Frequently Asked Membership Questions

MEMBERSHIP

WHO CAN BE NEW MEMBERS TO KINDERVELT?

Everyone……Many times families with children have been to Cincinnati Children’s for help with a sick child and want to do something to give back to the medical center. Joining Kindervelt is a wonderful way to give back to Cincinnati Children’s. Others are looking for a way to give back to the community in which they live and giving to Cincinnati Children’s through Kindervelt is an ideal way for them to do this. Others think giving to the hospital, for our children who are our future, is an inspiring way to contribute.

Many times we ask friends and family to attend a meeting with us. New people to the area are often looking to become involved in their community. An invitation to a Kindervelt meeting is a good way for a new person to meet people in their area and become involved.

WHAT METHODS HAVE BEEN SUCCESSFUL IN ENCOURAGING PROSPECTIVE MEMBERS TO JOIN?

Membership meetings can be advertised in the local newspaper, a flyer in area stores, churches, schools, doctor’s offices, if permitted. Word of mouth is a wonderful way to encourage new people to attend a meeting.

Schedule a membership meeting for a “light agenda” month, this way prospective new members will not be overwhelmed. You might ask the citywide membership chairman to attend and share information. Present information of your group projects and ask members to tell, in their own words, why they are involved with Kindervelt. A scrapbook with your group projects in it can be on display. The Kindervelt video can be played and the DVD telling about the medical center could be presented. Everyone should wear a name tag so the new people feel comfortable. Follow up with the new people attending the meeting and let them know you appreciate their interest in Kindervelt and hope they choose to become a member.

HOW CAN A NEW MEMBER BECOME INTEGRATED INTO THE GROUP?

The first thing to do is to give a new person their membership packet. Review all of the information with them. Find out if they have any special talents. Ask if they have any ideas to contribute to the group. We are always looking for new and fresh ideas, new talents and new friendships.

WHO ARE SUSTAINING MEMBERS?

In groups with limited membership, a sustaining membership category allows an opening for new, active members without totally excluding other members who wish to step back from their active involvement. Sustaining members can also be labeled as inactive, charter or associate members. Groups with a sustaining-type category determine their own qualification for this area. Among them are: required length of active membership, payment of higher dues, relinquishment of voting and nominating privileges, etc. In most groups, sustaining members do not attend regular meetings and are not expected to work on projects. However, they usually are included in social events and are welcomed as workers on big projects. The sustaining member is still included on their group’s membership roster.

WHAT IS A KINDERVELT KOMPAGNON?

A Kindervelt Kompagnon (German spelling for the word companion) is any former member who is no longer actively associated with any Kindervelt group, but wishes to remain informed about our activities. This is a category beyond those Kindervelt groups who have sustaining members, charter or associate members, or inactive membership lists. Upon payment of annual dues of $10, a Kindervelt Kompagnon will receive the newsletter and may make herself available to work on any citywide project or special project that her time and talent will allow. As a Kindervelt Kompagnon, she will not have any voting or nominating privileges and may not hold an office.

TO WHOM SHOULD THE GROUP MEMBERSHIP LIST BE SENT?

The membership list and dues should be sent to the citywide membership chairman. This list and dues should be mailed by October 15 of each year. When new members are added to the group anytime during the year, the dues of $10 will be collected and sent to the citywide membership chair. This list is kept confidential and not distributed.