Membership is the heart of nonprofit associations—it is the force that ensures their future. An association is only as strong as its membership, and it is the NASBP Membership Committee volunteers who contribute their time, energy, and ideas necessary for the Association to grow in effectiveness and remain healthy. These volunteers are truly the heart of NASBP!

The NASBP Membership Committee helps build relationships with new and existing members, supporting the Association’s growth by recruiting, retaining, and engaging members. Committee members meet to identify potential new members, intervene to address at-risk memberships, and connect with current members. Occasionally the NASBP Membership Committee will provide input and feedback regarding membership needs, programs, dues, and policies to the NASBP Board, Executive Committee, and staff.

Serving on the NASBP Membership Committee “Has Made Me a Better Surety Professional”

NASBP Membership Committee Chair Jennifer Salm said, “I have been involved on many committees for other organizations, but being involved as the Membership Chair for NASBP has been one of the most rewarding. I have experienced first-hand the value of the NASBP Membership and love to tell others how NASBP’s offerings have helped to shape my surety career. I have been challenged to go beyond my comfort zone, and it has made me a better surety professional. In addition, I have met individuals through this organization I view not only as mentors and colleagues, but also as friends.”

“I Am Emboldened to Reach Out to Nonmembers to Share ‘My Story’
on How Beneficial NASBP Has Been to My Career”

NASBP Membership Committee Vice Chair Katie Kleinschmidt added, “Not only have I been able to make connections with colleagues across the country, but also I am emboldened to reach out to nonmembers to share ‘my story’ on how beneficial NASBP has been to my career. This is truly a remarkable organization and committee that I’m so proud to be a part of. I enjoy being a part of the future of NASBP and the surety industry!”

NASBP has increased its number of members annually over the last 10 years. This is largely contributed to by the efforts of the NASBP Membership Committee volunteers.

In 2020 the NASBP Membership Committee developed the NASBP Membership Recruitment Recognition Program (MRRP) to acknowledge the recruitment efforts of individuals. With this program, NASBP recognizes the time and effort of these recruiters at NASBP Annual Meetings, on the NASBP website, and in NASBP communications. At the time of this publication, NASBP had already obtained three Recruiter Enthusiasts who have recruited one to three new NASBP Members. View the list of NASBP recruiter champions and details on how you can become a recruiter.

Committee volunteers often have the opportunity to work across organizational lines. The NASBP Membership Committee is responsible for collaborating with other NASBP committees, special interest groups, members, Board members, and staff. They may meet with these groups to provide insight on membership recruitment, engagement, and retention. An active participant on the Membership Committee frequently has the opportunity to work in partnership with members of other NASBP committees to make presentations to local organizations and associations. These activities immediately bolster the Committee members’ connections with other professionals and local leaders in the area–not to mention the added benefits they receive including personal fulfillment, professional enrichment, and a bolstered resume. Joining the NASBP Membership Committee provides occasions and experiences to renew one’s enthusiasm for the industry. The interaction can be both inspirational and enlightening.

NASBP Membership Committee Members’ Roles and Responsibilities

• Actively recruiting and retaining members through direct contact with prospects and current members
• Contacting at-risk members and prospective members, as assigned
• Engaging with current members by mentoring new members, contacting members in their region, etc.
• Identifying target groups for potential NASBP membership
• Staying updated on the latest NASBP member benefits to use during retention and recruitment conversations
• Providing input on membership recruitment and retention campaigns
• Communicating the benefits of NASBP membership with current NASBP members

Interested in joining the Membership Committee? Please contact the Committee staff liaison Dasha Harris, Assistant Director of Membership, at dharris@nasbp.org. Fill out the Committee Interest Form. Learn about all of the NASBP Committees.

This Pipeline article is the third in a series describing how NASBP Committees are the cornerstone foundation of the Association. See the CEO Column that introduced this series and that was published in the March/April 2021 issue. See the other Pipeline articles published to date that describe the NASBP Industry Relations Committee and the NASBP Government Relations Committee. (NASBP login required.)