All Soroptimist clubs use the same framework for their membership program.  This is simply described as the acronym, ROAR, which means:

           Recruitment

          Orientation and

          Retention

Recruitment:  Ongoing club efforts to attract new members to the club, as well as identifying previous members and encouraging them to consider returning to the club.  Recruitment is actually the responsibility of every club member.  Every member is encouraged to identify potential members, invite them to a business meeting, and serve as the first contact regarding club benefits, procedures, meetings, programs, and fundraising events.  All members are club ambassadors wherever they go and strongly support the goals and objectives of the club.  Their enthusiasm is often the single-most notable factor in influencing potential members to join.  Recruitment is a year-round process for SIGH.

Orientation:  During their first year, new club members are offered the opportunity to learn more about not only the local organization but also about the levels of Soroptimist, national and international projects, and leadership.  However, SIGH strives to educate new members on the matters which most affect the local club and community and to acquaint new members with the club leadership.  There is often quite a bit to take in.  Thus, new members are encouraged to ask questions, offer comments, and provide input as appropriate.  Throughout the first year of membership, feedback about the club is solicited.  This helps the current leadership steer the club in a forward direction which is beneficial to all members.

Retention:  An organization is only as good and as strong as all of its members.  A member will only get from an organization what she puts into it.  Cliché?  Maybe.  However, these statements certainly apply to the fine art of retaining members.  Granted, there are occasions when members simply cannot continue active participation in club matters—a move to another city or state, significant change in job commitments, illness, personal matters.  These factors are understandable.  However, to keep SIGH growing, productive, and vibrant, the collective efforts of every member are essential.  The club is not run for the benefit of a few nor is it run by a few.  Periodically, each member should assess her reasons for belonging to this or any club.  Does the club meet the member’s needs and expectations?  What could be done better?  What are the strengths and weaknesses of the club?  How committed have you been to club activities, meetings, and events?  By periodically surveying its members, SIGH gains important insight and information which helps it retain those members who have worked hard to keep the club and its programs alive and well.

Questions:  E-mail us at info@soroptimistgh.org or call 1-877-435-4474.