Join us for the Cross-clubs brainstorming Zoom meeting – Oct. 15 at 7 p.m. ET for 90 min.

Make a 10‑minute welcome call and assign a buddy for every new member

  • Why it works: Associations with welcome phone calls to new members are significantly more likely to post high renewal rates. New‑member onboarding programs measurably increase first‑year renewal. First‑year renewal is where most attrition happens.
  • Do this: Secretary/“Membership Captain” calls within 48 hours; pairs the newcomer with an instructor/experienced pilot for their first 3 club attendances. Use a 4‑question script and a shared buddy roster.

Run a standing monthly “Virtual Coffee + Safety Hour” by Zoom for all members

  • Why it works: Regular, low‑cost social contact plus safety discussion deepens engagement—the #1 driver of renewal. AOPA’s Flying Clubs team recommends standing meetings, social activity and safety/WINGS nights; SSF provides free safety content. Better safety and claims‑free operations can lower premiums in SSA’s group insurance program.
  • Do this: Put it on the calendar for the same weekday/time each month; use SSA, SSF slides/videos or FAA WINGS content; add 20 minutes for hangar chat.

Formalize mentorship & “crew” pairing

  • Why it works: AOPA flying‑club guidance encourages pairing newer with more‑experienced pilots to transmit know‑how, norms and safety—exactly the kind of engagement that correlates with higher renewal. For many older pilots, teaching and sharing mastery is itself motivating.
  • Do this: Keep a one‑page mentor list by area (training, cross‑country, weather, maintenance). The Membership Captain does lightweight pairing and checks in at 30/60 days.

Set monthly skill goals with SSA’s badges (ABC/Bronze) and celebrate progress at each “Virtual Coffee + Safety Hour”

  • Why it works: Clear progress paths and recognition boost perceived value, a top predictor of membership growth and renewal. SSA already provides ABC/Bronze requirements and performance awards—let’s leverage them.
  • Do this: At join, ask “Which badge by when?” Add a “Badges & Bratwurst” recognition moment at the monthly safety hour.

Quarterly “Are you flying?” check‑ins to at‑risk members (5–7 minutes each)

  • Why it works: The British Gliding Association advises calling people who haven’t been around before they decide to leave and doing exit interviews to learn why. A short, friendly check‑in is high‑yield and fast.
  • Do this: : Run a quick “no flights in 90 days” report (or a sign‑in sheet review). Two board members each call 5–10 names per quarter and note barriers (transport, currency, health, scheduling).

Offer micro‑volunteering with lightweight training (e.g., Wing‑Runner course)

  • Why it works: Older volunteers stay when roles are clear, bite‑sized, and supported by training. SSF’s online Wing Runner course and other micro‑roles (weather brief, tow‑rope check, coffee setup) let members contribute without big time/physical commitments. Training and support are linked to persistence among older volunteers. i.e. Could be done just before/after the Saturday safety briefing.
  • Do this:: Publish a 10‑minute jobs menu; assign on a rotating “crew card”; count these toward an annual “Service & Safety” recognition.

Run a 90‑day win‑back for lapsed members

  • Why it works: Many associations keep contacting 1–3 months after expiration, and “forgot to renew” is common. A friendly call plus a small re‑activation sweetener (e.g., waive FR or check ride fee to get them current again etc.) brings people back efficiently.
  • Do this:: At +30, +60, +90 days post‑expiration: email → phone → then record the reasons or results (Shared Google Doc or Sheet ideal for that).

Many more Retention ideas will be discussed at the SSA Clubs retention brainstorming session so be sure to join us.

Oct 15 at 7 p.m. ET for 90 min.
https://zoom.com/j/7709989999
Password: 2222