Leona McDermott
2016-2017 National Membership & Leadership Ambassador
Soaring into 2017 at 95%!
Happy New Year! We have soared into 2017 with a membership percentage on January 4 of 94.98% – What an accomplishment!
Congratulations go out to the following Departments for attaining the following percentages in Membership on or before December 31, 2016:
100% Plus:
- Hawaii
- Maryland
- Michigan
- Ohio
97% and above â and so close to reaching 100% Plus:
- Alaska
- Florida
- Missouri
- Vermont
95 â 97%
- California
- Delaware
- Indiana
- Kentucky
- New Jersey
- Virginia
There are an additional 26 Departments at 90â95%, bringing the total to 40 Departments at 90%Â and above in Membership. This is so AWESOME! National President Colette and I are so very proud of each and every one of you.
So where do we go from here?
Each member and Auxiliary must focus on retaining those continuous members who have not yet paid their 2017 dues. While those members are not considered âmembers in good standingâ â they do have until June 30, 2017 to pay their 2017 dues and retain their continuous status. After that date, they will need to reapply for membership. Donât let those members slip out the back door. Call, email, use social media or visit every member on that unpaid list. Find out why they have not paid their dues â have they been ill? Are they having financial difficulties? If so, then perhaps the Auxiliary can assist this member in need. Have you made them feel welcome? Have you asked them to pay their dues? Membership is everyoneâs responsibility so I am asking each and every member to do your part.
Are you using all of the Membership Recruitment & Retention Resources available on the VFW Auxiliary website behind Member Login? There is a wealth of information readily available to assist with not only recruiting new members, but retaining our current members. If you have not already checked out these resources, please do so today.
With the disbanding of the Menâs Auxiliary which became effective on December 31, 2016, there is a golden opportunity to recruit those that are eligible for the VFW Auxiliary. I encourage you to be kind and understanding when asking former Menâs Auxiliary members to join our organization as many are disappointed with the decision to disband. Make them feel wanted. Tell them about what we have done and what we continue to do for our veterans and their families. This is about unity â think of how much more we can do with more members!
Donât lose your momentum â donât lose your focus â I believe we can and will do this one member at a time!
