POINTS TO PONDER
Issue 02-14
From your Federation President
NARFE Members of California:
RECRUITING CHAPTER OFFICERS & APPOINTEES: Having visited
almost 70 chapters over the past 18 months, I can assure you that nearly every chapter
faces a common problem, that of convincing members to be a chapter officer, particularly
the positions of President and Secretary. I have addressed this issue in some of my
presentations wherein I presented, what I believe, to be key ingredients in getting
members to volunteer for an office. Rather than reiterate my thoughts, I am providing
the following which I extracted from another person's point of view.
Chapters are confronted with the recurring task of providing a slate of eligible members
for election or appointment to office each year as vacancies occur. The following material
is intended to provide recommended and proven methods, suggestions and comments to
help chapters accomplish this goal effectively:
1. Incumbents should be encouraged to find a suitable replacement for their position well
in advance of the vacancy, and if possible should provide guidance and support to the
prospective candidate.
2. Appointing Past Presidents to serve on the Nominating Committee is wise because
they are familiar with the organizational structure, operating procedures and can usually
answer questions and provide information to prospective candidates.
3. Be selective when recruiting candidates for positions which involve technical skills such
as Secretary, Treasurer, Public Relations Officer and Service Officer, which require some
experience and/or apprenticeship. Incumbents should become mentors to the candidates to
provide a smooth transition of office.
4. Prospective candidates must be reassured that they will receive adequate support and
training within a reasonable time after appointment in order to perform their duties properly.
Periodic discussions involving key chapter positions during meetings will help to familiarize
member with the various duties and reduce the fear of the unknown for new members who
may consider becoming a candidate.
5. The chapter should subsidize the cost of newly elected or appointed officers and those
assigned to key committees, to attend training sessions or seminars, convention activities
and other functions relevant to their position responsibilities.
6. Recognition of individual and group accomplishments is essential to inspire and motivate
members to accept positions and perform well. Certificates of Appreciation and Meritorious
Achievement Awards are recommended for excellent performance of duties. Name recognition
at chapter meetings and in newsletters is also very effective.
7. Nominating Committee members should make personal contact with prospective candidates
when recruiting. It is extremely harmful to the process for a recruiter to either exaggerate or
minimize the duties and responsibilities of a position. Placing emphasis on the candidate's
contribution to the organization, and the sense of satisfaction experienced by the individual's
service to the members would be a more factual and effective recruiting strategy.
8. Chapters which incorporate an automatic progression of office in the Bylaws
(President-Elect or First Vice President) to fill future vacancies seem to be more successful in
filling the key positions, which enables the chapter to operate until other positions are filled.
9. Some chapters have included term-limits in their Bylaws to preclude the possibility of
recycling the same person in an office. This process permits new members to seek office
and reduces the possibility of individual "Burnout".
10. New members should be asked to complete a personal profile, which may indicate
specific interests helpful in the candidate recruiting process. This information can be included
in the Service Officer's data inquiry for providing assistance with benefits.
11. Chapter Presidents should make a valiant effort to assign duties to each member who
attends meetings, no matter how insignificant the task. This makes most feel they are
actively participating in chapter functions and provides for more efficient meetings and
could lead to involvement as a candidate for office.
12. The presiding officer at meetings should make every effort to maintain a positive
attitude, including the topics and manner of discussion. A cordial atmosphere, good
fellowship and enjoyment during chapter activities will increase attendance and improve
volunteer participation in all areas, including candidates for office.
Most of these recommendations or suggestions are common sense and have been
implemented to some degree in chapters nationwide. It should be pointed out that
adopting most of these methods and strategies will result in successful chapter operations
as well as filling candidate slots during election time.
Till Next Time ....
Lea D. Zajac, Your California Federation President
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