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MoT #2: New Member Orientation

5. How Do You Conduct an NMO?

Depending on your situation, there are plenty of different options for conducting NMO.

  1. You can have an entire meeting devoted to new member orientation. This is useful if you have a lot of new members and the only time that can be coordinated is the regular meeting. 
  2. You have a face-to-face meeting outside of regular meeting time. Often, directly after or before the meeting may work (at least for community clubs). 
  3. You use a video call (e.g. Skype, Google Hangouts, Facetime etc.). Google Hangouts is suggested because it's free, supports screen sharing, and can several people on the call at once. For a tutorial on how to use it, see this page from the RDG Leadership course. As long as you are moderately comfortable with technology, this is a good method.
  4. You use a regular phone call. This is easy to setup, though lacks the ability to guide someone through web site setup.
  5. You use pre-recorded video. This is less interactive, but if the new member can't find the time otherwise, this may work.
  6. You use the RDG Members and Meetings courses. 
  7. You use a combination of the above.

Because of the time commitment, most clubs will have someone (VPE, VPM, or otherwise) conduct the NMO outside of club meeting time. It's also possible to have the new member's mentor perform this.

Some last tips on running your NMO:

  • NMOs work better if has a tablet or laptop to follow along with the presenter, especially when it comes to getting logged in, profiles updated, and so on. Many people learn these skills best through experience.
  • Ask for questions at the end of topics by using the question "What questions do you have?" Wait for eight seconds. This gets people to think about what they don't understand, rather than just answering yes or no to the standard "Do you have questions?"
  • If you can provide a new member packet (preferably in digital format), that can help continuing new member orientation efforts. A sample is available in the resources section. 
  • Don't overload the NMO with too many topics as it will impede retention. This is why I suggest only starting the new member off with explanations of a few beginner roles, for example. You may want to consider having multiple smaller sessions rather than one session that is too long.
  • You can use the Post MNO Checklist document (see Resources) to get members to follow up on NMO to dos. Edit the template that is there before sending it out to customize it for your club.