RUNNING CAMPAIGNS
7. Growing Membership and Momentum
Building Strength for the Future
An effective Association grows while it acts.

Recruitment, leadership development, and sustained activity happen alongside campaigns, not apart from them. Each campaign attracts new people, develops new leaders, and strengthens commitment to shared goals.
Growth is not only about numbers. It is about building a community that shares responsibility, nurtures initiative, and maintains energy through every stage of organising.
The Community Organising Handbook provides clear guidance and templates for this process, including the Membership Application Template, Leadership Development Plan, and Succession Planning Template.
By applying these tools, your Association can remain active, confident, and ready to meet new challenges while preserving its sense of purpose.
1. Recruiting New Members
Recruitment is the starting point for growth. Each new member brings skills, ideas, and connections that strengthen the Association. The goal is to attract people who share the values and vision of Heritage Australians and who want to contribute to community life.
The Community Organising Handbook provides the Membership Application Template and Community Outreach Checklist to make recruitment structured and consistent.
Practice:
- Use the Community Outreach Checklist to identify opportunities for visibility such as community events, local gatherings, or partnerships.
- Clearly explain the Association’s purpose, activities, and benefits of membership during conversations or presentations.
- Provide the Membership Application Template to interested individuals and guide them through the process.
- Encourage current members to invite people they know who are ready to take part in local projects and strengthen the Heritage Australian community.
Trainer’s Reflection:
Recruitment is not about numbers but about connection.
When people feel that they belong to something purposeful, they stay and contribute.
Every new member is a sign that the community believes in what we are building together.
2. Creating a Welcoming and Engaged Culture
Once members join, they need to feel welcomed and involved. A positive culture keeps participation high and helps people find meaningful ways to contribute.
The Community Organising Handbook includes the New Member Welcome Template and Member Induction Guide, which outline how to introduce members to the Association’s work, structure, and values.
Practice:
- Send a welcome message using the New Member Welcome Template to introduce key contacts and upcoming events.
- Use the Member Induction Guide to explain how meetings, campaigns, and committees work.
- Pair new members with experienced mentors who can answer questions and encourage participation.
- Provide small roles early on, such as helping with event preparation or communication tasks, to build confidence and engagement.
Trainer’s Reflection:
A welcoming environment creates loyalty.
When people are recognised, included, and given something to do, they develop a sense of ownership and pride in the Association’s success.
3. Developing Leaders and Committees
Strong leadership and clear structure allow the Association to grow without losing focus.
Leadership development is about identifying potential, sharing responsibility, and ensuring that every member can contribute their skills.
The Community Organising Handbook provides the Leadership Development Plan and Committee Role Descriptions to help Associations build capable teams and balanced committees.
Practice:
- Identify members who show initiative or reliability and offer them opportunities to lead small projects.
- Use the Leadership Development Plan to set goals for training and mentoring.
- Ensure that each committee role is clearly defined using the Committee Role Descriptions.
- Encourage collaboration between committee members to distribute tasks fairly and maintain teamwork.
Trainer’s Reflection:
Leadership is learned through participation and example.
When people are trusted with responsibility and supported to succeed, they become the next generation of leaders.
Growth is sustainable only when leadership is shared.
4. Maintaining Momentum Between Campaigns
Momentum keeps the Association alive between major campaigns.
Quiet periods are opportunities to strengthen relationships, improve systems, and prepare for future activity.
The Community Organising Handbook provides the Engagement Calendar Template and Volunteer Activity Log to help plan small, ongoing activities that maintain participation.
Practice:
- Use the Engagement Calendar Template to plan regular activities such as social gatherings, working groups, or training sessions.
- Encourage members to document volunteer hours or contributions using the Volunteer Activity Log.
- Communicate regularly through newsletters or updates to keep everyone informed.
- Use smaller community projects to keep visibility high and reinforce the Association’s presence locally.
Trainer’s Reflection:
Momentum is not only about action. It is about connection.
When members stay involved, even in small ways, the organisation remains active and ready to move when the next campaign begins.
5. Recognising Contribution and Preventing Burnout
Every member’s contribution matters. Recognising effort builds motivation, while balance ensures long-term sustainability.
People give their best when they feel appreciated and supported.
The Community Organising Handbook includes the Member Recognition Guide and Wellbeing and Balance Checklist, which help maintain morale and prevent fatigue.
Practice:
- Publicly thank members for their contributions at meetings and events.
- Use the Member Recognition Guide to identify opportunities for acknowledgment such as service milestones or outstanding efforts.
- Apply the Wellbeing and Balance Checklist to ensure workloads are realistic and responsibilities are shared fairly.
- Encourage members to take short breaks from intensive projects when needed.
Trainer’s Reflection:
Recognition turns effort into pride.
When people feel valued and balanced, they stay longer, contribute more, and set an example for others.
6. Planning for Leadership Succession
Sustainability depends on preparing future leaders.
Succession planning protects continuity, preserves knowledge, and ensures that leadership transitions are smooth and respectful.
The Community Organising Handbook provides the Succession Planning Template and Leadership Handover Checklist to guide this process.
Practice:
- Use the Succession Planning Template to identify potential successors for key roles early.
- Document all important procedures and contacts in the Leadership Handover Checklist.
- Involve emerging leaders in decision-making so they gain experience and confidence.
- When leadership changes occur, schedule a clear handover meeting to ensure that information, files, and responsibilities are properly transferred.
Trainer’s Reflection:
Preparing for succession is not about stepping back. It is about stepping forward responsibly.
When leadership transitions are planned and supported, the organisation gains strength and stability.
Summary
Growth is the sign of a healthy Association.
Recruitment brings new energy, leadership development expands capacity, and recognition keeps people engaged.
Momentum is maintained through connection and planning, while succession ensures continuity for the future.
By applying the templates and guides in the Community Organising Handbook, your Association can grow in both size and strength while staying true to the purpose of representing and advancing the Heritage Australian community with unity and confidence.
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Next Steps
Once your group is active and organised, use the Heritage Australians Constitution Toolkit to formalise your Association, elect a committee, and connect into the wider movement.