To get more members it might be worth asking what made the existing ones join.
We did that. Back in January, as part of planning for a major membership drive, we took a survey of TIGHAR members. We asked:
"Here’s your chance to participate in a poll that has nothing to do with politics.
We’re gearing up for a major membership campaign and we need your help in designing the materials we’ll use to solicit new TIGHAR members. Please take a moment to answer this question -
I joined and remain a member of TIGHAR because:
A. I want to know what really happened to Amelia Earhart.
B. I support TIGHAR’s approach to historical investigation.
C. I enjoy participating in research and/or field work.
D. I enjoy reading TIGHAR publications.
E. All of the above.
If you have another reason for being a TIGHAR member or you would care to comment further please send your thoughts to Ric@tighar.org.
Thanks!"
We got an excellent response and the overwhelming majority chose "E. All of the above."
Several members sent comments. None were negative. Here are a few examples.
"I have never known any group to so publicly follow the scientific method even at cost to their own egos and pet views. A great example of what searching for the truth should be about. And the broad base of experts used to bring the facts of the case to light."
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"Proud to be a member of such a fine organization.
I enjoy reading everything.
Keep the good stuff coming, please. I read and re-read all the material."
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"My wife and I are both private pilots and have been for over 30 years. I am also a certified licensed airframe and powerplant mechanic as well as a Ph.D. registered professional engineer involved in the medical device industry. We are both very interested in all of TIGHAR's historic aircraft recovery and specifically for Amelia Earhart. We appreciate very much the methodical, scientific, and technical approach taken to evaluate artifacts, rather than emotional responses. In addition, my 9 year old granddaughter has given several presentation projects in her 4th grade class regarding Amelia Earhart and derived much of her material from the TIGHAR website. She is also very interested in aviation.
Keep up the great work and good luck in soliciting new TIGHAR members."
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"I joined because I wanted to learn new things and practice my research skills. I figured someone would soon realize that I'm clueless about aviation and throw me out. But that didn't happen.
I soon figured out that TIGHAR isn't just for experts and I could contribute both money and expertise (on the one or two things I actually understand, but that's another issue!) I also met many TIGHARS and learned that everyone is very nice and helpful and interesting.
Big Question: How many world-famous mysteries are investigated by a non-profit that accepts anyone and combines rigorous science with fun and laughs? TIGHAR rules!"
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I saw the Discovery Channel documentary. Then months later came across the forum, lurked a while, then joined the forum, then joined TIGHAR. Months between each stage. The more I learned, the more I became interested and convinced it was worth it.
You're a bit unusual in that you joined as a result of participation in the Forum. Most new members learn about TIGHAR, as you did, via media coverage of our work. They then go to the TIGHAR website, like what they see, and join.