Step 4

Growing Membership in Year One

Strategies for Getting British Expats to Register for FREE as a Supporter of the BOVF and Converting Supporters into Active Members

The first step in engaging British expatriates with the British Overseas Voters Forum (BOVF) is to make the process of registering as a Supporter – this is our main target.

The main BOVF website makes this process seamless and attractive.

You can help by crafting a clear and compelling message about the benefits of British expats where you are to becoming a Supporter.

You could highlight how this simple action connects them to a global network that advocates for their rights on critical issues like voting access, pensions, and representation in UK policies.

You might use targeted social media campaigns, newsletters, and email outreach to spread this message to a broader audience, making sure to direct expats to the BOVF easy-to-use registration platform.

Collaborating with British businesses, schools, or clubs to distribute information about your local branch, the global BOVF and the website as well as any other materials you produce can also help reach expats who may not be so active where you have promoted your local branch so far.

Once expatriates have registered as Supporters, the next logical step is converting them into active members who are more deeply involved with the BOVF. This is an option but not a major priority.

Remember: Our policy is to get people to ‘join in’ not to sell the idea of joining.

In any event, establish a personal connection—invite Supporters to virtual or in-person events where they can meet branch leaders and fellow expats, learn about the specific campaigns you are working on, and discover how they can play a role.

Consistent follow-up through personalized emails or phone calls is crucial in making them feel valued and part of the community.

Provide exclusive content or opportunities that are only available to Supporters and then also exclusively to members, such as social events or strategic planning meetings, early event registration, or invitations to leadership roles.

By showing how their active membership can have a direct impact on both their lives and the global expatriate community, you can inspire greater commitment and engagement in your branch. But let this happen naturally. We do not want anyone to feel ‘pressured’.

Using Targeted Campaigns and Local Branch Issues to Engage the Local British Expat Community

Targeted campaigns and local branch-specific issues are powerful tools for engaging British expatriates and building a vibrant, active BOVF community. Each expat community faces unique challenges based on the country they reside in, so tailoring campaigns around local concerns is crucial. Start by identifying the issues that resonate most with your local expat community.

For instance, British citizens living in countries with no pension agreements may be most concerned with frozen pensions, while those in countries with inefficient postal systems may prioritize voting access. By focusing on the most relevant issues, your branch can demonstrate a deep understanding of local needs, making your efforts more relatable and impactful to potential members.

To further engage the community, launch targeted campaigns that address these specific issues. Utilize social media advertising, newsletters, and local British expat forums to spread the word. Create clear calls to action, encouraging expats to sign petitions, attend local events, or volunteer to help with advocacy. Local events centered around key issues provide a platform for community discussion and action. For example, holding an informational session on navigating local tax laws or organizing a workshop on voter registration can show that your branch is not only advocating for change but also offering immediate, practical support. As members see the BOVF making tangible impacts on their daily lives, engagement and commitment will naturally grow.

How do you envision utilizing local issues to inspire greater participation and action within your branch? Are there any specific issues in your community that you feel would motivate expats to get more involved?

Tools and Resources from BOVF to Aid Recruitment

The British Overseas Voters Forum (BOVF) offers a variety of tools and resources to help local branches effectively recruit new members and supporters.

These resources are designed to simplify outreach efforts and maximize your branch’s visibility, ensuring that you can connect with British expatriates who may not yet be aware of the BOVF or the importance of its mission.

Additionally, the BOVF provides customized recruitment materials such as brochures, flyers, and information packets that can be distributed at local events, British businesses, embassies, or community hubs.

These materials are designed to clearly communicate the key issues the BOVF is tackling—such as voting rights and frozen pensions—and explain how new members can make a difference by joining the movement.

The BOVF also offers training sessions and webinars to equip your branch leaders with the skills needed for effective recruitment, including best practices for community engagement, online outreach, and hosting successful events.

By utilizing these tools, your branch will be well-prepared to expand its network and bring in new, active members who are eager to support the BOVF’s mission.

We hope this page has been informative.

If you have any corrective or improvement suggestions, please email webmaster@bovf.org.uk