Convention Follow-up
2026 Attracting New Members and Retaining Current Members
From: Bloomerang.com/blog/effective-membership-recruitment ideas
• 1. Enhance and promote your membership benefits
• 2. Attract your target audience
• 3. Host a membership drive
• 4. Offer a volunteer opportunity
• 5. Open your major events to everyone
• 6. Use a strategic social media approach
• Take Creative, Strategic Steps to Recruit More Members
To effectively attract new members, leverage existing networks, utilize social media,
and create engaging events that showcase the value of your organization.
Key Strategies for Attracting New Members
1. Leverage Existing Members: Encourage current members to bring friends or colleagues to events. Implement a "bring a friend" policy to make it easy for members to introduce potential new members. wildapricot.com
2. Utilize Social Media: Promote your organization through social media platforms. Share success stories, member testimonials, and upcoming events to engage a wider audience. Regularly update your social media profiles to keep followers informed and interested wildapricot.com.
3. Host Engaging Events: Organize family-friendly events or open houses that allow potential members to experience your organization firsthand. This can help demystify your activities and showcase the benefits of joining wildapricot.com,
4. Offer Incentives: Provide incentives for new members to join, such as discounts on membership fees, exclusive access to events, or special recognition within the organization. Highlight the unique benefits that your organization offers compared to others momentivesoftware.com.
5. Create a Welcoming Environment: Ensure that your organization is welcoming and inclusive. Personalize the recruitment experience by reaching out to potential members with follow-up emails or phone calls, making them feel valued and appreciated. wildapricot.com
6. Understand Your Audience: Conduct research to understand the motivations and preferences of your target audience. Tailor your recruitment strategies to meet their needs and highlight the specific benefits they would gain from membership momentivesoftware.com
7. Regular Communication: Keep potential members informed about your organization through newsletters, emails, and social media updates. Regular communication helps build familiarity and trust, making it more likely that they will consider joining. wildapricot.com
• 1. Enhance and promote your membership benefits
• 2. Attract your target audience
• 3. Host a membership drive
• 4. Offer a volunteer opportunity
• 5. Open your major events to everyone
• 6. Use a strategic social media approach
• Take Creative, Strategic Steps to Recruit More Members
To effectively attract new members, leverage existing networks, utilize social media,
and create engaging events that showcase the value of your organization.
Key Strategies for Attracting New Members
1. Leverage Existing Members: Encourage current members to bring friends or colleagues to events. Implement a "bring a friend" policy to make it easy for members to introduce potential new members. wildapricot.com
2. Utilize Social Media: Promote your organization through social media platforms. Share success stories, member testimonials, and upcoming events to engage a wider audience. Regularly update your social media profiles to keep followers informed and interested wildapricot.com.
3. Host Engaging Events: Organize family-friendly events or open houses that allow potential members to experience your organization firsthand. This can help demystify your activities and showcase the benefits of joining wildapricot.com,
4. Offer Incentives: Provide incentives for new members to join, such as discounts on membership fees, exclusive access to events, or special recognition within the organization. Highlight the unique benefits that your organization offers compared to others momentivesoftware.com.
5. Create a Welcoming Environment: Ensure that your organization is welcoming and inclusive. Personalize the recruitment experience by reaching out to potential members with follow-up emails or phone calls, making them feel valued and appreciated. wildapricot.com
6. Understand Your Audience: Conduct research to understand the motivations and preferences of your target audience. Tailor your recruitment strategies to meet their needs and highlight the specific benefits they would gain from membership momentivesoftware.com
7. Regular Communication: Keep potential members informed about your organization through newsletters, emails, and social media updates. Regular communication helps build familiarity and trust, making it more likely that they will consider joining. wildapricot.com
OUR ROCKS
Those who came before us and emigrated here,
Brought with them their love of Norway and all that they held dear.
They are “Our Rocks” we think of fondly now,
Perhaps never having met them, but to whom we owe a bow.
Through a port in Canada’s Quebec or via New York’s Ellis Island, they came,
Toting trunks, children, and personal effects, all pieces of a bigger game.
Reconnecting with family already settled was their goal,
They paid additional passage further inland with desires hidden in their souls.
Some were indentured servants, willing to work to pay for their passage,
Household chores or manual labor, the immigrant toiled the best he could manage.
To the Ohio Valley or Fox River area they roamed,
To the Koshkonong Prairie and beyond they established new homes.
With them came their skills, trades, and expertise.
They helped to build America, little by little, and piece by piece.
They purchased land, ran businesses, and provided much labor,
Success came the Nordmann’s direction by generously helping their neighbors.
Takk, Bestemor, for your work ethic and many nurturing ways,
Because of you, we still celebrate traditions and our heritage on holidays.
Tusen takk, Bestefar, for your strict guidance and leading by example.
We have shaped our lives, living by every sample.
Today, we honor “our rocks” short or tall, round, or thin, humble, and wise.
Whose generations of guidance now live on through our eyes.
What you do with your rocks is now your call, Feel welcome to trade with one another or
ask for a replacement at breaktime.
Could you use a doorstop? Flowerbed décor needed.
A paperweight for your desk? Tent flap or pet anchor?
A heritage shelf piece? Trail marker?
The possibilities are endless!
*Takk så mye, Amanda Beck, from Cleng Peerson Lodge, who lives in Morris, IL, for
creating “our rocks,” fitting mementos of the 2026 D5 Convention.
Brought with them their love of Norway and all that they held dear.
They are “Our Rocks” we think of fondly now,
Perhaps never having met them, but to whom we owe a bow.
Through a port in Canada’s Quebec or via New York’s Ellis Island, they came,
Toting trunks, children, and personal effects, all pieces of a bigger game.
Reconnecting with family already settled was their goal,
They paid additional passage further inland with desires hidden in their souls.
Some were indentured servants, willing to work to pay for their passage,
Household chores or manual labor, the immigrant toiled the best he could manage.
To the Ohio Valley or Fox River area they roamed,
To the Koshkonong Prairie and beyond they established new homes.
With them came their skills, trades, and expertise.
They helped to build America, little by little, and piece by piece.
They purchased land, ran businesses, and provided much labor,
Success came the Nordmann’s direction by generously helping their neighbors.
Takk, Bestemor, for your work ethic and many nurturing ways,
Because of you, we still celebrate traditions and our heritage on holidays.
Tusen takk, Bestefar, for your strict guidance and leading by example.
We have shaped our lives, living by every sample.
Today, we honor “our rocks” short or tall, round, or thin, humble, and wise.
Whose generations of guidance now live on through our eyes.
What you do with your rocks is now your call, Feel welcome to trade with one another or
ask for a replacement at breaktime.
Could you use a doorstop? Flowerbed décor needed.
A paperweight for your desk? Tent flap or pet anchor?
A heritage shelf piece? Trail marker?
The possibilities are endless!
*Takk så mye, Amanda Beck, from Cleng Peerson Lodge, who lives in Morris, IL, for
creating “our rocks,” fitting mementos of the 2026 D5 Convention.
Action Item from the 2024 District 5 Convention,
Action Item from the 2024 District 5 Convention, taken in part, the passage of Resolution 2 and its suggested follow-up.
Therefore, be it resolved that the District 5 Board is asking the District Lodge to form a Task Force to review Masse Moro operations, promotion, recruitment, and staffing. The Task Force might also consider the wording in the Bylaws and consider giving the District Board options in how often, the length of camp, and other details related to camp. The Task Force would work with the District Youth Director, Heritage & Grants
Committee, and the Board in their work and report to the District in June 2026 (or before) with recommendations. Amendment from the committee: 1) the District President shall appoint the members of the Task Force as soon as possible and that the work of the Task Force be ready for a preliminary report to the District Five Board no later than its Spring 2025 Board Meeting or sooner if possible, and 2) Therefore, be it resolved that an attempt be made to compile a directory of Masse Moro campers from throughout its history and that these Masse If there is a known, quantifiable financial
impact, state here: Moro Alumni be solicited for ongoing support of Masse Moro through donations of time, talent, and treasure.
The Resolutions Committee’s response to the resolution is in four parts:
3) The Resolutions Committee generally supports Resolution #2 establishing a Masse Moro Task Force.
4) The Resolutions Committee recommends continued District Five support of Masse Moro as a cultural extension and outreach from the Greater Sons of Norway organization within District Five and does not see the program from the perspective of a quid pro quo.
5) The Resolutions Committee recommends the Resolution’s “Therefore , be it resolved,” to read at the end: the District President shall appoint the members of the Task Force as soon as possible and that the work of the Task Force be ready for a preliminary report to the District Five Board no later than its Spring 2025 Board Meeting or sooner if possible, and
6) Therefore, be it resolved that an attempt be made to compile a directory of Masse Moro campers from throughout its history and that these Masse Moro Alumni be solicited for ongoing support of Masse Moro through donations of time, talent, and
treasure.
Resolution #2, as amended, passed.
First steps: President Wille-Schlesser met with newly seated Youth Director Robert Schuck to lay groundwork for the task force.
This notice serves as a call for participants to join the Masse Moro Task Force. A few individuals have stepped forward to assist: former youth directors, Lisa Rove-Williams, Sandra Olson, in addition to me, and grandparent, Janis Wegner. I know there are many
additional stakeholders who may want a voice on the Masse Moro Task Force, and we welcome your input. Please notify President Wille-Schlesser of your interest in serving by August 15, 2024. After that time, she will appoint additional task force members and
call the first meeting of the group. Tusen takk!
In other district news, President Wille-Schlesser will be meeting with Clara Solak, our newly seated sports and recreation director, on Saturday, August 10th. I will share information accumulated from past youth and district recreation events. I look forward
to the infusion of energy Clara will bring to our board of directors.
Thank you,
Cheryl Wille-Schlesser
District 5 President
cwschlesser200bc@gmail.com
608-219-4464
Therefore, be it resolved that the District 5 Board is asking the District Lodge to form a Task Force to review Masse Moro operations, promotion, recruitment, and staffing. The Task Force might also consider the wording in the Bylaws and consider giving the District Board options in how often, the length of camp, and other details related to camp. The Task Force would work with the District Youth Director, Heritage & Grants
Committee, and the Board in their work and report to the District in June 2026 (or before) with recommendations. Amendment from the committee: 1) the District President shall appoint the members of the Task Force as soon as possible and that the work of the Task Force be ready for a preliminary report to the District Five Board no later than its Spring 2025 Board Meeting or sooner if possible, and 2) Therefore, be it resolved that an attempt be made to compile a directory of Masse Moro campers from throughout its history and that these Masse If there is a known, quantifiable financial
impact, state here: Moro Alumni be solicited for ongoing support of Masse Moro through donations of time, talent, and treasure.
The Resolutions Committee’s response to the resolution is in four parts:
3) The Resolutions Committee generally supports Resolution #2 establishing a Masse Moro Task Force.
4) The Resolutions Committee recommends continued District Five support of Masse Moro as a cultural extension and outreach from the Greater Sons of Norway organization within District Five and does not see the program from the perspective of a quid pro quo.
5) The Resolutions Committee recommends the Resolution’s “Therefore , be it resolved,” to read at the end: the District President shall appoint the members of the Task Force as soon as possible and that the work of the Task Force be ready for a preliminary report to the District Five Board no later than its Spring 2025 Board Meeting or sooner if possible, and
6) Therefore, be it resolved that an attempt be made to compile a directory of Masse Moro campers from throughout its history and that these Masse Moro Alumni be solicited for ongoing support of Masse Moro through donations of time, talent, and
treasure.
Resolution #2, as amended, passed.
First steps: President Wille-Schlesser met with newly seated Youth Director Robert Schuck to lay groundwork for the task force.
This notice serves as a call for participants to join the Masse Moro Task Force. A few individuals have stepped forward to assist: former youth directors, Lisa Rove-Williams, Sandra Olson, in addition to me, and grandparent, Janis Wegner. I know there are many
additional stakeholders who may want a voice on the Masse Moro Task Force, and we welcome your input. Please notify President Wille-Schlesser of your interest in serving by August 15, 2024. After that time, she will appoint additional task force members and
call the first meeting of the group. Tusen takk!
In other district news, President Wille-Schlesser will be meeting with Clara Solak, our newly seated sports and recreation director, on Saturday, August 10th. I will share information accumulated from past youth and district recreation events. I look forward
to the infusion of energy Clara will bring to our board of directors.
Thank you,
Cheryl Wille-Schlesser
District 5 President
cwschlesser200bc@gmail.com
608-219-4464
Convention 2024 - Cheryl Wille-Schlesser, District 5 President
What a convention it was!
There were so many great aspects that it is difficult to name just one. I would like to take this moment to thank the 2022-2024 Board of
Directors who rose to the challenge and planned an outstanding convention for our members when we fell short of a convention bid.
The Sons of Norway Foundation and its director Amy Tutenhagen are to be acknowledged for helping our district to secure a grant which brought Sami
artists Rijvoen Jørn Magnus and Anna Grete Langseth to Indianapolis. They made numerous presentations and spoke freely with our delegates and board members about the Sami culture and Norway in general.
The convention chair extraordinaire, Judy Ghastin, did an outstanding job working with the hotel staff and made the experience memorable-especially the daily Norwegian breakfasts served each day. Her sister Lucy Ghastin was also instrumental in the convention’s success; her expertise in planning conventions kept all aspects on an even keel and progressing forward.
Especially appreciated was the work done by the many committees I appointed earlier this spring. Those who served on the nominations, credentials, laws, finance, publicity, resolutions, and fraternal affairs committees devoted more of their personal time to the convention and traveled to Indy earlier to complete this work in advance of the meeting. Know that you made a difference.
Our convention would not have been possible without the organization and guidance Darlene Arneson provided. Read your edition of the Friendly Fifth
Friday News each week on the District 5 website. It is the best way to discover what is happening around the district.
Parliamentarian Robert Schuck helped to maintain order and counseled me when discussions grew uncertain, and verbiage needed to be rewritten. It WAS my first rodeo, and his presence was certainly helpful.
Messages from the home office were shared by Foundation Director Amy Tutenhagen and the newly seated SofN CEO, Dan Seyfried. Our delegates were
brutally honest with their questions and concerns. Although Dan had only been in the office for three weeks, he was a focused listener, and returned to Minneapolis with a list of concerns that must be addressed from our perspective. He mentioned the possibility of a cultural experience for all members of the Sons of Norway. No details were provided.
District 5’s International Director Duane Kittleson provided a company message and International Secretary Robin Fossum added additional input. District 5 is fortunate to call them our members and for their service to the larger lodge community.
The marshals, assistant marshals, and greeters performed well. Your smiles were welcoming. The tellers did not have work to do at this convention, but they stood at the ready if duty called.
I would encourage more of our members to take part in the cultural arts competition in 2026. You may begin your projects today!
A huge thank you goes to Titan and Aurora M. and their family who helped to make Norwegian pastries for the breaks.
And now for the drumroll…the 2026 District 5 Convention will be held in Stoughton, WI, home to Mandt Lodge, the largest lodge in the district. The many components of this convention will be handled differently. Watch for further details in the FFFN each Friday.
Ways to serve our members-
1) If you have the skill set required to serve on the International Board of Directors, please obtain a candidacy form and complete it by June 30 th .
Director Kittleson is willing to assist you. Please contact him with further questions.
2) Adjunct Service-We are looking for members who can serve the district in a
myriad of ways.
3) Check out our Facebook page to see many convention highlights.
Thank you for all you do to maintain your lodges and for providing the leadership they need to survive.
Cheryl
There were so many great aspects that it is difficult to name just one. I would like to take this moment to thank the 2022-2024 Board of
Directors who rose to the challenge and planned an outstanding convention for our members when we fell short of a convention bid.
The Sons of Norway Foundation and its director Amy Tutenhagen are to be acknowledged for helping our district to secure a grant which brought Sami
artists Rijvoen Jørn Magnus and Anna Grete Langseth to Indianapolis. They made numerous presentations and spoke freely with our delegates and board members about the Sami culture and Norway in general.
The convention chair extraordinaire, Judy Ghastin, did an outstanding job working with the hotel staff and made the experience memorable-especially the daily Norwegian breakfasts served each day. Her sister Lucy Ghastin was also instrumental in the convention’s success; her expertise in planning conventions kept all aspects on an even keel and progressing forward.
Especially appreciated was the work done by the many committees I appointed earlier this spring. Those who served on the nominations, credentials, laws, finance, publicity, resolutions, and fraternal affairs committees devoted more of their personal time to the convention and traveled to Indy earlier to complete this work in advance of the meeting. Know that you made a difference.
Our convention would not have been possible without the organization and guidance Darlene Arneson provided. Read your edition of the Friendly Fifth
Friday News each week on the District 5 website. It is the best way to discover what is happening around the district.
Parliamentarian Robert Schuck helped to maintain order and counseled me when discussions grew uncertain, and verbiage needed to be rewritten. It WAS my first rodeo, and his presence was certainly helpful.
Messages from the home office were shared by Foundation Director Amy Tutenhagen and the newly seated SofN CEO, Dan Seyfried. Our delegates were
brutally honest with their questions and concerns. Although Dan had only been in the office for three weeks, he was a focused listener, and returned to Minneapolis with a list of concerns that must be addressed from our perspective. He mentioned the possibility of a cultural experience for all members of the Sons of Norway. No details were provided.
District 5’s International Director Duane Kittleson provided a company message and International Secretary Robin Fossum added additional input. District 5 is fortunate to call them our members and for their service to the larger lodge community.
The marshals, assistant marshals, and greeters performed well. Your smiles were welcoming. The tellers did not have work to do at this convention, but they stood at the ready if duty called.
I would encourage more of our members to take part in the cultural arts competition in 2026. You may begin your projects today!
A huge thank you goes to Titan and Aurora M. and their family who helped to make Norwegian pastries for the breaks.
And now for the drumroll…the 2026 District 5 Convention will be held in Stoughton, WI, home to Mandt Lodge, the largest lodge in the district. The many components of this convention will be handled differently. Watch for further details in the FFFN each Friday.
Ways to serve our members-
1) If you have the skill set required to serve on the International Board of Directors, please obtain a candidacy form and complete it by June 30 th .
Director Kittleson is willing to assist you. Please contact him with further questions.
2) Adjunct Service-We are looking for members who can serve the district in a
myriad of ways.
3) Check out our Facebook page to see many convention highlights.
Thank you for all you do to maintain your lodges and for providing the leadership they need to survive.
Cheryl
