Starting in a new community often raises questions.
The Buddy Concept in the PMI Germany Chapter helps you find your orientation and connect with other members more quickly.
Starting in a new community often comes with motivation, but also with questions. You may ask yourself: What is expected of me? Who can I contact? What opportunities do I have as a member?
The Buddy Concept in the PMI Germany Chapter addresses exactly these questions. Experienced members accompany new members during the first weeks of their membership. They explain the available opportunities, introduce the community, and help you connect with the Local Groups.
This creates a personal connection from the beginning. You gain orientation and get to know other members more quickly.
What is the Buddy Concept
The Buddy Concept brings new members together with experienced members. These so-called Chapter Buddies accompany you during the initial phase of your membership. They are your first point of contact for questions related to the chapter.
The focus is not on control or additional obligations. Instead, it is about personal support on equal footing that helps you get started.
How the Buddy Concept works
New members can first take an online course. There you learn more about the chapter, its offers, and its structure.
In addition, you can request a Chapter Buddy for two months. Your buddy supports you with organizational and content-related questions and helps you get to know the Local Groups.
Regular informal conversations help clarify questions early and reduce uncertainty.
Why the Buddy Concept matters
Membership and volunteering depend on trust, appreciation, and a sense of belonging. The Buddy Concept creates the conditions for this.
New members feel welcomed and find their place in the community more quickly. This strengthens satisfaction and supports long-term engagement.
Buddies benefit as well. They share their experience, take responsibility, and actively contribute to an open and supportive community.
A growing community needs orientation
Due to the New Membership Model, the PMI Germany Chapter is expected to grow further. In addition to the existing average of around 150 new members per month, additional members are expected to join.
To ensure that new members can quickly find their way, orientation and personal contacts are essential. This is exactly where the Buddy Concept helps.
Taking responsibility together
A successful start often determines whether members stay engaged in the long term. The Buddy Concept promotes a culture of collaboration and helps new members settle into the community.
Sometimes all it takes is someone who listens, answers questions, and helps create the first connections.
Conclusion
The Buddy Concept relies on members who are willing to share their knowledge, provide orientation, and support others as they join the community.
If you would like to pass on your experience, you can contribute as a Buddy and actively support the onboarding of new members.
More information can be found here:
- On the PMI's New Membership Model:
- Onboarding for new members:
Interested in becoming a Chapter Buddy?
Would you like to support new members as they start their journey in the PMI Germany Chapter and share your experience?
Then apply to become a Chapter Buddy. In this role, you support new members during the first weeks of their membership and help them find their way within the community. https://volunteer.pmi.org/opportunities/65751
