Open communication for membership growth

Optimist International President Danny Rodgers has been out in front of the organization all year. In 27 short days he will turn the leadership and spokesman duties over to a new president, Jack Creswell. It will be interesting to see the difference in the personalities and through the use of social media, we will perhaps be able to see it as never before.

About 18 months ago, President Danny found a friend in the Flip video camera and he has recorded messages that describe his travels, express his vision for the organization, and motivate others to reach their goals. The latest message can be seen here and others are available on the OptimistArenaMan YouTube channel.




President Danny is also an avid Facebook user and although he rarely does so, he even checked in today on Twitter.

Creating relationships is so important for a membership organization. Before the wide acceptance of social media, the only way our international presidents were able to speak to us was from the podium at a convention, conference or organized event. Rubbing elbows with them at dinner or between sessions held sort of a mystical quality. We would also see computer generated letters written, maybe by them, burped out from an assembly line from a central office.

I've managed membership associations for a number of years and I know that the general letter of encouragement is needed; however, personal contact makes the letter much more believable because it connects you to the writer's passion. To be able to share that passion will make motivators of us all. Frequent, open and honest communication will lead to more involvement. Involvement leads to membership growth.

President Danny has started a different model for communication. It could use more blogging and two-way communication tools, but it's a great start. President-designate Jack, are you listening? How do you plan to open the lines of communication in the coming year? How can we take this opportunity for involvement even further?

Note: The Optimist International administrative year begins on October 1.