A Special Membership Story Inspired by Continental Congress
Yvonne Liser, National Chair, Membership Committee

Last summer, while still being pumped from the thrill of a wonderful Virtual 129th Continental Congress, I received feedback from a member asking for a meeting to discuss her membership experience in DAR. Her story was rather extraordinary and a great lesson.

Let’s just say several balls were dropped in the recruitment, engagement, and retention process. From feeling unwelcome as a recruit to being an unknown as a member, she had no intention of renewing her membership. Approximately 9% of our membership is lost after the first year of membership, and this member’s story gave me some insight on how that could happen. Needless to say, I was very apologetic and was ready to jump with ways to save her, but she had a lot more story to tell.

Thankfully, the new member came across the Today’s DAR Blog, and it just happened to be the post explaining the virtual format of the 129th Continental Congress. Having no idea what Congress was or entailed, she decided to attend despite the plan to not renew her membership. Thank goodness we attract such tenacious women in our organization

For her, Congress was an eye opener. She was inspired by the production, providing ideas of things she could do virtually in her own workplace. She learned that DAR did more than historic markers and preservation. More importantly, she learned that DAR did many things that she is passionate about in other walks of life. She also learned that her experiences were not the norm and DAR is a vibrant service organization filled with volunteers who are welcoming and are just as passionate about many of the same things as her. So, what happened? Instead of sharing her less than pleasant experiences with others, she wound up sharing all that is good with DAR. Instead of leaving DAR, she decided she wanted to work on revitalizing her chapter. I am so glad I met with this wonderful member. She was such the inspiration of many of the articles, posts, and presentations I have shared over the past year.

Continental Congress is more than just an annual meeting of reports and votes. It brings members together and reminds us of our mission as an organization. It showcases and celebrates the good that is done by members and non-members. Congress is a place we meet new friends and get to visit with old ones. We learn, share, and grow as members. Unfortunately, most members and prospective members have not had the opportunity of experiencing Congress during normal times. It also was not a possibility to share with potential prospective members.

A virtual Congress gives us the opportunity to engage and inspire chapter members, inform and encourage prospective members, and interest and recruit potential prospective members. Sharing the Virtual 130th Continental Congress is also a great reminder of how the individual member is connected to the chapter, state, and national levels. It is also a time for our members-at-large to get connected and join the fun. Continental Congress is the best advertisement that DAR has something for everyone.

So, make sure you attend the Virtual 130th Continental Congress and encourage your members and prospective members to attend as well. When available, make going through the Congress schedule an event to get the interest popping! Even better, share interesting portions with friends, family, and other potential prospective members! It’s a great way to recruit and fulfill the 202ONE Membership Challenge –one new member by each member. We can’t wait to see how your chapters are celebrating all of the new members you are bringing into DAR. Share your 202ONE story with us! Record a video telling us about your ONE and you may see it included in the Virtual 130th Continental Congress! Learn more here.

Let’s do this!

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