A periodic social event just to welcome new members AND their families can enhance the integration of the new member into the flotilla. All the elected and staff officers should attend with their families to meet and get to know the new members. During the event, the leaders can explain the benefits of membership, en-courage enrollment in member training courses, participation in social events, etc. The FC should ask each new member to be involved in training and support some function in the flotilla as soon as possible. This is a great way to get members involved, let them meet the other flotilla members, and get their questions answered.
Most new members are eager to learn.
In many cases this was their prime motivation for joining. Programs directed toward the member's entire family will enhance participation. These programs and events should be promoted and publicized to the entire membership in a timely manner, with special invitations to new members and members who haven't been attending flotilla meetings and functions. The flotilla must not let too much time pass before a member, especially a new one, is contacted about not attending flotilla meetings and activities. The FC must strive to keep flotilla meetings and programs interesting.