[OMS_MANAGERS] great membership campaigns

[STUART Sheri * OPRD]

Attached is a guide I wrote for successful membership campaigns – it has some suggestions that might be useful. I agree with other comments that there isn’t anything like the one-on-one, but that shouldn’t be just staff -or the majority of asks- by staff only. When staff makes the ask, it can be perceived as them fundraising for their salary. It is better to have the ask from peer to peer and asking people to invest in a cause (vital downtown) that everyone supports. Every board member should have a role in the membership or donor drive – ensuring adequate funding is a fundamental responsibility of board members.

Some of the most successful campaigns I have seen over the years is when there is a theme with a specified timeframe that board members go out to do the ask in teams. This can be prefaced by a letter that is sent in advance to announce the campaign and theme with a 10% early-bird discount if paid before the launch of the campaign.

I also attached some other info such as sample letters, brochures, and a themed campaign.

From: OMS_MANAGERS [mailto:oms_managers-bounces at listsmart.osl.state.or.us] On Behalf Of director at coosbaydowntown.org
Sent: Tuesday, November 19, 2019 3:10 PM
To: oms_managers at listsmart.osl.state.or.us
Subject: [OMS_MANAGERS] great membership campaigns

Hello,

The Coos Bay Downtown Association is brainstorming ways to increase our membership. This past year we increased it by 30% and we want to continue that trend. That was mostly due to me doing office visits every week to try to get new members. We are wondering what other types of membership campaigns other downtowns have done to increase their membership. Letter writing, events, what is working? Any advice is appreciated.

Thanks,
Holly

Holly Boardman
Executive Director
Coos Bay Downtown Association
320 Central Ave. Suite 410
Coos Bay, Or 97420
541-266-9706
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