New Member Sponsor Responsibilities
For the purpose of this document, a “Sponsor” is defined as a Kettering member in good standing. A member in good standing is a member that is a current dues-paying member, or “Sustaining” member.
| 1. | Know the Kettering Organization: The Sponsor is responsible for being familiar with Kettering and this document, explaining Kettering to their Prospect, confirming they meet all membership requirements, and gaining their alignment with Kettering Core Values and our “Pay It Forward” culture. |
| 2. | Describe the Membership Process: Sponsor should discuss Kettering with the prospective Candidate and provide them with electronic copies of the following collateral: a.) Sponsor Responsibilities b.) Membership Criteria c.) Kettering Mission and Core Values d.) Membership Process Note: All documents can be found on the website in the RESOURCES section |
| 3. | Pre-Qualify Prospect: It is critical for each Sponsor to make every effort to ensure their Guest /Prospect meets the character, work and leadership experience and is truly Kettering caliber before submitting as a Candidate. Vetting and pre-qualification (face to face meeting, resume review and LinkedIn profile review) is the Sponsors’ responsibility during this early stage of the process to maintain member standards and to facilitate member acceptance. If the Guest meets membership criteria, the Sponsor can move forward to the next step in the membership process. Note: Only pre-qualified prospects can be submitted as a Candidate. Non-qualified “Referrals” to the Membership Committee are not accepted. |
| 4. | Invite Prospect to Kettering Events: After Sponsor pre-verification is completed and executive level qualifications confirmed, the Sponsor will invite the Prospect to attend two Kettering events as a “Guest” (preferably Friday meetings, but could also be a SIG event). The purpose of Guest attendance is to (a) provide an opportunity for the Guest to observe and learn more about the Kettering organization and pay-it-forward focus, (b) interact and network with Kettering members and (c) evaluate us and make an informed decision regarding their desire to become a Kettering Member. Guests must attend two Kettering events before they can progress to the next step in the membership process. |
| 5. | Facilitate Guest registration for a Kettering event: Registration is required for any Guest attending a Kettering event. All events will require a nominal [Guest] fee to attend. Provisions exist for either the Sponsor or the Guest to register for an event. Refer to the “Sponsor Orientation Guide” for registration instructions and guidance. |
| 6. | Attend First Event with Guest: Guests are only permitted to attend their first Kettering meeting with a Member and assumes the Guest is pre-qualified and meets membership criteria. If the Sponsor is unable to attend the Kettering event along with their Guest, it is the Sponsors responsibility to secure another member as a substitute host. |
| 7. | Facilitate Guest Introduction: Guest introductions may occur at the initial Kettering events attended. Refer to the “Sponsor Orientation Guide” for introduction instructions and guidance. |
| 8. | Nominate Guest for Membership: After confirming the Guest/Prospect meets all membership qualifications, the nominating Sponsor should invite the Guest to apply for membership. The Sponsor will notify the Membership Chair at membership@ketteringexecutivenetwork.org and include the Candidate’s Resume, LinkedIn link, Membership Criteria Form and email address. This will initiate the formal membership application process. |
| 9. | Initiate Candidate Application Process: The Guest will receive an email inviting them to register on the Kettering website, fill out the online application and pay the application fee. When the on-line application is complete, the Membership Chair will receive confirmation the application is completed, and the application fee paid. At that time, the Candidate’s interview will be scheduled. |
| 10. | Becoming a Candidate: Upon submission and acknowledgment of receipt of the online application, the Guest becomes a Candidate. A Candidate will have the ability to register and pay online for all future events. Candidate introductions will be required at upcoming Kettering events. Refer to the “Sponsor Orientation Guide” for introduction instructions and guidance. A Candidate is strongly encouraged to attend Kettering events.11. Membership Notification – Acceptance: Candidates “accepted” for membership will be notified by email from the Membership Chair, with a copy to the Sponsor. The Candidate must attend an upcoming New Member Orientation session (check the website calendar of events) to answer any questions the new member may have, explain the organization, and review the website.12. Membership Notification – Rejection: The Sponsor will be notified if the Candidate has been denied membership, and it is the Sponsor’s responsibility to then notify the Candidate that he/she has been denied membership. The Membership Chair will discuss with the Sponsor the reason(s) for candidate being denied membership. |
| 11. | Full Membership: Full membership is attained once the following steps are completed:
a.) Receive notification confirming membership ‘acceptance’ |
| 12. | Integrating into Kettering: During the first month after the new Member is accepted into the Kettering community, the Sponsor should monitor the new Member’s participation level and act as the new Member’s mentor at Kettering. The sponsor is strongly encouraged to ensure the new member completes the following:
a.) Attend New member Orientation |
For more detail, review the full “Sponsoring a Candidate” document which can be found here