LeadingOrgs Engaging and Motivating members of your student organization

1. Engaging and Motivating Members
UMBC STUDENT LIFE
Based on the work of Gideon Rosenblatt, Former Groundwire
Executive Director, November, 2010
Learn more at: http://www.idealware.org/articles/engagement-
pyramid-six-levels-connecting-people-and-social-change

2. OVERVIEW OF THE
ENGAGEMENT
PYRAMID
People engage in organizations in many different
levels of intensity
(low level engagement at the bottom, high intensity
engagement at the top)
In an organization there are more people with a low
level of engagement than there are highly involved
members (aka the officers).
Think of the vertical dimension – the intensity of
engagement – as a “ladder” that individuals climb
as they become more involved.

3. Engagement
Pyramid
Leading
Owning
Contributing
Endorsing
Following
Observing

4. Observing
• “Inspire initial and repeat contact with the organization.”
• Most people are in this level.
• Examples:
–Stop by your Involvement Fest Table
–Know of your organization
OBSERVING

5. Following
• “Offer value and secure permission to deliver direct,
proactive communications.”
• Examples:
–Follow you on social media
–Attend only 1 event or meeting
OBSERVING
FOLLOWING

6. Endorsing
• “Earn enough trust to secure endorsement of the work.”
• Example:
–Promote your organization to friends
–Bring friends to an event or meeting
OBSERVING
FOLLOWING
ENDORSING

7. Contributing
• “Deepen commitment to the mission and the work.”
• Example: Join a committee within your organization
OBSERVING
FOLLOWING
ENDORSING
CONTRIBUTING

8. Owning
“Instill & develop
a sense of
responsibility for
the mission.”
Examples:
Love the org.,
believe in the
mission &
goals, and take
responsibility
for the projects.
OBSERVING
FOLLOWING
ENDORSING
CONTRIBUTING
OWNING

9. Leading
“Develop leadership
skills and
opportunities.”
OBSERVING
FOLLOWING
ENDORSING
CONTRIBUTING
OWNING
LEADING