recruit, Recruit, RECRUIT... Retain!

This week I would like to talk about recruiting and retaining members! It is very important to make sure our clubs are recruiting quality members! Here are some recruiting and retention tips learned at ICON from the Florida District Editor: Carl Fridh!


 Some things to think about when recruiting:
-Body Language Speaks Too!- While tabling at an event, watch your body language too. Closing/crossing your arms may make you look disinterested.
-Be Organized!- Misplacing items will make you look bad in front of prospective members. Also, don’t be passive/inattentive when handing out flyers, stay alert!
-Avoid Acronyms– While CKI, DOTC, DCON, ICON, LSSP, etc. may be everyday talk to us. To a new face, they don’t know or really care about acronyms. Don’t overwhelm them.
-Target Your Audience– Some people in your audience may be interested in CKI for one reason or another. For a general audience, focus mainly on fellowship and service. For people that are more logical or into law, convince them with the leadership aspect.
-Go for Freshmen– A lot of CKI members have been in this organization since their first semester of school. Recruiting members at the start of their college careers may help them stick around longer. Work with Key Club seniors for even more results.

Retaining members is just as important and here is some ideas how:
-Make the first few meetings “social”- While decorum makes us professional, to a new person it makes our club look boring. Liven up the first few meetings of a semester shorter and more social with food or icebreakers.
-Be Interested!- Older members should hang out/sit near prospective members. Genuinely be interested in a new person’s well-being and be awesome around them.
-Hang Out with them Outside CKI– If you see a new member outside a meeting, try to hang out with them, make small talk. It will likely make them feel welcomed. Don’t overwhelm them about CKI though.
-If they come back, remember!- It’s really important to remember names of new people if they return for a second or third meeting. It makes them feel noticed and welcomed as well!
-Avoid Cliques!- Cliques can cause drama in the club and may intimidate new members as well. Be sure to include others.
-Open Up Leadership Opportunities– After a while, new members may want to help out. Club committee chairs are a great way to make opportunities.

I hope this helps! Let me know if you would like to see anything on the blog and please post comments!