New members are the life of any organization. They provide new ideas, enthusiasm, and replacements for lost members (old members of student groups don't die; they graduate).

Everyone wants new members. New organizations are starting all the time. As the number of student groups increases, the competition for new members intensifies. This handout is designed to help your group successfully recruit and retain new members.

GETTING STARTED

Determine about how many members you need for your group to accomplish what it wants to do. Too many members get in each other's way and feel like there is nothing for them to do. Too few can't accomplish the group's goals. Look objectively 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.

Build a profile of the person you want to recruit: Freshman? Continuing student? What major? Interests or hobbies? Is there a certain spot on campus this person is likely to be? A particular division or department? What medium will most likely appeal to this person? Posters? Music? Keep this profile in mind when you advertise.

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. Focus on the recruit. What are the "Buyer Benefits" of associating with your group?

PUBLICITY

The publicity for your recruitment drive will require your best efforts in many areas, including creativity, budgeting and time management. Don't be afraid to delegate authority. Organize committees for publicity and other areas. Get the whole group involved: the group will work better if everyone is given a role in planning and executing the drive. A satisfied customer is your best advertising - if your members are pleased with your organization (and their role in it), they will do a much better job of selling the product.

BE CREATIVE

Your publicity is more likely to be effective if it is noticed. Make a realistic budget and stick to it. Any publicity must be cost-effective to be successful. Write out a timeline of all deadlines to be met - be sure to plan the entire campaign well in advance (e.g., when is the deadline for getting the publicity to the printer so that it gets back to us in time?)

KEEPING YOUR PRIZE ...RETAINING YOUR MEMBERS

Above all, your new members (like 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.

Source: 
University of Michigan
Student Organization Development Center
mb: 9/99