In the Trenches: Membership in Turbulent Times

5. Use an end-of-year call to action. Use a lift note or buck slip from a station executive in renewal, lapsed and additional-gift mail. Have her/him make a frank statement on your year-end situation and clearly ask for a contribution.

6. Ask early and often. In good times, stations’ appeals sometimes get soft and too polite. Excite donors with your enthusiasm; educate them that members equal programs; tell them that you need each other. Then ask for the money. Clearly. And be sure to thank them.