Evaluating your membership program against these criteria.

Here is the list of criteria used in ASAE's Association Peer Review Program to indicate that an association has a successful program in membership development and retention. This is one segment of the entire review program, which promotes sound management practices in 10 key areas of association

Indicators of a successful membership development and retention program. The association must demonstrate that its ratio of current membership to potential membership is reasonable. The association must have an effective and continuing program of membership retention and recruitment when appropriate.

1. A system for maintaining member records is in place and is responsive to member needs as well as staff and leadership.

2. The association has a realistic appraisal of its potential for membership growth over the next five years.

3. The association maintains and updates a prospect list of potential members.

4. There is a membership development and retention plan, including specific strategies and goals.

5. There is a follow-up procedure to determine why members drop from the roster, and an attempt is made to re-recruit members.

6. There are adequate funds for membership development and retention contained within the budget.

7. Periodic progress reports on the objectives and effectiveness of membership development and retention programs are prepared and analyzed.

8. Association programs, services, and activities are appropriately communicated to the membership so that there is continued awareness of the benefits of association membership.

9. Changes in membership attitudes, needs, and interests are monitored (through surveys, evaluation forms, etc.) and considered in future planning.

10. Member interest in association activities is demonstrated through volunteer service, meeting attendance, and contributions to programs and publications.

11. An executive of the association is specifically assigned to handle membership development.

12. The responsibility for member relations is clearly understood to be shared by all staff.

13. There are established procedures for the proper and timely handling of routine membership inquiries and requests.

14. Volunteer members as well as staff resources are used in membership development and retention efforts.

15. An appeal procedure (due process) is available for use by a member or a nonmember of the association, when appropriate.