Membership
A Roadmap for Growth, Fellowship, and Service
The Philoptochos Two-Year Membership Plan is a comprehensive roadmap designed to help chapters strengthen membership, deepen spiritual life, and grow meaningful engagement within their parish communities. Developed by the National Philoptochos Membership Committee, this plan offers a flexible framework that chapters can adapt to their unique parish culture, size, and needs.
Structured around the liturgical seasons and the National Philoptochos Fiscal Year (January–December), the plan spans two years and is organized by quarterly themes, goals, and recommended actions. Together, these initiatives are intended to nurture fellowship, inspire service, and invite women of all ages to take part in the philanthropic and spiritual mission of Philoptochos.
Membership Growth
"Year One focuses on building awareness, welcoming participation, and establishing strong foundations for sustainable growth. Chapters are encouraged to highlight visible philanthropy and clearly communicate our mission."
Service in Action
Demonstrate Philoptochos' impact through visible acts of philanthropy
Build community through hospitality, outreach, and fellowship
Strengthen connections with National and Metropolis Philoptochos
Showcase the National Philoptochos Impact Poster in parish spaces to highlight the scope and reach of Philoptochos' work.
Distribute welcoming membership packets that include the mission statement, calendar of events, testimonials, and information on how to join.
Introduce parishioners to the Philoptochos App, social media platforms, and listserv to encourage ongoing engagement.
Invite the entire parish to participate in a Christmas outreach project, such as a gift drive or food basket initiative.
Host a casual holiday gathering or coffee night where members are encouraged to bring friends.
Collaborate with youth ministries through a Vasilopita blessing or Epiphany house blessing.
Plan a collaborative ministry night with other parish groups to foster unity and shared purpose.
Lent, Reflection, and Connection
Deepen spiritual engagement during the Lenten journey
Welcome new members through service, prayer, and reflection
Distribute National Philoptochos Impact Statement materials to raise awareness of national commitments.
Host a Lenten women's retreat or invite a guest speaker for spiritual enrichment.
Co-host a Philoptochos potluck following a Presanctified Liturgy.
Organize or co-host a Lenten meal and speaker in conjunction with a Presanctified or Akathist service.
Lead a parish-wide philanthropic project, such as assembling meal kits or collecting backpacks.
Create opportunities for young women (ages 18–35) to connect through service projects or informal gatherings.
Highlight National and Metropolis commitments through a visual or informational showcase.
Gratitude and Planning
Reflect on progress and express appreciation
Prepare strategically for Year Two
Highlight opportunities for involvement in National and Metropolis Philoptochos events and commitments, including biennial conferences and medical luncheons.
Promote parish and Metropolis summer camps as opportunities for multigenerational engagement and support.
Host a summer luncheon or dinner to honor members and welcome new ones.
Collect member testimonials and stories to share in future communications.
Hold a feedback session to evaluate initiatives and gather ideas.
Convene a summer planning retreat for chapter leadership to prepare the Year Two calendar.
Renewal, Visibility, & Outreach
Begin the Ecclesiastical New Year with intention and clarity
Increase visibility and invite new participation
Host a Ministry Sunday with a brief presentation, pamphlet distribution, and coffee hour.
Invite the parish priest to offer an Agiasmos blessing at the first meeting of the year.
Distribute a parish interest survey to better understand women's interests and availability.
Refresh membership packets with updated materials, testimonials, and digital resources.
Strengthen the chapter's online presence through the parish website, bulletin, and social media.
Organize a "Bring a Friend" meeting or social gathering.
Launch a mentoring initiative pairing new or potential members with experienced members.
"Year Two builds upon the foundations of Year One, emphasizing leadership development, succession planning, and long-term sustainability."
Fellowship and Formation
Foster meaningful relationships among members
Prepare future leaders for active involvement
Combine service and fellowship through a Christmas service and social event.
Distribute updated membership packets to engage new and prospective members.
Offer a leadership mini-workshop introducing committee roles and opportunities.
Continue member mentoring initiatives to bridge experiences.
Host pop-up information booths at parish events to reach a wider audience.
Present a commitment webinar or showcase focused on National and Metropolis initiatives.
Encourage consistent use of the Philoptochos App, social media, and listserv.
Service and Succession
Strengthen commitment through service
Prepare for future leadership transitions
Lead a parish-wide Lenten outreach initiative to engage all demographics.
Prepare for biennial chapter board elections and encourage active participation.
Offer board shadowing opportunities for interested members to learn roles firsthand.
Host a mother–daughter or multigenerational event celebrating women of all ages.
Collaborate with youth ministries or GOYA on joint service projects.
Celebration and Vision
Celebrate accomplishments and set direction for the future
Highlight continued involvement in National and Metropolis Philoptochos events.
Host an annual appreciation luncheon honoring members and sharing impact stories.
Develop the upcoming year's theme and calendar with input from all members.
Share a visual parish report summarizing the two-year impact of the chapter.
Recommitment and Evangelism
Welcome new and returning members
Grow participation through parish engagement
Begin the year with a fall kickoff and Agiasmos blessing for the board and members.
Distribute the upcoming year's theme and calendar clearly to all parishioners.
Host a young women's coffee or brunch gathering (ages 18–35) to foster new connections.
Celebrate Philoptochos Sunday in November with stories, photos, and guest participation.
Continuous Engagement & Growth
Begin each meeting with a brief prayer or reflection.
Stay Connected
Chapters are invited to share brief information about their community to help the National Membership Committee stay connected throughout this two-year journey. Periodic surveys will be sent to gather feedback, celebrate progress, and learn how chapters are bringing this action plan to life.
Your participation helps strengthen our sisterhood, deepen our shared mission, and support continued growth in Christ’s love.
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