Bright Ideas: Growing Membership
When Montana National Certifi ed Recruiter Trainer Jane Loucks and her late husband, Ron, saw U.S. Flags fl ying in residential areas, they not only observed displays of patriotism, they saw potential. Below Loucks discusses how her “Fly Your Flag Proudly” program aims to recruit new Auxiliary members.
VFWA – How did you come up with this idea? JL – T e “Fly Your Flag Proudly” project began a few years ago in the small town of T ompson Falls, Montana, where my husband and I were instrumental in starting VFW Post and Auxiliary 12113. Ron and I made short road trips around town and the rural area to locate Flags fl ying at private homes, thinking that a veteran might be a resident.
What touches your heart will likely touch the hearts of others.
We presented citations of appreciation for
Jane Loucks National Certifi ed Recruiter Trainer, Montana
fl ying the Flag, and had great success signing up the members needed to start this new Post and Auxiliary! When Ron passed away in 2014 and I relocated to Billings, I was overwhelmed to see the number of private homes displaying the Flag on their home or a fl agpole. Wow! Why not use this same philosophy as a recruiting tool for Montana membership?! Here is how it works: A Flag team of two
or more, wearing offi cial Auxiliary attire, will ring the doorbell at a home where a Flag is displayed. When the resident answers, we smile and say, “We’re members of the VFW Auxiliary and we noticed that you are proudly fl ying the American Flag. We’d like to present you with this citation to recognize your patriotism and to let you know that the VFW and VFW Auxiliary notice and appreciate the pride you show for our country.” T en we ask, “Do you know what VFW
means?” From there, we ask if anyone in his or her family ever served in a foreign war. One team member has a clipboard and will
obtain their name/address/phone and the name/relationship of the family member who served. We give brief overview of what the VFW Auxiliary does, give them a fact sheet, enthusiastically visit with them about membership and tell them how great it would be to have them join our organization. We also give them an application form to complete at that time or complete and return. Follow up is so important! If the resident
says that no one in their family served, ask if they are aware of any friend or neighbor who has a family member who would make them eligible for membership. Get that information.
VFWA – What will make this a successful recruiting tool? JL – T e VFW and Auxiliary are getting great positive exposure. People love to be recognized for doing good things, and they will share with others that the Auxiliary took the time to notice their patriotism. Some neighbors will be prompted to take action. Another Flag-fl ying home to visit!
VFWA – What advice do you have for others who are looking for creative ways to recruit new members? JL – Just look around you wherever you may be. What do you see or hear that inspires your patriotism? What brings proud tears to your eyes? Ask yourself, “If I were not a member of the VFW Auxiliary, what would draw my interest in joining this organization?” What touches your heart will likely touch the hearts of others. T e reason our organization exists can found in our heart. AC
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24