Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/656569
Spring 2016 | WEAnews 6 Your WEA At Work Here's what worked for some WEA members who have already recruited new people: Carrie Johnson – Lander EA Membership is year-round. "I think membership is a constant focus for me; I am always talking to people about membership! There really isn't a 'membership drive season,' it is ongoing. I could never imagine NOT being a member. People I recruited, I've talked to for months or years. The personal touch makes a difference, because people just throw away mass mailers." Heidi Edmunds – Eastern Wyoming Community College EA Knowledge is power. "I find that WEA is more about enrichment, where in the past there may have been some negative connotation with being a member, but I have seen a shift in what WEA is about. Because of the Association presence we've created on campus, we've seen membership increase." Skye Mader – West Big Horn County EA Publications can help. "It was easy to sign up new members. I showed them the WEA News magazine and posters – they're very professionally done, so it helps to show people what they're getting as a member. I also push NEA member benefits and discounts as well." Judy Crow – Campbell County EA Trust and friendship work. "One person, I've talked to for two years – three years later, they found me, and got signed up!" Judy also mentioned that wearing WEA or Local attire with your logo can help attract attention to those who may have questions. "I promote member benefits through NEA MB, getting discounts, and the WEA News, and promoting state and local issues. A lot of people don't think about those issues in terms of membership," Judy said. "The most important thing is to build those relationships, and remain friendly and not pushy – build trust with people, so they come and talk to you!" Emily Bishop – Campbell County EA Be persistent, not pushy. "One of the people I asked had actually switched buildings. I wanted to give her time, and invite her to a fun association event." Campbell County EA hosted a bunko night, which had a great turnout for veteran and new members alike! Now in its third year, WEA's "Grab 3, and you could be a member free" program has increased membership and member engagement, as well as increased WEA's presence in locals. The collective voice of your Local and WEA gives every education employee in the state of Wyoming an opportunity to be part of improving public education on behalf of all of our students. We must continue to build and strengthen that voice! A total of five free WEA membership dues (one per region) will be awarded in drawings at the 2016 Delegate Assembly. For every three new members recruited during the Grab 3 campaign, the recruiter gets their name entered into the drawing, with no limit on entries.