It’s often said there is strength in numbers, and I tend to agree. We rely on each other for support and encouragement and often find that we can accomplish more when surrounded by others to cheer us on. It’s certainly true at the Village. This month we’ve reached an all-time high in our membership roll - 190 strong!
Why does this excite me? Of course, its validating that people find our community attractive and seek to join. But what I’m really excited about is the benefit for our members that comes from a larger overall membership. More members mean we a larger pool to pull from as we form social interest groups and create new programming. It means we have a larger community to provide volunteer services to those who need it. It means we are helping more and can help more.
I’m excited about 190, but our goal this year is to reach 200. To meet this milestone, we need you. Here’s how you can help:
If you’re not a member yet, consider joining. We’ve scheduled a new member Q&A for Thursday, August 11th at 1pm at the Cleveland Park Library. If you’ve been reading the newsletter, attending community events, or otherwise enjoying the Village from the sidelines, this event is designed to answer your questions, explain our membership structure and preview many of our ongoing and upcoming member programming opportunities. You can register here.
Welcome New Members – Call and email new members, deliver their “new member welcome packet”, introduce them to the Village programs, discuss upcoming events, and join them at an upcoming event to make sure that they are comfortable and acclimated.
Write Articles about our Community – Share news of what is happening in our community by writing a brief article for our Village blog or a post for our Facebook page. Word of mouth from you is our most effective outreach.
Help Us Plan Activities – Work with other members, volunteers, and staff to identify new programs and events that we should offer and then assist in the making them happen. From concerts, bowling, card groups, rigorous hikes…the possibilities are endless!
Drive Members – Many of our Members Plus request rides to medical appointments and the grocery store each week during the workday. It’s an opportunity to help with a critical need and to perhaps make a new friend.
If you have an interest in any of these activities or have ideas about how we can reach more potential members I’d love to hear from you. Please reach out via email or call 202-615-5853.
Our community works best when members and volunteers come together with staff to make things happen. Your help, expertise, and enthusiasm makes our Village even more vibrant and exciting.
Frank Finamore is Executive Director of the Village.