The openness of committees

From Page 33 of TMJ, the following suggestions to *test* a committee's openness to newcomers:

· Does your congregation publish a guide to its groups and activities that can be handed to newcomers? Do you hold an activities fair annually?

· Do you have multiple ways to get the word out about upcoming events and opportunities (such as newsletters, bulletin boards, pulpit or bulletin announcements, e-mail lists, and Web pages)? Do you place updated announcements on your Web page to attract new people, as well as to inform existing members?

· Do committees and groups publish meeting times on a master calendar or other open forum? Are meetings held at people’s houses or on the congregation’s property (which may be less threatening to newcomers)? If events are held off-site, are clear directions provided to attendees?

· Do newcomers or new members receive an interest survey or other means of indicating how they would like to connect first? Is someone (member or staff) responsible for following up with these surveys, or do they sit in a drawer somewhere?

· Do membership committee members, greeters, ministers, or other key leaders pass on word of newcomers’ interests and talents?

· Is safe and stimulating child care provided for adult education classes or other key congregational events?

· Are newcomers invited to “try on” committee work with the understanding that they are there to learn and experience rather than simply to fill a slot that existing members are not willing to take? Are new committee members mentored, formally or informally, by more experienced members?

· Does your congregation offer programming designed to help newcomers who are ready to explore whether membership might be right for them?