Celebrate the People Behind Your Chapter: How to Create Meaningful Member Spotlights

How to Collect Stories, Record Content, Ask Better Questions, and Share Spotlights That Inspire Your Community

One of the easiest and most meaningful ways to grow your chapter is to shine a light on the incredible people who make up your AMPP community. Member spotlights tell the story of who you serve, why your chapter matters, and how everyday professionals are contributing to the materials protection and performance industry.

Spotlights help with everything:

• Increasing event attendance
• Attracting new members
• Celebrating long-time contributors
• Strengthening relationships with volunteers and sponsors
• Humanizing your chapter’s work

And the best part? You don’t need fancy equipment, a marketing background, or a professional camera crew. You just need a plan—and a little encouragement.

Let’s walk through exactly how to create great member spotlights from start to finish.

What is a Member Spotlight?

A member spotlight is a short profile (written, video, photo story, or social post) that highlights an individual in your chapter. It usually focuses on their background, their role in the industry, and what AMPP means to them.

Spotlights can feature:

• Long-time members
• New members
• Volunteers
• Students or early-career professionals
• Multi-generational AMPP families
• Women in corrosion/asset protection
• Veterans
• Local industry champions

If someone represents your chapter well—they’re spotlight worthy.

How to Select Members to Feature

You don’t have to overthink this. Start small.

Here are easy ways to find members:

• Ask your committee: “Who has a great story? Who’s been active lately?”
• Check event registrations: Spotlight a speaker or someone attending for the first time.
• Look at volunteers: Anyone who regularly lends a hand is a great candidate.
• Call for nominations: Ask members to recommend a colleague—people LOVE recognizing each other.
• Highlight diversity: Spotlight a range of backgrounds, ages, and experiences.

Create a simple rotating list so you always have a few names ready.

How to Collect Their Story (Easy Options)

This is the simplest approach.
Have them submit:

• A headshot or photo of them at work
• Short answers to a few questions (see Section 4)

You can collect this via:

• A Google Form or Microsoft Form
• Email
• A quick text message exchange

If you see them at a meeting or event, ask:
“Would you mind doing a quick 2-minute spotlight video? It helps us celebrate our members.”

All you need:

• Your phone
• A quiet corner
• Good lighting (near a window works great)

Tips:

• Hold the phone horizontally for video
• Keep it short—30–60 seconds is perfect
• Capture a natural, conversational tone

Most people can record a quick selfie video.
Give simple instructions:
“Find good lighting, speak clearly, and answer 2–3 questions in under a minute.”

Questions to Ask (Use These as Your Template)

Great spotlights have great prompts. Here are ready-to-use options:

Short + Simple

• What do you do in the corrosion/asset protection industry?
• How did you get started in this field?
• What’s one project you're proud of?
• Why did you join AMPP?
• What do you enjoy about being part of our chapter?

For Students or New Professionals

• What inspired you to pursue this career path?
• What advice would you give to others starting out?

For Experienced Professionals

• What keeps you passionate about this work?
• How has the industry changed since you began?

For Volunteers

• What made you want to volunteer with the chapter?
• What has been your most rewarding experience as a volunteer?

Pick the 3–5 questions that fit the person best.

Tips for Recording Guest Videos

You don’t need to be a videographer—just follow these simple guidelines:

Lighting

• Face a window or bright light
• Avoid strong light behind the person

Sound

• Move away from noisy rooms
• Ask them to speak slowly and clearly

Framing

• Keep the camera at eye level
• Frame from the chest up

Length

• Aim for 45–60 seconds
• One main message is better than trying to cover everything

Retakes Are Normal

Tell them, “If you don’t like it, we can re-record—no pressure!”

Where to Publish Your Member Spotlights

Once you have your content, share it widely! Here are the best places:

Your Chapter’s Platforms

• Chapter website
• Chapter community page on ampp.org
• Social media (LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram)
• Chapter email newsletter
• Slides at the beginning of meetings/events
• Printed materials (event programs, signage)

AMPP Channels (Optional)

If you have an exceptional story—especially multi-generational, student involvement, or a major career milestone—email your assigned AMPP staff liaison. Many stories can be shared in AMPPLIFY or on national channels.

Tips to Make Member Spotlights More Successful

✔ Be Consistent

Aim for one spotlight per month or quarter. Consistency feels professional and builds anticipation.

✔ Keep the Tone Warm and Human

These are stories—not resumes.
Write conversationally and highlight personality.

✔ Use High-Quality Photos

Photos of people working in the field always perform well.

✔ Tag the Member on Social Media

This increases visibility (and engagement skyrockets when they reshare it).

✔ Build a Library

Create a folder for:

• Photos
• Videos
• Quotes
• Member submissions

This makes it easy to pull content quickly.

✔ Invite Participation

End each post with:
"Want to be featured in our next Member Spotlight? Let us know!" 

A Simple Member Spotlight Template You Can Copy

Meet [Name]
[Job Title, Company]
[Chapter Name]

What They Do:
Short 1–2 sentence explanation.

Why They Love This Industry:
A quote or short paragraph.

Their AMPP Story:
How they got involved, why they stay, or what the chapter means to them.

Fun Fact or Project Highlight:
Keep it light and interesting.

Thank Them:
“We’re proud to have [Name] as part of the [Chapter] community!”

Final Thoughts

Spotlighting members is one of the easiest, most impactful ways to build community, showcase professionalism in your chapter, and celebrate the people who make AMPP what it is. Don't worry about being perfect—just start. Your members will appreciate the recognition, and your chapter will benefit from stronger engagement and visibility.

If you’d like templates or example forms to help you collect member stories, let us know—we’re happy to provide them.

Have question or need help getting started? Reach out to chapters@ampp.org. We are here to help!

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