encourage new members as well as encourage previous members to renew their ESP membership. The membership chairperson will personally write colleagues that do not renew their membership. Recent retirees are also written a short time after separation from the work force.
A big effort will be made in 2003 to encourage more retirees to join XI Chapter. A list of names and addresses have been obtained from Extension administration to help make this happen. This project will take some personal phone conversation time with the retirees by the entire membership team at the state and county levels.
It is important to use personal ESP letterhead stationery when communicating with retirees and other supporters of ESP. Displaying a professional image is important in helping to bring about the desired outcome of support and membership in the organization.
XI Chapter currently is using at least three types of membership forms. There is a form for the new member, a form for the individual renewing member and retiree, and a form for counties to use to pay for an entire staff.
The development of a recruitment brochure has proven to be very useful when addressing a group of potential members. The brochure explains the membership criteria for joining ESP as well as where to get the form to become a member.
Please take the time to visit XI Chapter's website in North Carolina:
http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/assn/esp/
Membership Recruitment Brochure
http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/assn/esp/member.pdf
Forms For Payment of Dues
http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/assn/esp/dues03.pdf
http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/assn/esp/duesnew.pdf
http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/assn/esp/letteriv.pdf
Letterhead For Use By Board Members
http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/assn/esp/letterhd.pdf
http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/assn/esp/letter 2.pdf