As we recently moved house I thought that I should check out the local family history group so I joined up and attended several of their monthly meetings. This group is managed by a dedicated and energetic of volunteers.
Being a new member of a group is an interesting exercise. Like the new kid at school I am observing the other members and learning about the culture of the place. I am trying to be respectful of the members and the quirks of the organisation. Biting my tongue does not come easily.
I felt lost and lonely at the first couple of meetings, I'm not good at going up to new people and starting conversations; while I am quite talkative in familiar surroundings I am a shrinking violet in the company of strangers. Several months down the track I have learnt the names of some key people, can find the toilet and know the routine for grabbing a cuppa. It is so easy to overlook a quiet new genie sitting in the corner seemingly absorbed in her own thoughts.
When the editor of the newsletter heard that I was a blogger she asked me to write an article on blogging for that publication so I did. A few people have since asked me about blogging. Last month when I was presenting a talk at Forster up north there were two members from my new group in the audience. They reported on my gig to someone back in my new group and, as a result, I was asked to deliver a Trove workshop last week. All of a sudden I feel that I belong as everyone now knows my name and a bit about me.I am lucky that I was given these chances to share. New members who are beginning genies would not have similar opportunities.
This whole experience made me realise how important it is to nurture our new members. I need to do better in the groups in which I am an established member.
Do you give new members an orientation of your premises and services? Do you describe simple procedures like signing-in and collecting the newsletter? What opportunities do you provide for new members to tell others about themselves? Do you ask your new members to fill out a profile sheet? Do you highlight them in your newsletter? Ask them to tell a little about themselves in your meetings? Does your website answer those questions new people might have? Do you have a buddy system for new members? Actively draw newbies into groups and conversations? Scan the room for wallflowers?
New members are precious - they are the future of our organisations.
Being a new member of a group is an interesting exercise. Like the new kid at school I am observing the other members and learning about the culture of the place. I am trying to be respectful of the members and the quirks of the organisation. Biting my tongue does not come easily.
I felt lost and lonely at the first couple of meetings, I'm not good at going up to new people and starting conversations; while I am quite talkative in familiar surroundings I am a shrinking violet in the company of strangers. Several months down the track I have learnt the names of some key people, can find the toilet and know the routine for grabbing a cuppa. It is so easy to overlook a quiet new genie sitting in the corner seemingly absorbed in her own thoughts.
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| Can you spot the wallflower? |
This whole experience made me realise how important it is to nurture our new members. I need to do better in the groups in which I am an established member.
Do you give new members an orientation of your premises and services? Do you describe simple procedures like signing-in and collecting the newsletter? What opportunities do you provide for new members to tell others about themselves? Do you ask your new members to fill out a profile sheet? Do you highlight them in your newsletter? Ask them to tell a little about themselves in your meetings? Does your website answer those questions new people might have? Do you have a buddy system for new members? Actively draw newbies into groups and conversations? Scan the room for wallflowers?
New members are precious - they are the future of our organisations.
