[kayb]

Alright, I posted this question on the boards above and everyone apparently was confused.....they kept thinking this was an agency thing....quite the contrary i've found, mostly county licensed famillies belong with the agency families the minority.

I would like to do member recruitment for our FP associaton. we want to recruit currently licensed homes or retired homes only and more agency families. not new FP.

Are you a member of your county's association?
What made you join? Does you group have a creative idea for gaining new members

If you're not a member, why not? what turns you off about becoming one?

THANKS! I really NEED IDEAS!!

[claschober]

Ok, you are talking about a support group right? If so then yes we were members of one. We joined when we first became licensed and were members for the past 4 years but didn't become members this year as we are not renewing our license. When we first got licensed our county gave us a list of support groups in our county and this one was the closest and easiest for us to attend the meetings and get involved in. We initially joined because it met the requirements for training hours and it also benefited us as we learned alot with their guest speakers. Once we had children in our home, the parties and give aways were great as it gave us an opportunity to meet with other foster families and have the kids get some extra goodies they might not have otherwise received.

I think for our group membership grew alot by word of mouth. I even told some members on here about our meetings. I was involved and helped out but didn't do any of the recruiting so I can't help you there, sorry! We had a website, but I don't believe it is current right now.

For other groups I have received mailings, calls, and cards inviting us to attend their group, but they met the same time as our group so we never could join. Could the county or other agencies provide you with names and you could do a mailing or phone call or maybe a welcome meeting where you provide snacks and just a social time. For us, it helped when they had holiday or summer parties just because then our kids could go and we didn't have to find someone to watch them. Could you have a fall party or something along those lines for the kids and recruit there? If you did something for the kids I am sure agencies would let you pass out a flyer or something and then you can have stuff at the party about your group and meeting times and such.

What about calling other support groups and asking them what they do?

Sorry, this got a little long, hope it helps a little and more people can offer you more! Good luck!

[kayb]

thanks clashoeber for your input. I guess i never thought of the Foster Parent Association as a "Support Group" But I guess it is.

It's a regularly charted club, with a pres, vice, sect, treas, etc minutes, fund raising, parties, scholarships - the whole 9 yards.

Anyone else belong?