SEFAA Membership Buddy Program

About the Program

The SEFAA Membership Buddy Program is established to support members by pairing them with experienced members who serve as guides, resources, and connectors. The program strengthens member engagement and fosters meaningful relationships within the association.

APPLY HERE

Program Scope

This program is available to anyone who would like to enhance their familiarity with the benefits of SEFAA membership. Tenured members in good standing may volunteer to serve as a Buddy, or as a participant if needing to refresh your familiarity with SEFAA member benefits.

Who Can Apply?

Buddy: Experienced member providing guidance

There is no minimum membership tenure required to serve as a Buddy; however, Buddies should be actively engaged with SEFAA and have a strong understanding of its membership benefits, resources, events, sponsorship and branding opportunities, website, and ways to get involved. Buddies should feel confident independently educating, guiding, and connecting participants based on their existing knowledge and experience with SEFAA. Formal training will not be provided for this role.

Participant: new or current member interested in being paired with a Buddy

Program Structure & Procedures

Program Expectations

All are expected to respect one another’s time, privacy, and boundaries while approaching the Buddy Program with a genuine interest in connection, learning, and engagement with the organization and its membership benefits. While professional relationships may naturally develop, the program should not be used for sales, solicitation, or business promotion. If any member is found to be misusing this program or member information, participation is subject to revocation.

Buddy Responsibilities

Buddies agree to

• initiate contact
• provide guidance about SEFAA benefits, opportunities, and resources
• facilitate introductions to other members
• follow through on suggested communications

Participant Responsibilities

Participants agree to

• engage with assigned Buddy
• have a desire to learn about SEFAA membership

Program Duration

There is no formal engagement timeframe; however, it is recommended that each Buddy plan for at least 3 “formal” touch points with their matched participant. This should be a 30–60-day engagement period. Relationships may continue informally beyond this timeframe.

Staff Responsibilities

Association staff are responsible for program promotion, intake, matching, communication, tracking, follow-up, and program evaluation. Staff will maintain program records and ensure timely communication.

Matching Procedures

Staff will match participants based on a rotational schedule of available buddies. Matches will be completed weekly, participants to be notified on the Monday following sign up.

Tracking and Documentation

Staff will maintain a centralized tracking system for documenting assignments.

Evaluation and Reporting

The program will be evaluated using satisfaction survey results. Staff will provide periodic reports to leadership and membership engagement committee.

Why Participate?

Benefits for Buddies 

• Share your SEFAA love and knowledge
• Expand your professional network
• Strengthen leadership skills
• Give back to the industry

Benefits for Participants

• Expand industry connections
• Learn from tenured members of SEFAA
• Receive support and guidance toward professional goals

Confidentiality

Participant information will be used solely for program administration and will not be shared beyond program purposes.

Program Review

This policy will be reviewed annually and updated as needed.

Questions?

For additional information about the Buddy Program, please contact: SEFAA Membership membership@sefaa.org