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During the recent UNWLA convention, much discussion was centered on organizational growth through the recruitment of new members. Some UNWLA members offered examples of successful efforts in this often chal lenging enterprise. The following suggestions were contributed to Our Life by the president of UNWLA Branch 13 of Chester, PA. A companion article by this author, focusing on keeping infirm and elderly in volved in UNWLA activities, will be published in a subsequent issue. Seeking, Finding, and Keeping New Members by Christina Kyj Pluta Branch 13 of Chester, Pennsylvania, has grown over the last few years. This growth has made us stronger and more interesting because new people bring new ways of looking at things and do ing things. One of the ways we were able to achieve this goal was to forget the phrase "this is how we always did it." Times change and the way we ap proach our goals should reflect that we are willing to change with them. Change is a positive force and exploring different ways of doing something can create wonderful results. Some of the things our members have learned during this journey may be helpful to other UNWLA branches as they work to increase their membership. Seeking out women who might be interested in joining the UNWLA is the first step, and it is not as difficult as it may seem to be. Expand your hori zons and expand your prospect list by thinking posi tively. Any woman who is in any way connected to the Ukrainian community and is not already a mem ber of the UNWLA already is a potential candidate. This can include women who are of Ukrainian de scent, women who are a part of the Ukrainian com munity through marriage, and others who may sim ply be interested in some of the UNWLA's many projects and activities. Another thing to consider is UNWLA members who are members of inactive branches who have not taken any steps to reactivate themselves into the UNWLA. Often, they have not done so because they have not been invited to do so. One highly successful technique we learned was to extend personal invitations to potential mem bers to come as guests and sit in on a branch meet ing. The key is to make such guests comfortable and welcome from the moment they arrive. Make them feel special by introducing them to everyone and avoid overwhelming them by telling them about all the work they can do. Instead, entice them with a friendly, non-threatening approach that gradually introduces them to all the opportunities the UNWLA provides. Our programs are varied and interesting and we have much to offer new members. If we let them see what is available without pressure, many of them will find something of interest. Take care not to create language a barrier. If your guest does not speak Ukrainian well or does not speak Ukrain ian at all, conduct a bilingual meeting. This is com mon courtesy and shows that your intent is inclu sion, not exclusion. Another way Branch 13 has worked to at tract new members is by inviting members' daugh ters to attend meetings or interesting functions. This is a particularly good way to ensure cross-generation bonding and sharing of new and traditional ideas. Our Branch also offers free first year mem bership—a no risk guarantee! The branch pays for dues and magazine subscriptions, a small price to pay for bringing fresh ideas and new energy into the mix. “Н А Ш Е ЖИТТЯ”, ЛИПЕНЬ-СЕРПЕНЬ 2005 15
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