From the editor's cauldron

We're in the same boat - let's row together

What is probably the area of greatest concern for all of us is membership. Sure, the membership vice president talks about it at the chapter meeting sometimes and he may even give you an article now and then. Well, in order for our Society to thrive, more is needed.

Chapter members need to keep membership uppermost in their minds as they go about their daily lives. This is where you as head cheerleader come in and PROBEmoter gives you support.

Starting with this issue, articles from Re:MEMBERS, edited by Patrick Kelly, Society Member Services, will be included. Re:MEMBERS is sent to a variety of district and chapter officers, but not to chapter bulletin editors. If you want to see the publication, talk to your president or membership vice president

From the hundreds of bulletins that I receive and read each month, very few have any reference to membership, be it articles or clip art. I found interesting articles in two chapter bulletins (Hi-Notes News and Hatter Chatter) that are reproduced in this issue. I'm sure the authors and editors will be flattered if you reproduce the pieces or adapt what is written to your needs.

Try to keep membership a priority in your chapter bulletin by publishing an article in every issue. If your membership/chapter development vice president isn't giving you articles regularly, then use the articles from Re:MEMBERS- or use them in addition to chapter-related articles.

Regular membership articles are like advertising: You have to stay at it to sell the product - and you have to sell the product to stay in business. Yes, barbershopping is a hobby, not a business. However, in order to keep the hobby thriving, it requires work, just like a business.

As bulletin editors and public relations officers, it is our job to motivate and spread the word to our chapter members and those outside the chapter whom we want to reach.

In order to "Keep the Whole World Singing," we must continue reaching out to those who will enjoy our hobby and benefit from it in countless ways by becoming Barbershoppers.