Have You Thought About Texting Members? If Not, Consider This Engaging Communication Channel
Updated: Nov. 8, 2026 | Categories: Member Communications, Responsive Communication, Meetings/Events
You send a well thought out email about your upcoming speaker; you’re excited to share the details, because your members have mentioned they really want to hear this person. But then your email lands in a member’s inbox, alongside as many as 200 more messages that came on that same day. You also post the event on social media, but the algorithm decides who sees it, which may not be the right group or enough of them.
Have you considered texting your members for a quick touchpoint?
When was the last time you missed a text message? It’s probably a rare occurrence because your phone is most likely always within reach. And we’d bet your members have their phones close to them, too.
Like many for-profit companies, association chapters can take advantage of our attachment to our mobile devices. Text messaging is a direct, immediate way to connect with members. Here are some things to consider that can help you decide if text messaging would be useful as part of your association chapter’s communication plan.
First, some statistics
Texts have open rates as high as 98% and response rates as high as 45%. Speed is another significant factor. 90% of texts are read within three minutes, which makes it well suited to communicating things that are time sensitive. If you’re wondering whether people like receiving text messages, 89% of consumers opt in to receive them.
Three Benefits of Texting for Chapters
It's immediate. Your chapter runs on deadlines and often-updated details. This includes event reminders, registration deadlines, last-minute schedule changes and volunteer requests. A text gets that information to your audience fast. It’s an effective option for sending a series of details, like you’d normally share in several emails leading up to an event.
It helps boost engagement. People often check their texts before they read their emails, and as we’ve shared, they tend to respond more quickly to texts. When members see texts with links they can act on in the moment, you can see stronger responses to things like surveys and polls and higher attendance at events and meetings.
It feels more personal. Members receive your chapter texts in the same place they receive messages from friends and family. This connection drives them to view texts as coming to them directly and personally, rather how they feel when they receive an email they believe went to the entire chapter. This “meant for me” perspective can lead to two-way conversations, when a member replies with a question, a yes or a thank-you.
Four Ways Chapters Can Use Texting
Event promotion. Texts can be useful at every stage of an event, from registration reminders and early-bird deadline alerts to directions, parking tips and weather-related changes. They can be especially useful for chapter members who wait till the last minute to register when you send them a text reminder the day before.
Membership renewals. Retention is stronger when you actively connect with your chapter members instead of leaving them figuring things out on their own, including remembering to renew. Use texts to send renewal reminders ahead of the member’s renewal date, welcome new members with personal texts and recognize membership anniversaries.
Volunteer recruitment. Asking for volunteers through your newsletter, on your website and in meetings are good options, but those requests can sometimes get lost or forgotten. Recruiting volunteers for open committee roles, staffing an event or a leadership opportunity are all topics well-suited for sending in short texts. To increase the chances of a response, include a link or ask the person to respond to the text.
Surveys and feedback. Members are more likely to answer a question that takes a few seconds. Use texts for post-event evaluations, quick polls and engagement check-ins. This is also another way members feel valued when they see that you want their input.
Texting Best Practices
Texting members can work well for chapters if it’s used correctly. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you create your chapter texting plan.
Let members know ahead of time. Give them advance notice you’re adding text messing to your communication channels; this helps decrease the chances they’ll think it’s spam. Send an email or two and mention the addition in your newsletter, website and social media.
Get member consent. Members should opt in to receive your chapter texts. With every text you send, include an easy way to opt out.
Keep messages short and actionable. Say what's happening, what you need and what they need to do. When relevant, include a link so members can register, renew or respond.
Consider a schedule. As with email, texts sent every day can quickly feel like spam and could drive members to opt out. Send texts when they add value. If a message isn't urgent, useful or relevant, it can probably come through another channel.
What Should You Text?
Whatever you send, be sure to include your chapter name in the message. Here are a few options.
- "Register now! Early registration for the ACME chapter conference closes tomorrow.” with a link to register
- "Renew now. Your ACME chapter membership expires in 30 days.” with a link to renew
- "View the latest ACME chapter open volunteer opportunities” with a link to your volunteer needs
- "Share your feedback. We’re happy you attended the ACME chapter speaker series.” With a link to your survey
Measure Your Success
To see how well your text messaging is working, pick a handful of metrics to track. Consider opt-in rates, click-through rates, event registrations, renewals and responses. Compare these numbers against similar email metrics.
Meet Members Where They Are
We’re not suggesting replacing all chapter communications with texting. Use email, social media and your website for important announcements and longer updates. Texting is a powerful complement to those other channels. It helps cut through the noise, increase engagement and build stronger relationships.
If your chapter isn't texting members, consider adding it to your communication strategy. Start small, ask for consent, keep your messages useful and start reaching your members where they're most likely to respond.
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