February 2024 Newcomers Membership Survey Results
The Newcomers Club of New Bern board would like to thank everyone who took part in our February 2024 membership survey.
Out of the 334 unique member emails that were sent the survey in February, 33% of those surveys were completed, a great return.
The results : what we learned
You can view the survey results by clicking 2024 Newcomers Survey Results
Here are some quick takeaways from the survey :
- 67% of people who completed survey joined club in either 2023 or 2022;
- 49% of members attend the club meeting every month;
- nearly 50% of respondents take part in at least 2 club activities each month and
- The number one reason members joined the club was to meet new friends.
We also had a variety of written responses, which included some great ideas and a lot of feedback, both positive and comments that told us how the club could be better.
One theme that ran through the choice questions and as well as through many of the 30+ written responses was the desire to get even more involved in activities and expand opportunities to make friends during the meeting and during the activity get togethers.
Taking action on survey findings : Next steps
The board discussed the results in length at its March board meeting. The consensus among board members was it needs to focus on ways to encourage and facilitate member socialization in smaller, more intimate ways.
The club will start the following initiatives :
1) When our new members enter the Harrison Center on meeting nights, they will be encouraged to sit up front , where they will also be closer to the Newcomers 101 mini-orientation held at 6:30.
2) Club president Bill Brettschneider will ask new members to organize a time and place for them to meet in a small group setting where he can answer their questions and encourage involvement in the club, probably at a local coffee house.
3) Club vice president Cathy Lane will call and meet with each new member personally, and
4) the board will try to recruit a volunteer for a new position, newcomer concierge, whose duty will be to reach out to new members in a welcoming way and troubleshoot for any members who are having challenges connecting with activity or activities they are interested in. If you are an out going person who enjoys getting people involved.
We always welcome your feedback and constructive suggestions. You can reach out to a board member at a meeting or you can email us at newcomerswebmasternb@gmail.com. You can have even a greater hand in shaping the club going forward by volunteering for a 2024-25 board position. Positions still open are : president, communications chair and activities director.
