TIPS AND TOOLS FOR GROWING YOUR CHAPTER/BRANCH MEMBERSHIP
- Welcome to the on-line EAPA Chapter/Branch Leader's Tool Kit! The tool kit is an evolving resource, designed to help officers and members build and manage their EAPA chapters/branches more effectively, including recruiting and retaining members, as well as promoting the value of EAPA membership and the EA profession.
Remember, the tool kit was designed for YOU, the EAPA chapter/branch leader. Please send any suggestions for improving or enhancing the tool kit to the webeditor@eapassn.org. - Practice the 5 Habits of Highly Successful Chapters
- Learn from your peers – tips for success from EAPA chapters and branches around the globe:
Chapter Success
Develop and follow a strategic plan for your chapter or branch.
Share the benefits of EAPA membership with prospective members.
New Members
Contact every new member with a “welcome” phone call, email, or letter.
A simple welcome phone call that introduces you as a chapter/branch officer and invites them to the next chapter/branch meeting or event is a great first step in creating a welcoming environment and building engagement. A welcome email or letter can supplement the phone call and provide them with additional helpful information.
Recognize prospective and new members publicly
Nothing says “Welcome!” like public recognition. Acknowledge new members at each chapter/branch meeting. Put it in print! Does your chapter/branch have a website, newsletter, or listserv? Use it to tell the rest of the membership that you have new or prospective members. When possible, include a brief bio.
Retain the members you already have by keeping them engaged
People continue as members and attend chapter/branch functions when they are actively engaged in chapter/branch or EAPA activities. Develop a list of ways people can be engaged (local or international committees, planning groups, program presentations, etc.). Then reach out personally to as many people as possible in the chapter/branch and let them know directly that you think they would be good at a particular one of the activities. Instead of just putting out the word that you are looking for volunteers, ask people directly. They will usually respond if they’re able to, and in any case, they’ll be flattered that you asked. The more members you can keep actively engaged, the higher your retention rate will be. Don’t forget to reach out right away to prospective and new members – it’s a way for them to meet more people and for you to help them develop a habit of active participation.
Keep your chapter/branch page current on EAPA’s website
Prospective and current members look at your chapter/branch page on EAPA’s website to find out about upcoming meetings and to contact chapter/branch leaders with their questions. Designate someone to send updates (new officers, meeting schedules and topics, etc.) to webeditor@eapassn.org as soon as you know them. If you prefer, you can use our online chapter/branch update form. (Only complete the sections that have changed.) Remember to always include your chapter/branch name!
Keep EAPA’s records of your chapter/branch officers’ names and e-mail addresses current
EAPA maintains a chapter/branch officers distribution list, which includes the names and email addresses of all current chapter and branch officers, so they can receive news of importance to your chapter/branch. Always keep EAPA up-to-date on who your chapter/branch officers are, so we can keep you informed with the information you need. Updates can be submitted to webeditor@eapassn.org. If you prefer, you can use our online chapter/branch update form. (Only complete the sections that have changed.) Remember to always include your chapter/branch name!
Post your chapter/branch annual conferences and special events on EAPA’s website and EAPA’s LinkedIn group
Major chapter and branch events can be posted in the “Events” section of EAPA’s website, where they can be viewed by anyone visiting www.eapassn.org. Even if the viewers can’t attend a particular event, they’ll see that your chapter/branch is active and engaged in making a difference for its members. Send your events to webeditor@eapassn.org. Here is a suggested format:
Acme Chapter Announces May Conference
The Acme chapter will be hosting its 25th annual conference on April 16-17, 2025 at the Hilton Hotel in Biloxi, MS. The conference theme, “Adapting EAP to the Changing World of Work,” will explore how EAPs can thrive in the workplace of the next five years. Early Bird registration is available now. For more information, click here.
DISPLAYING EAPA LOGOS
- Use of EAPA "Member Logo" by individual members - EAPA individual members may display the EAPA Member logo, provided that the logo is not altered in any way, and further provided that the context of the display makes it clear that the use of the logo indicates EAPA membership only and not endorsement or recommendation of the member by EAPA. You can download the logo here. Members of EAPA branches who are not also EAPA international members may not display the EAPA Member logo (see below).
- Use of EAPA Logo by Chapters or Branches - when creating a chapter or branch logo, chapters or branches must display the EAPA logo in its entirety (logo and imbedded text), though they are free to add design elements around it that uniquely identify and brand that respective chapter/branch. The base EAPA logo can be viewed and downloaded here.
- Use of EAPA "Logo" by EAP firms and internal EAPs - EAP firms and internal EAPs may display the EAPA logo, provided that the logo is not altered in any way, and further provided that the context of the display makes it clear that the use of the logo is not an endorsement or recommendation of the EAP by EAPA.
- Use of EAPA "Branch Member Logo" by branch members who are not also members of International EAPA - EAPA branch members who are not also members of international EAPA may display their Branch Member logo provided that the logo is not altered in any way, and further provided that the context of the display makes it clear that the use of the logo indicates branch membership only and not endorsement or recommendation of the member by EAPA or the branch. Branch logos may be downloaded below:
SAMSHA-National Recovery Month Toolkit
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