In September, 35 environmental activists from 19 different MEC organizations participated in Building Your Membership for Effective Advocacy & Fundraising, a workshop provided by the Beldon Fund at MEC's request. Over the two days, participants learned how to increase their local support, expand citizen engagement and establish a reliable source of unrestricted income. Throughout the training, participants focused on how to make their organizations more powerful, efficient and effective by building a constituency that would advocate for a healthier environment.

Specific training topics included:
• Understanding and motivating members;
• Developing messages that mobilize action and donations;
• Making the most of renewals and special appeals;
• Establishing systems that save time and money;
• Building membership to strengthen advocacy efforts;
• Developing your membership plan.

About the trainer
Ellis Robinson built the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy's membership from 400 to 60,000 in three years. She has nearly 30 years experience in membership development, fundraising, nonprofit management and advocacy, serving more than 500 local, state and national organizations. Ellis is President of The Buttonwood Partnership, a consulting firm based in Florida specializing in services to environmental and conservation nonprofits. Her new book, The Nonprofit Membership Toolkit, was published by Jossey-Bass in July 2003.

Future trainings
Ellis Robinson will return to Michigan next year for a second fundraising workshop sponsored by MEC and ECCO, again through the generous support of The Beldon Fund. On January 21-22, 2004 (at a location to be determined), MEC groups are invited to expand their major donor fundraising skills by learning how to upgrade members once you have them through building relationships, developing giving clubs and establishing a cadre of askers within your board and staff.