Expanding NRPA's network.

As with any membership organization, it is important that NRPA continue to retain and diversify our current membership. This will enable us to grow exponentially, both in size and expertise. Beginning in October 2005, NRPA embarked on a mission to increase membership through five targeted membership campaigns. These campaigns will cover students to current members, citizens and consumers, organization affiliates and competitor organizations with likeminded missions.

The first such campaign, launched at NRPA's 2005 Congress & Exposition in San Antonio, Texas, was the Student Recruitment Challenge. Aimed at students and educators, and challenge asks current members to recruit new student members to the organization.

The challenge provides great incentives along the way from a one-year paid NRPA membership to Congress registrations, financial scholarships, classroom learning materials and expert seminars. NRPA worked closely with members of the Student Branch to identify attractive incentives and create a buzz about the challenge.

The second campaign is designed to enlist current NRPA members in membership recruitment. The Member-Get-A-Member Challenge rolled out in December 2005 after a warm reception from NRPA's branches and sections during Congress.

This campaign comes equipped with NRPA "calling cards" for members to leave behind at meetings, speaking engagements and conferences, and enables members to be the true mouthpiece of the organization. Current members should receive a letter introducing the campaign, and a supply of calling cards. Additional calling cards or information on the campaigns can be requested by contacting NRPA Member Services at [e-mail] or (800) 626-NRPA (6772).

Check out NRPA in Action in the upcoming months to track campaign statistics and learn about new membership activities coming soon.