A workshop focused on attracting and retaining members, sharing successful strategies, and identifying areas of support available to associations from the Federation generated healthy discussion at the June AGM.
Led by Federation co-ordinator, Johnathan Dietz, participants identified a variety of difficulties in recruiting new members.
Key challenges included competition from other clubs, lack of digital engagement among older members plus transportation and parking issues. Rural coverage and gaps in communication lines were also highlighted as significant obstacles.
Delegates discussed hosting open monthly meetings with shared morning teas, organising community days, and collaborating with local resource centres to attract new members and foster a sense of community.
They also shared successful initiatives including cross-promotion at other local groups and offering tangible member benefits such as free parking, maintaining a strong public profile, and implementing loyalty card programmes to encourage member referrals and attendance.
In particular, associations requested Federation assistance in creating local profiles, increasing promotional efforts, and providing materials such as brochures and branded resources to raise public awareness and differentiate Grey Power from similar organisations.
It was also suggested that centralised software solutions, improved communication tools and collaborative resources would have impact, helping to streamline operations and reduce costs for local groups.
Among other issues, it was suggested a common financial tracking software, such as Xero was needed together with Federation-provided training and support to ensure consistency and ease of use across Associations.
