Below are some things that came up several times in the survey and you can start working on them now. You may notice that all of these were mentioned in the first column in the July/August issue of “Starlites” and the survey confirmed that these are concerns.

• Many people don’t drive at night but have not been offered a ride. Don’t expect them to ask for a ride. If you want more people to be involved in your chapter, you must take the initiative to call them.
• Members want the chapter to keep in touch with them and what they really want is a phone call (not just an email). Some of them cannot attend meetings but don’t want to be forgotten. Make sure to call people who had been attending and suddenly stop coming.
• The chapter is not open to new ideas. It does not hurt to try something new. Some may be successful and some may not. And sometimes it takes a few tries for something new to catch on. We cannot keep doing the same things we have always done and expect to attract new members and keep new members coming. Getting active new members is the only way for a chapter to survive.
• Make sure to include new members and get them involved.
• Some chapters are cliquey. Be welcoming to both new and longtime members. Don’t always hang out with the same people at meetings, meals, refreshments and social activities.