(Sample Letter to Potential New Members)
January 1, 2000
Dear Ms. Doe;
I am writing to personally invite you to explore the value of membership and participation in the East Tennessee Chapter of the American Society for Public Administration (ASPA). I ask that you pay particular attention to the many benefits which accrue to you and your staff through participation in ASPA, as outlined in the enclosed brochure.
ASPA has been the most respected organization in the public administration field for more than 60 years, meeting the personal and professional needs of public employees, nonprofit professionals, students, and academics. By becoming an ASPA member, you will receive respected national publications, such as Public Administration Review and PA Times, a monthly newsletter that covers many areas of interest to local administrators: sustainable development, regional cooperation, and budgetary tools, among others.
The East Tennessee Chapter hosts quarterly meetings on important issues to the East Tennessee region. We kick off our year with a fall reception for incoming and returning graduate students. More serious meetings cover such timely topics as tax reform in Tennessee and redevelopment of downtown Knoxville and regional effects of that redevelopment effort. This spring we are planning a workshop on ethics. In addition, we have annual awards for outstanding public servants in the region. Although the East Tennessee Chapter has its share of academic members, many of our members are like yourself: practicing public administrators. For example, two of our current council members are in local government. In addition, our former president is an assistant city manager.
In an era of challenge for those of us in public service, it has become increasingly important for administrators to unite in promoting the positive professional ethics which permeate the public sector. ASPA and the East Tennessee Chapter provide an established forum for accomplishing this goal.
If you have any questions or would like additional information, please contact me at (800) 555-1212 or at chapterleader@email.edu. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Your Name
Your Position, Your Chapter
Enclosure