Taylor belonged to the chapter for several years.
He had volunteered extensively – and moved over so new volunteers could have leadership experience as well.
With no current leadership role and the chapter doing the same things it has always done, Taylor felt disconnected from the chapter.
Sure he had friends in the chapter – but his chapter experience wasn’t giving him the outlet he enjoyed.
He was beginning to wonder if it was time to find a new organization to put his time into.
Until the phone rang, that is.
“Ummm… Hello Taylor?” The voice was wobbly with nerves.
“This is Susie from the chapter. I’m working on PR for the big project and was told you are a master at it. I wondered if you would be willing to mentor me?”
Taylor was surprised by her request…
“What?”
“Oh, it’s okay. If you are too busy,” Susie rushed on, “I think PR is so important and we can do better this year and was told you were the person who could give me ideas. But if you’re too busy or don’t want to help me…”
“Whoa. Okay Susie. I just didn’t expect your request and needed a moment to adjust. I would be glad to help you out.”
Susie was thrilled! “I promise I will make you proud! I’ve got a draft of a media plan and a rough idea…”
Taylor was hooked.
Helping Susie felt good.
He could use the skills he had built in the chapter and teach them to her.
“Okay Susie. Let’s start in the beginning…”
Taylor couldn’t believe he had thought about leaving the chapter!
Susie’s request for help as a mentor gave Taylor a meaningful job in the chapter once again.
As important as it is to help people move up and out of leadership roles, it’s also important to have something for past leaders to do.
Being a mentor for someone new is just one way you can help experienced members stay connected to your chapter.
How do you help past leaders to serve your chapter in new and meaningful ways?