New members are the life of any organization. They provide new ideas, enthusiasm, replacements for lost members (old members of student groups don't die; they graduate!) and potential officers.
Everyone wants new members. New organizations are starting all the time. As the number of student groups increase, the competition for new members intensifies. This page is designed to help your group successfully recruit and retain new members.
Evaluate Your Organization
A. The first step to take in planning a recruitment drive is to look at your organization: you have to know the product before you can sell it. The best way to run an unsuccessful campaign is to be unsure of the goals and objectives of your own group. What is our purpose? What are our future plans? Knowing the answers to these questions will help you define who you want to recruit and how you want to recruit them.
B. Build a profile of those you want to recruit: Freshmores? Graduate students? What majors? Interests or hobbies? Is there a certain spot on campus these students are likely to be found? A residence hall? A particular major or program? What medium will most likely appeal to this person? Posters? Music? Keep this profile in mind when you advertise, but not to the exclusion of others! Remember the non discrimination statement in your constitution!
C. Reflect on how your current members first became acquainted with the club and why they joined.
D. Think of the things your organization has to offer to prospective members. Fun? Prestige? Leadership possibilities? Developing interpersonal skills? Be sure to incorporate what you have to offer into your publicity.
Select A Method
A. Information Booth
Participate in various festivals designed for club exposure to
do recruitment and fundraising, e.g. Welcome Week, Rainbow Festival,
HaveAHeart Fair, Homecoming, Wayzgoose, etc. Even if
there isn't a big event, you can set up an information table on
the ring . . . just make sure to reserve the space. At your table
you should have handouts on upcoming meetings and activities,
the purpose of your organization, and a list of current officers.
Scrapbooks or awards are helpful too.
B. Orientation Reception
Plan a reception (with refreshments, a free meal, or door prize)
to acquaint prospective members with your organization:
C. Target Mailing
Some clubs mail information about their organization during the
summer to specific students. For instance, the Hawaii Club mails
to all incoming students with a zip code in the state of Hawaii.
Labels may be obtained from the Office of Admissions and Relations with Schools (OARS) at a cost. In order to accomodate your needs and abide by the privacy law, a special procedure is in place.
A similar procedure is in place for mailing to continuing students through the Registrar and Student Academic Information Services.
D. Word of Mouth
This is the most effective way to get prospects. Encourage your
current members to talk it up and invite a new person to each
meeting or activity.
Retain Your Members
Above all, your new members (and your old members) will need to feel like they belong in the group. Get them involved in the workings of the organization. Get to know them. Help them get to know you. Let them know that their contributions are needed and appreciated. Following these steps will lead to a more enjoyable and rewarding experience for both the new members and for the organization.
If you have questions or want to help in organizing a recruitment drive call the Office of the Dean Students at (949) 824-5181.