Each One Bring One - What can you do to recruit new members?
Individual prospect list - This is a list that you can create just by writing down the names of the folks you know. It's a great starting point and it will not take very long before you have a list of people including veterans. If you know a vet through a friend or any other means that isn't direct, this is okay. They are still great prospects. Send them a VFP brochure. Try not to assume that you know how a certain person will react to a membership invitation. People join VFP for different reasons. The key is spreading the word and giving people a chance to join. So we need to focus on getting our information in front of them.
Outreach to veterans' organizations - This is another great way to get the VFP name and logo out to the people we want to see it the most. Simply do an online Google search, or the Yellow Pages for the vet organizations in your area. Once you have this information, and before calling, drop by with some brochures and ask if they can be displayed. It's a lot harder for someone to say no to you, or not agree to help you when you are standing in front of them asking for assistance.
A few days after your visit be sure to send an email or personal letter thanking them for taking the time to speak with you, and for any help that they were able to provide. If you have problems with locating the veterans' groups in your area, please feel free to contact Nick (nlyter@veteransforpeace.net). in the National Office. He can do a search and send the results with contact information to you.
VFP memberships make great gifts - This method can guarantee your contribution to the campaign. However, if you decide that you would like to give a VFP membership as a gift, make sure that the prospective member shares the beliefs of Veterans For Peace and will be happy to be a member.
Share the benefits of membership - A new member will instantly become part of a nationwide network of veterans working to end war as an instrument of aggression and heal the wounds that wars have caused. They'll receive access to information provided by the VFP all email list as well as email action alerts for their respective area. As members, we draw on our personal experiences and perspectives gained as veterans to raise public awareness of the true costs and consequences of militarism and war - and to seek peaceful, effective alternatives.
DO NOT - stop at recruiting one person, and remember that the staff in the national office is here to help with any questions or concerns you may have, so please feel free to give us a call or send us an email.