Finding New Members
The most effective recruiting method is personal contact by club members. If your club members are familiar with the purpose of the organization and the benefits of membership, they can talk comfortably with potential members. Discuss what it was that motivated current members to join. Ask each current member to try to bring one new member to the next meeting.
Another effective recruiting too is “tabling” in the Main Quad, Zinfandel Quad or Sauvignon Green. Be sure to participate in the Club Fairs sponsored by the Center for Student Leadership, Involvement and Service at the beginning of the fall semester each year, but also keep in mind that clubs can reserve tables for recruiting and promotional activities at anytime throughout the year. Recruitment is not just a beginning of the year effort.
Generally, people join clubs:
- To meet new people, to make friends and to have fun
- For an experience that will add to their résumé
- For opportunities to develop and use their skills and talents
- For a chance to be of service to others and make a difference.
If the club can effectively articulate how it addresses these needs, it will be more successful recruiting new members.
Motivating and Retaining Group Members
Some things to stimulate participation and improve involvement:
Leader, Know Thyself _____________________________________________________
Take time to assess your leadership characteristics and know how they impact upon your organization. Is your “style” hindering your group? What behaviors could you change that might stimulate cooperation and commitment among your group members? Ask a staff member in the CSLIS for tools on assessing one’s own leadership style.
Delegate Responsibility _____________________________________________________
Don’t fall into the old “it’s easier to do it myself than explain it” syndrome. Allow others within your group to experience the good feelings that go along with successfully completing a given task the responsibility and the authority to make decisions. Create a system of “accountability.”
Know Your Mission and Purpose ______________________________________________________
You can’t convince others that you have a worthwhile organization unless you’re aware of what the group stands for. Take the time to review your constitution so that all members are aware of your goals as an organization. Group programs should be consistent with your stated mission and purpose.
Orient New Members ______________________________________________________
Take the time to help new members become a part of the group. Meet with them over lunch or coffee and talk about your organization with them. Find out why they were attracted and if they have any special skills or talents you should be aware of. Orientation is not simply “telling” about your organization, but acting in a manner that allows new members to become and stay a part of your organization.
Match the Person to the Job ______________________________________________________
Take advantage of the special skills and talents of your group members. Not only does this benefit your organization, but also it gives individual group members an opportunity to “shine.”
Involve Everyone ______________________________________________________
People support what they help create. The more input members have into decisions, the more likely they are to participate in implementing them.
Recognize a Job Well Done ______________________________________________________
Nothing works quite as well as a “pat on the back” for a job well done. Please take a moment to acknowledge and reward a good effort on the part of group members and recognize the work they put into the tasks given them. It will go a long way toward insuring their future cooperation.
Allow for Personal Growth and Development ______________________________________________________
Encourage and make room for those individuals who might be aspiring to a higher leadership position. Take the time to let them know that rather than feeling threatened by their interest, that it’s nice to know that someone is interested in assuming a responsible position within the organization. After all, officers will graduate some day!
Make It Fun to Belong to the Organization ______________________________________________________
While belonging to any organization requires that group members assume certain responsibilities, the experience of being part of an organization should, above all, be a pleasurable one. In addition to tuning into members’ needs, be sure to include group social activities at least once a semester so that everyone has an opportunity to mingle, relax, and enjoy each others’ company.
Use Meeting Times Effectively ______________________________________________________
Start on time and end on time. Come to meetings prepared. Know what needs to be discussed and what needs to be accomplished. Be sure to print agendas for distribution. Well-organized meetings are more effective meetings.
When Motivators Don’t Work ______________________________________________________
Despite all the best efforts, sometimes members don’t get organized or can’t fit all their activities into available time. Sometimes they just lose interest in what they are doing. Allow them to bow out of their responsibilities gracefully. If possible, find them a more appealing or less time-consuming role.
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