Tips for Being a New Member

So you’ve decided to join an organization-- hooray! That means you’ve taken a great step towards building a sustainable movement for the long haul.

But you might be having some feelings, or asking yourself: what now?

Here are 10 tips:

1. Get oriented: Some organizations are set up with new member orientations, or even one-on-one phone calls with new members. If the organization you joined has these features- take advantage of them! Go to the meeting or have your phone call. Set a goal for yourself to come away from that meeting with at least 1 clear next step. If the organization does not have these features, get in touch! Call or email the organizers and tell them you just joined and you’re looking to plug in. You can tell them about your skills, interests and availability. Remember that organizations will be excited to help you plug in, so don’t be afraid to ask them to help you get oriented.​
2. Ask questions: Sometimes when we join new things some people feel like they’re already supposed to know everything (i.e “eep! I just signed up to do police accountability work, but I’m not totally sure what this campaign is!”). You’re not supposed to know everything, we promise. So feel free to ask: “What is this campaign about?” “What does that term mean?” “What’s the goal here?” “What can I do to support?”
3. Feel pride in being new: Relish the experience of being new, of asking questions, of learning from the people who have been there a while. New members are essential for groups: they help bring new ideas and energy and can often see things that ongoing members can’t see. Remember that it’s good for our brains to be put in new situations where we learn new things. And remember that leaders are nothing without followers, and so learning how to support leaders and bigger goals is an important leadership skill.
4. Allow for time and bumpiness: It can take some time to really feel situated in an organization. Ultimately we want you to feel like you’re in a community of people who you are proud to be working with towards your vision of a better world. We want you to feel connected to people and to purpose. But that doesn’t happen right away. It can take several months or even a year to really get settled. It takes time to learn about an organization and figure out your place in it. We know it would be way more comfortable if you could snap your fingers and just be in. But we’re not doing this to be comfortable. So if you start feeling impatient, remind yourself that this takes time.
5. Accept imperfection: Sometimes people join an organization and then start feeling doubtful. They might think: “Is this really the right group for me?” They might find themselves picking apart the group, searching for imperfections and reasons to drop out. If you really become certain that you’ve chosen the wrong organization, by all means, try again! But you might also want to remind yourself: organizations are not perfect, just like people are not perfect. If you agree with the overall mission, you like some of the campaigns and you’ve found a few people you connect with, consider giving it another shot (or 3) before throwing in the towel.
6. Remember that you are important: Many of us often forget our own significance in our lives. We forget that when we decide to cancel on attending a group meeting, that people notice our absence. When you decide to show up, it really makes a difference. If you start getting lost in thoughts of “Does it really even matter if I go to this?” Decide that it in fact does. That’s why you joined a group: to be accountable to people.
7. Be persistent: Many organizations are member-led and underfunded. This means that it is often members and underpaid/overworked staff who are doing the work. People will make mistakes. You might have to try a few times to find out how to get involved. Be persistent! Don’t just say, “Oh I tried and no one emailed me” or “They’re so disorganized!” Understand that this can be the nature of the beast, and stick it out - you will find your way and it will be worth it.
8. ​Find a buddy: Nervous about being a newbie? Grab a friend and ask them to join with you! Or even find a friend joining a different organization and make a date to talk about what it's like being new. Can't find a friend and still want someone to talk to? Contact us!
9. Giving money is a useful way to be involved but not the only way: Don’t be surprised if you’re asked to donate- many of these organizations rely on member donations, and giving (at any level) really is a significant and powerful way to show your support. And, it’s not the only way - if you aren’t able to give financially just let them know. And if you are able to give financially - please do so and then stick around to get involved in other ways too.
10. Get involved where you are: There are ways to join the movement by taking action in the activities you are already connected to. Are you a member of a religious group like a church, synagogue or mosque? Find out if they have a social action committee and join! Got a job? Join (or start) a union! Settled in a house or apartment? Find out if your local neighborhood association is involved in interesting work and get involved. ​

​by Talia Cooper & Sonia Alexander