This topic contains 5 replies, has 6 voices, and was last updated by 
-
Posts
-
What ideas do you have to get WGA members to be more engaged with the organization, whether it be for helping at events, participation on this website, running for the BOD, joining committees, or other ideas you may have?
I was on the newsletter team when I served on the WGA board. I am still on the team as a volunteer. Using the newsletter and social media is a great way to make opportunities to participate known.
Another idea is to send out a poll asking people to respond with their skills and interests. We can then match them to opportunities to serve.
I have also found that people will participate when invited. A personal invitation through email, messaging, or a phone call will increase volunteer activity.
Not trying to steal MavWitt’s idea, but he has good ideas…we also used the survey in the Scout Troop, and being willing to approach people and asking is usually the biggest hurdle. Before last year I had not participated in many events during my first 17 years of caching, and I didn’t really meet that many people…but early last year I started attending events monthly in the Milwaukee area and have met so many people over the last year….just getting out and meeting people should be very helpful in trying to get help when needed.
MavWitt does have very good ideas. There are a lot of times that people may want to get involved, but they may not know how to go about it. People don’t know prior to volunteering if their skills are wanted, needed, or will be appreciated. Having an active social media presence is an important factor that I consider when deciding to participate in a group. Polls are a good way to allow people to respond or not respond depending on their interest level, time, or ability to participate. Active engagement on social media even if it is asking questions as simple as “What was the coolest virtual geocache you’ve found and why?” is a great way to engage followers.
I’ve always found it to be most successful to invite people personally. Often, if you put out a blast or post on social media, you will get a few people. But people really like to be asked directly, too. Don’t get me wrong, group posts will often get interest from someone you don’t know or didn’t realize had an interest…but if they are thinking about it, and someone asks directly, it may just be the nudge for which they were waiting.
jodibee
Views expressed here are my own and do not necessarily represent that of the WGA Board of Directors.
A lot of the time it is just asking people if they can help out. They may want to but are not sure who or how to go about. My self I have pitched in at some of the events when it time to clean up.
Getting out there and promoting the WGA is something I and my wife do quite often when approached by people.
You must be logged in to reply to this topic.