Ways to Welcome New Members: A Brief Overview
Article
Posted on January 1, 2010
“Most people who leave your community will do so within the first year, usually because they haven't made a friend.” - Rabbi Arnie Rachlis
- Compile a New Member folder with a welcoming letter and information about your congregation. Include a new member questionnaire to explore what new members want from your community and what they bring.
- Partner veteran members with new members to keep track of them and keep in touch. Have the current member partners set up a time to deliver hallah, wine and candles to the new members' home.
- Make sure that new members continue to be connected to the community - involved members are more likely to continue to be members.
- Create programs specifically for new members - a special service; or a brunch after Shabbat or on Sunday.
- Create special programs for uninvolved partners and/or families.
- Arrange a regular (monthly) “coffee with the rabbi (or another leader)” focus group for particular constituencies in your community (i.e. seniors, non-Jews, GLBT members, singles, single parents, “class of …,” etc.).
- Share power and leadership.
- Have a committee fair to give new members the opportunity to learn about your congregation’s committees, how they work and opportunities for involvement.
- Write an “exit poll” to find out why people leave your community.
