CHAPTER SESSION: Not Just an Invitation: Guidelines for Planning an Induction

Induction is a special time for the candidates of your organization's chapter, because your group is embracing this individual who has dedicated his or her time and energy to obtaining an invitation. This is also a special time for the chapter because new members bring new enthusiasm and energy into the group. When the candidate is emotionally inspired during the induction phase of the Membership Life Cycle, he or she is more likely to get involved in chapter activities — and therefore more likely to renew his or her membership and continue through the cycle. This session will walk through the components that will make your induction successful before, during, and after the event takes place. 

While the chapter volunteers are planning the upcoming ceremony for the induction, the chapter should plan a Prospective-Member Meeting prior to induction. This meeting, for eligible candidates who will be receiving an invitation to join, is an important opportunity to make your chapter shine and build excitement for induction. It also allows future members to ask questions and have a full understanding of what to expect from the ceremony and chapter membership. To plan the Prospective-Member Meeting, the chapter board should print and use the “Prospective-Member Meeting Checklist,” which will be discussed during the session. This list asks chapter volunteers to work together to establish tasks, deadlines, and assigned responsibilities to various volunteers and board members.

There will also be tasks assigned to volunteers after the induction takes place, to ensure your new members get involved right away. 

Attendees will have an opportunity to ask questions and share best practices related to their nonprofit chapter experiences. Resources will be provided from the Society and Pride Awareness Recruitment Kit, developed by staff in the constituent services center, who have years of experience in training volunteer chapter leaders.