Hello everyone,

Here's our to-do list. Am thinking we should discuss via this blog, make some decisions, divvy up the duties, etc. Please comment.

Am thinking that anything we need to run past the Board should be run past Bob first. Perhaps talk with Bob over the phone and then draft a list of suggestions for the Board.

Keeping existing members - incentives
1. Give a prize for continuous membership at 5, 10, 15, etc. years. - Gotta suggest a prize and run this past the Board.
2. Do a social event. - If it's dutch treat, the committee could organize an upstate and a downstate social event. Will this be attended, i.e. will people travel to get there and pay a fee to attend? We don't have to ask the Board about this, my gut tells me they won't fund it. Maybe find a donor?
3. Send a welcome letter to new members with info on how to get involved. - Committee drafts, office sends.
4. Pair new members with a seasoned member as a mentor. - Committee organizes.

Recruiting new members - incentives
1. Lower student dues. - Gotta suggest a level and run this past the Board.
2. New dues category for support staff. - Suggest a level and run this past the Board.
3. A prize to the member who recruits the most new members. - Suggest a prize (hotel or registration at conference?) and run it past the Board.
4. Provide a New Member ribbon for name tags at the conference.

Other incentives
1. Students who work the conference get their registration free (or paid by a donor ) - run past the Board.
2. Provide a Student ribbon for name tags at the conference..
3. Rewrite the brochure. - Jocelyn is working on this.
4. Create a traveling exhibit, ask for donors to fund. - run this past the Board.
5. Arrange and cover promotional booths at library events.
6. Figure out a way to convince members that they should recruit new members at their places of employment.
7. Coupons for prizes.

Testimonials
1. Institutional members. - Tim is working on this.
2. Academic people. - Jocelyn is working on this.
3. Public library people. - Amy is working on this.
Re: these three items: Tim, Jocelyn and Amy are coordinating this effort. They may/will need help in making contacts and writing letters.

New Member Reception at the conference - I'm working on this.
1. New members being 0-5 years.
2. Schedule at a no conflict time so ILA leadership can attend.
3. Finger food and milling.
Re: this item: I've already talked with Cindy and she thinks it's doable. Will be following up.

Conference program
1. The Membership Committee is requested to sponsor/organize one program for the 2006 conference. Any ideas?
2. Maybe also in addition do a poster session to promote forum/committee involvement??

Am I missing anything?

Thanks.
lad