Reaching Out to the Next Generation: Steps for Engaging New

APWA Student and Young Professional Members

Laura KroegerMike FraserChas Jordan

APWA Subcommittee on Generational Issues

Send out a Welcome Letter

• The first contacts with a New Member are extremely important

• APWA National provides information on who New Members are

• Letter can be sent by the Chapter President, Membership Chair, or another Chapter Board member

The Purpose of a Letter

• Want New Member to feel welcomed (not over-whelmed)

• Want New Member to be aware of local Chapter and APWA National opportunities

• Want to give a New Member an invitation to become active by providing him/her with information and contacts

What to Include in Your Letter?

• Introduction to Chapter/Branch officers• Upcoming events and meetings• List of key committees and chairs• Link to Chapter/National website• Introduction to “Buddy” with contact

information• Invitation to next event

Suggestions on Format of Letter?

• Welcome Letter should be short and include a personal connection

• Calendar of events and list of committees can be a standard enclosure

• Develop a fact sheet about your Chapter/Branch as another enclosure

What Are Chapters Doing?

• Both the Manitoba Chapter and the Missouri Chapter send out a Welcome Letter to New Members.

• The Chicago Metro Chapter sends out a Welcome E-mail to New Members.

Assign a “Buddy” to Each New Member

• A Buddy or an assigned contact can be helpful in the orientation process. However, each Chapter must decide if this approach is right for them.

• Contact with the New Member is especially important during the first 30-60 days.

How Could a Buddy Help?

• A Buddy could be chosen to make the first contact with the New Member.

• A Buddy could ensure that the New Member feels welcome and valued in the Chapter/Branch.

• A Buddy could be “the” go-to source for Chapter/Branch information.

How Could a Buddy Help?

• A Buddy could accompany the New Member to Chapter/Branch events and introduce him/her to other members.

• A Buddy could provide the New Member with a tour of both the Chapter and National websites to introduce him/her to the information and resources available

How Could a Buddy Help?

• A Buddy should try to match the needs of the New Member with opportunities that APWA can offer

• Possible examples include professional contacts, internships, scholarships, mentorships, job openings, committee appointments, or volunteer roles.

How Could a Buddy Help?

• A Buddy could assist the New Member in planning for his/her first APWA Congress & Exposition.

• Giving a New Member a head start in sorting through all of the resources and opportunities will better prepare him/her to successfully integrate into APWA, and begin to contribute much sooner.

What Are Chapters Doing?

• New York Metro Chapter – Assigns a New Member with an existing member.

• Oregon Chapter – Assigns a “buddy” to a first-timer at breaks during conferences.

How to Keep New College Student and Young Professional Members

Interested and Engaged

• Events• Leadership Opportunities• Networking Opportunities• Partnerships• Financial Assistance

Events

• Chapter events that meet Young Professionals’ scheduling requirements

• “So You Want to Be A…” events – courtesy of the Florida City & County Management Association

• Community outreach programs during Chapter trade shows or conventions

• Tours and speakers that appeal to New Members

Leadership Opportunities

• Chapter or Branch Executive Committee position for emerging or young leader (non-student)

• Young Professionals Committee - courtesy of the Georgia Chapter

• Student member of committees and task forces

• Chapter or Branch Emerging Leaders program – courtesy of the Kansas City Metro Chapter

Networking Opportunities

• Networking events at trade shows and conventions

• Mentorship programs• Icebreaker events at Executive

Committee or Chapter/Branch–wide meetings

Partnerships

• Local universities – affiliated student organizations

• Young Professional organizations in local communities

• Leadership Development programs (for example, Leadership Florida)

• Chapter partnerships – representatives & events

Financial Assistance

• Conference scholarship for an emerging or young leader

• Chapter scholarship for an emerging or young leader to attend APWA Congress & Exposition

• Free or reduced conference registration for student members

• Fund the participation of a young professional in the APWA Emerging Leaders Academy program – courtesy of the Colorado Chapter

Questions or Comments?

• Laura Kroeger - Denver, COlkroeger@udfcd.org

• Mike Fraser – Salina, KS mike.fraser@salina.org

• Chas Jordan - Largo, FL cjordan@largo.com