None of this is rocket science, but success does rely on a formula. If you have all the right ingredients – your branch will be a success!
To continue growing your local BOVF branch, it’s crucial to use more targeted outreach and focused events that resonate with your community’s unique needs and interests.
We have mentioned this idea before, but why not start by identifying key demographics within your local British expatriate community—whether retirees, young professionals, or families—and tailor your messaging to address their specific concerns?
Highlight issues such as voting rights, pension equality, or education, which may directly impact these groups.
Using platforms like Facebook groups, LinkedIn, and local British networks allows you to target these individuals with messages that reflect their interests and encourage participation.
Alongside digital outreach, hosting targeted events is an excellent way to attract new members. Consider organizing theme-based gatherings, such as voter registration drives, educational seminars on key issues like healthcare or pensions, or even social mixers that create a relaxed environment for discussion.
These events not only provide useful information but also allow potential members to meet others in the community, making them feel more connected to the cause.
Providing clear pathways to membership—such as on-the-spot registration or follow-up emails—ensures that those attending the events can easily become active members of your branch. With these more focused outreach and event strategies, your branch will steadily grow in membership and engagement.
Deepening Relationships with Existing Members by Taking Things to the Next Level
Building long-lasting and meaningful relationships with your existing BOVF members is essential for fostering a committed and active community. To deepen these relationships, consider offering opportunities for members to take on more responsibility and leadership roles within the branch. Encourage them to step up as event organizers, campaign coordinators, or even mentors for newer members. This sense of ownership empowers individuals and strengthens their connection to the branch’s mission.
We have said it before, and we will say it again: additionally, create exclusive opportunities for active members, such as private briefings, strategy sessions, or workshops where they can contribute their ideas to key campaigns.
These personalised experiences foster a deeper sense of involvement and make members feel more valued. Maintain regular, one-on-one communication with these core members, checking in on their interests, gathering feedback, and ensuring their contributions are recognized.
By investing in and nurturing these relationships, your branch will develop a strong, motivated group of individuals ready to take on more responsibility and help drive your mission forward.
Increasing Involvement of Your Local Branch Members in Global BOVF Campaigns and Advocacy
It’s essential to actively involve your members in international advocacy efforts to amplify the voice of your local branch and align it with the broader impact of the BOVF’s global campaigns.
Begin by sharing updates on BOVF’s global campaigns and explaining how these issues—whether voting rights, pensions, or access to government services—directly affect local British expatriates.
Highlight the significance of these global campaigns in achieving meaningful policy change that benefits British citizens worldwide, motivating your members to see how their involvement from the local level can have a far-reaching impact if they step up to take some responsibility with the global BOVF organisation.
Organize events that educate your members about the current global advocacy efforts and provide actionable ways to get involved,
PLEASE DO NOT:
Create online petitions, open letters or write letters to MPs on behalf of the BOVF or the Local Branch. This wastes your time and undermines the BOVF approach of developing lasting, meaningful relationships with candidates and MP’s of all major parties.
(This obviously does not prevent your branch from advocating for a supporter or member who needs help communicating with their MP consulate or embassy reps. We do not prevent individuals from communicating with their democratic representatives or government officials.)
PLEASE DO:
Encourage all of your local branch Supporters and Members to register to vote in UK elections.
PLEASE DO:
Encourage all of your local branch Supporters and Members to participate in global webinars organised by BOVF
PLEASE DO:
Encourage all of your active local branch Supporters and Members who carry responsibilities locally to arrange their own virtual meetings with others engaged with local branches around the world to connect with other branches and learn from broader initiatives.
PLEASE DO:
Encourage all of your local branch Supporters and Members to share, without limitation, on their own social media feeds, groups, or pages any posts or pages found on the BOVF website and any posts shared by the BOVF.
Regularly update your members on the progress of these global efforts, reinforcing the idea that their contributions, no matter the size, are part of a collective push toward real change.
By fostering a sense of unity between local actions and global goals, your branch members will be more motivated to get involved in advocacy beyond their immediate community.
We hope this page has been informative.
If you have any corrective or improvement suggestions, please email webmaster@bovf.org.uk
Goals of This Toolkit
Goals of This Toolkit The purpose of this toolkit is to provide a clear, step-by-step…
Step 1
Initial Planning and Structure The purpose of this toolkit is to provide a clear, step-by-step…
Step 2
Engaging the Community Identifying Local British Citizens and Potential Members Identifying Local British Citizens and…
Step 3
Hosting Your First Events Planning Your First Information-giving Meeting or Event Your first information-giving meeting…
Step 4
Growing Membership in Year One Strategies for Getting British Expats to Register for FREE as…
Step 5
Sustaining Engagement and Participation Regular Communication and Updates for Stakeholders, Supporters, and Members of the…
Step 6
Establishing a Strong Online Presence Setting Up Social Media Accounts for Your Branch Establishing social…
Step 7
Collaborating with the BOVF and Other Branches Setting Up Social Media Accounts for Your Branch…
Step 8
Reaching Milestones and Tracking Progress Setting Realistic Membership and Engagement Goals for Year 1 of…
Step 10
Keeping the Branch Flourishing Long-term Engagement Strategies Building a sustainable and thriving BOVF branch requires…