POINTS TO PONDER
Issue 02-18
From Your Federation President
NARFE Members of California:
CHAPTER GREETERS - Having recently attended a recent chapter Christmas
luncheon, I was a little disappointed that the chapter did not have an assigned Greeter to
welcome attendees to the luncheon.
As I went around the room introducing myself to the attendees, I discovered that at one
table there was a member who joined in 1991 and was attending her very first meeting
(luncheon). Her friend, who was also attending for the first time, was not a member of
NARFE. I chatted with this lady for several minutes about NARFE and explained to her
that if she and her spouse joined before December 31, 2002, their cost would be $35.00
(VICE THE NORMAL $50.00) under the Family Plan which will no longer be available
after December 31, 2002. She filled out an application and gave me a check for $35.00
which I have forwarded to headquarters. I hate to say this; but I had not been in attendance
the chapter would not have gained two new members, because none of the chapter officers
had paid any attention to these newcomers.
At another table there were four (4) ladies who were attending a meeting for the first
time. One was a member of another chapter and was considering transferring to this
chapter because they were more active and interesting. Of the four ladies, at least
two were interested in getting more involved in chapter activities, perhaps such as being
an officer or committee chair. As much trouble as most chapters have in getting volunteers
for officers, opportunities like this should not be overlooked. Again, none of the chapter
officers had taken the time to talk to these four ladies. They were ultimately introduced
by the Chapter President, but only because I prompted him to do so.
Similar scenarios to this have occurred when I visited several other chapters over
the past eighteen months.
The purpose of this dissertation is to alert chapters of the importance of having a
chapter greeter; a member who greets and welcomes everyone as they arrive at the
meeting. The Greeter needs to advise the chapter President of first time attendees
and attendees who have not been to a meeting in over six months, so that they can be
recognized and welcomed by the President. The Greeter should also advise the President
of attendees who are not members, so that one of the chapter officers or the Membership
Chair can meet with the individual, before they leave the meeting, to discuss the benefits
of being a NARFE member, present them with an application, and encourage them to
join our association.
NARFE Greeter badges are available for about $6.00 which can be worn by the
assigned greeter. A greeter badge isn't necessary, but gives the appearance of a more
professional and organized chapter.
I cannot over emphasize the importance of every chapter having such a greeter
program, particularly larger chapters who have a normal attendance of 20 or more
individuals. It is so easy to overlook that new face in the crowd. That new face is a
potential new member or a potential new officer!
Till Next Time....
Lea D. Zajac, Your California Federation President
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