[blockquote quote="Engage%3A%20(verb)%20To%20occupy%2C%20attract%20or%20involve%20someone%E2%80%99s%20interest%20or%20attention.%20To%20cause%20someone%20to%20become%20involved%20in%20a%20conversation%20or%20discussion." color="primary" /]
Member engagement helps cooperatives move members to be active proponents of the cooperative. Engaged members are willing to take action for the cooperative when needed, are more understanding and supportive during tough times, respond to programs offered by the cooperative and are true advocates for their cooperative and the cooperative business model.
To build a community, you need to engage the members of your community. That means:
- Creating two-way communication loops.
- Listening to your members.
- Applying applicable feedback at your co-op.
- Sharing information that your community wants to know.
Engaging your community does not mean:
- Only talking to your audience, not with them.
- Assuming you know what they are interested in.
- Sticking to your agenda no matter what feedback you get.
- Pushing your message out instead of pulling your audience in.
How Does This Apply to Young Adults and Co-ops?
It all starts with analyzing your members and understanding your co-op. Dive deeper into understanding how to gain valuable insights about your members in the analysis and segmentation guidance. Unlocking these insights will help you build engagement because you will be able to deliver the relevant messages and open a dialogue with members.
As you prepare for strategic planning and before you write your communication plan, download the
Situational Analysis form to help you gather facts about your co-op.
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