Student Activities
Bush Campus Center, Rm. 107 · (570) 327-4763
Student Organizations - Recruiting New Members
Whether your group is brand new or established, you are going to want new members to take the place of graduating seniors or those who have moved to other activities. There are several steps in developing and executing a recruitment plan. The following is a suggested model:
Know and understand your vision
The current members should understand the vision of the group so they can communicate its purpose to potential members and others.
Set recruitment goals
Recruitment goals should not only include how many members you want involved, but also the types of members. Quality of membership is just as important as quantity. Ask the group questions like:
- How many members can you reasonably assimilate into your group?
- When will you allow people to join?
- What common interests should members have?
- How can we broaden the diversity of the group and make others feel welcome?
Get everyone involved
Make sure that your current membership is active in the recruitment drive. Word-of-mouth is the best and least expensive type of publicity you can utilize. Brainstorm with members other creative recruitment methods and be certain that your organization has a table at the Fall Student Organization Fair, sponsored by Student Activities.
Utilize a visual element
In addition to word-of-mouth publicity, visual publicity pieces are vital to a recruitment campaign. Have members with artistic talents work on posters, flyers, and banners. Consider creative, eye-catching methods such as 3-D displays and posters, teasers, give-aways, etc.
Attend recruitment programs
Be sure to register for the Student Organization Fair held in September each year. You can register by contacting Student Activities. Watch for announcements and deadlines in your Student Activities organization mailbox. You might also want to hold open meetings inviting people to attend a gathering to hear about your organization and meet its current membership.
Plan a special welcome meeting
Plan a special ceremony or meeting to welcome the new members to the group. Group participation in some form of official welcome process is one way to make your members feel wanted, needed, and appreciated. It helps to form a memorable bond between old and new members and will help increase your retention rate.