If it’s possible, try to send to all area alumni - at least to those who indicated an interest in joining the chapter but who were not able to attend the first meeting - a follow-up post-card or letter outlining future chapter activities. Let them know who was there (they are much more likely to join you if some of their friends are already involved), who else expressed an interest in joining, and give the date, time and location of the next meeting.
If you need assistance, the National Office may be able to help you get this second contact mailed. While a second mailing can’t be done free of charge, the only real cost to the alumni group would be postage.
However, experience has shown that chapters cannot operate on direct mail alone and expect the best response from alumni. Personal contact is the most effective way to prompt involvement in your chapter.
Yet, since face-to-face contact is not always feasible in communicating with alumni, email is a great and economical alternative. Getting information to members and obtaining their responses by email is much quicker than mail.
Additionally, the telephone is a great tool. The personal touch of direct conversation has been shown to be the best method to increase attendance at chapter events. So, at your first meeting, you might consider establishing a telephone network.
First, recruit a volunteer to start the network. Though you’ll have your original roster, that person may contact the National Office and request an alphabetical roster of all names, addresses, email addresses and phone numbers of alumni in the area.
Let’s say, for example, that the San Antonio, Texas Alumni Chapter has 50 members. The network chairperson asks five chapter members to serve as the contact person for ten (10) alumni and sends to them the name and telephone number of those he should call. When information needs to be distributed quickly, the chairman contacts the five principal callers, who then call the members on their list.
One of our southern California alumni chapters takes use of the phone one step farther. The chapter has rented a voice-mail box through the local phone company and uses the greeting to provide an update on chapter activities to members. Additionally, members can leave messages for the chapter officers.
Another interesting idea comes from the Charleston, S.C. alumni chapter. On the morning of a luncheon or social gathering, they fax a brief reminder to each member. With the broadcast fax capability available today, this may be a quick and easy way to increase attendance at your events.
Also, maintaining a chapter website may be a useful way to inform members of activities and events.
Finally, consider listing your alumni chapter in the phone book. Brothers moving to your city might notice it and contact you.
