Chief of Staff/Extension - Get Members Involved & Energized

Barbara Melnick
2015-2016 Chief of Staff/Extension
National Ambassador

It’s hard to believe, but we are halfway through the 2015-2016 Program year. Thanksgiving is over and Christmas and New Year’s are weeks away. There is a lot going on this time of year and hopefully we are all still out there recruiting members! As of January 2016 if your continuous members have not paid their dues, they are not in good standing and cannot come to your meeting and participate.

Please contact members you haven’t heard from in a month or longer.

• Mail a dues reminder along with a note stating you appreciate their membership and wish them a happy holiday season.
• Email, call or text the member(s) to let them know it’s time for their dues renewal and that you hope to see them soon.
• Find out if the member(s) needs assistance paying for dues and/or transportation to the meetings and/or Auxiliary events. 

Most importantly, DON’T GIVE UP! January is a brand new year and new and exciting things are on the horizon for Auxiliaries all across America. Personally ask members to participate in the planning and execution of Auxiliary events, fundraisers and volunteer opportunities; involve veterans at your Post home in what you’re planning.

Not sure what to do or where to start or need a fresh idea? A few are listed below.

• Host a fashion show and invite local students to help with the event.
• Host a family board game tournament or trivia night.
• Host a family fun night with cake and pop/soda walks, bobbing for apples, face painting, piñatas and other indoor activities. 
• Host a gingerbread house decorating party; auction the houses off with proceeds benefiting our programs.
• Host a Holiday Pet Parade. Invite the public to bring in their pet(s) for a photo with Santa with proceeds benefiting our programs. 
• Host a Chili Cook-off and invite local celebrities and/or well-known citizens to be tasters.
• Host a Battle of the Bands or Dueling Pianos fundraiser.

The key is to get members involved and energized in your activities and programs. Be sure and thank them for their time and efforts with the “Good Job Award” available in the Healthy Auxiliary Toolkit on the website. Speaking of the Healthy Auxiliary Toolkit, I hope you have all been using the Healthy Checkup and Certificate of Good Health during your Auxiliary visits this year.

Please do not forget our hospitalized veterans this time of year! Remember, it is never too late to say “Thank you” to our veterans.

I wish each of you a very Merry Christmas and the very best and healthiest of New Year's!