It is important that entities take an active role in inviting these members into the life of your Section and its Chapters. Believe it or not, many of these former Students think that IEEE is merely a Student engineering organization and have no idea of the wealth of resources IEEE and its Sections and Chapters offer them now as young professionals. When these new members feel truly welcome, they are more likely to come to future meetings and get involved. Ignore the newcomers, though, and they might feel slighted and be less likely to return. Providing a list of member representatives at the various employers in the area, who would be willing to serve as liaisons and mentors, can also be a very helpful way of assisting members new to the Section.
Members helping members is a sure way to build a vibrant Section.
The surest and most efficient way to grow your Section and or Chapters' membership is to keep the members you already have. Student Branches and Sections should let their graduating Student members and other young IEEE professionals know about GOLD programs. Funds are available to form a GOLD committee and initiate activities. 476 members were elected to Senior Member grade at just the first two meeting of the Admission and Advancement panels in 1999. All Sections and Societies are urged to nominate worthy members for elevation to Senior Member grade.