The mission of the Membership Committee is to develop more members for the Association. One of the responsibilities is one of the most important operating components of the West San Gabriel Valley Association of REALTORS® (WSGVAR) is generating more members for the Association. Once the potential members apply for the membership, the Committee would make recommendations to the Board of Directors for final decision. However, to reach that “end point,” the committee must play a leading role in the recruitment of new members and the successful retention of existing ones. The membership committee will also be active in the design, marketing and execution of membership benefits programs.
Having an active and committed membership committee in place is essential to a viable membership program. Therefore, the association staff should provide support for the volunteer chairperson and committee members, bringing together the strengths of both staff and leadership.
The categories of membership that most likely will be marketed by a membership committee while prospecting for new members are:
The following are objectives and strategies to recruit new members and retain the existing members:
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Develop a focused membership recruitment and retention program for all levels of membership, such as licensees, owners/managers, and affiliates.
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Understand the target market for membership of both REALTOR® and affiliate members, and know the association benefits and membership values.
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On an ongoing basis, seek out and encourage nonmember licensees to join the association. Association staff or volunteers should consider monitoring the list of licensees in an association’s area, then compare that list against the membership rolls.
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Develop and continue to provide an effective membership retention program for ongoing members. Both staff and volunteer leaders should be involved in proactive outreach to members to solicit their response and gauge their satisfaction.
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Develop an “involvement” program for new member retention, and establish programs designed for members in the first or second year of their real estate careers. Particularly successful are practical and timely education sessions and various specialty support groups, property tours, and “haves and wants.” Also the committee should be aware of the need for online resources and activities, particularly with younger members who are conversant with social media programs, online forums, and provide access via those offerings.
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Follow the NAR-approved committee selection policies and procedures, to be applied equally to all membership applicants.
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Keep fully and currently informed of National Association membership policies, as set forth in the:
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NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® Constitution and Bylaws
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NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® Official Interpretations of Article 1 Section 2, Bylaws of the National Association.
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Qualification Criteria for Applicants for REALTOR® Membership .
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Membership provisions in the association’s bylaws, subject to said bylaws being in compliance with the policies of the National Association of REALTORS®.
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Regularly monitor NAR’s policy changes and legal updates by viewing the “Law and Policy” pages on www.Realtor.org, and respond to proposed changes in policy or in the legal arena.
To encourage member retention, contact brokers who have said they plan to resign from membership, ascertain their reasons, and make all practical efforts to persuade such members to stay members.
Committee Members: