Hitlerjugend: An In-Depth History: 1927 - We have a plan
by Arvo L. Vercamer

On the 27th of November, 1927, Hitler gave his first speech to his followers (he had been banned from public speaking for a two year period after being sentenced to prison in 1925). A cornerstone topic of that speech was directed towards the paying NSDAP members to increase their party dues and to increase membership. His speech in fact motivated many to increase their party activities. Towards the end of 1925, Hitler could count only 27.000 party members. In 1926, the number of active and paying members increased to 49.000, in 1927 to 72.000 and in the election year of 1928, he could count on the support of 108.000 party members. Increased membership also meant increased revenues for political activities.