Report to Members
Following Through
All too often, we forget to look back at the visions and goals we originally set out to achieve. In an effort to gauge the progress of the Membership Committee – I dug through the stack of 'Reservoirs' on my coffee table, and revisited the original blueprint.
In my July 2006 article, "Strategies for Increasing CSPG Membership," I outlined a membership development plan focusing on the "4 R's." The 4 R's which were defined as retention, renewal, recovery, and recruitment. The Membership Committee has worked on each of these "R's," and the results have been very encouraging.
Excerpts from the original article are in italics.
Renewal
"...renewal refers to keeping members after their subscription has expired. Continually adding new programs and new member advantages will allow us to encourage renewal since the last time the individual subscribed."
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Renewal reminders for 2007 were sent out on October
20th, 2006. As of submission date for this article (January 23rd,
2007), 90% of 2006 members had renewed their memberships. This renewal
rate outpaces previous renewal rates (at this time) by approximately
20%. Renewal forms are still coming in every week, and the Membership
Committee expects a spike in renewals prior to Convention registration.
| Membership Type | Member Count | 2007 Renewal Percentage (as of Jan 23rd, 2007) |
|---|---|---|
| Regular | 2498 | 90% |
| Associate | 233 | 84% |
| Emeritus | 123 | 92% |
| Honorary | 39 | 100% |
| Student | 9 | 100% |
CSPG membership already offers a wide array of advantages, and we are working towards adding even more.
Membership benefits are frequently updated online, so we encourage you to check back often!
Recovery
"There are numerous issues that may cause a person to give up their societal membership. Rather than speculate on what these issues might be, it is important that we contact past members and ask them directly. After understanding the issues that have contributed to their displeasure, it is up to the Society to address their concerns in hopes of attracting them back."
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With the assistance of Sarah Barton and Leah Barnett, the Membership Committee has been contacting lapsed members by email and telephone. Many of the previously expired members have decided to rejoin the Society. Those who have decided against rejoining have provided us with invaluable feedback, from which we intend to improve the Society with.
Retention
"...the CSPG will have no problems retaining members if it remains well organized, financially stable, and most importantly, displays a sense of direction and purpose. It is also critical that the CSPG membership consider the input of members in Society decisions and provide recognition for members' efforts."
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The traits that are characteristic of a strong organization are all displayed by the CSPG Leadership. Current membership has shown great support for the vision we are trying to achieve. The Membership team is hoping to actively facilitate communication between the general Membership and various other committees. New efforts such as online surveys and table drops at luncheons, will give us the feedback required to achieve societal needs.
Recruitment
"If there is a secret to membership recruitment, it is to be methodical. Clearly defining what membership means, and what the community represents are critical to attracting new members. A potential member is not just 'anyone,' but rather a person that fits into a set of clearly defined interests."
Part-marks?
Of the 4 R's, this is the one that has received the least attention. In an effort to keep our membership base strong, we have not been able to dedicate our full efforts to recruitment. With the renewal period coming to a close, we will be spending more time actively implementing our plan to attract new individuals.
Ayaz Gulamhussein
Membership Chair, Canadian Society of Petroleum Geologists
