MEMBER RECRUITMENT AND

RETENTION

L IZZY W

YLLY

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RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION

RECRUITMENT

1. Know your organization

2. Who are you targeting

RECRUITMENT PLAN

WHO?—What type of student(s)? Any criteria to join?

WHAT?—What is your goal? How many new members?

WHEN?—When are you planning to recruit?

WHERE?—Where will you recruit? Recruit where your target new members may frequent.

HOW?— Brainstorm methods and create an action plan to reach goals

Involve as many members as possible in recruiting

Understand why members join your organization and market that

Create brochures/flyers to distribute to prospective members

Source: http://www.nmu.edu/organizations/node/97

ORGANIZATION/IMAGE PRESENTATION What is effective about this Week of

Welcome (WoW) announcement and event? ¡Taco Tuesday! Spanish Club and

Student Organization of Latinos Join the Spanish Club and the Student Organization of Latinos, for TACO TUESDAY! Aside from tasty food, get to know existing members of both clubs. The Spanish Club and SOL host various cultural activities throughout the year promoting cultural diversity and education. 6:00 PM-7:30 PM l Xavier Yard North

(Rain Location: GSC Clock tower Lounge)

PRESENTATION

What is effective about this club day presentation?

THAT’S BETTER WHAT IS DIFFERENT AND MORE EFFECTIVE ABOUT THIS PRESENTATION?

YOUR TURN!Recruitment Ideas!!

Turn to the people at your table…

Share a successful recruitment idea

(strategy, tool) you have used in your organization

ONBOARDING

The process used to help new members successfully transition into your

organization; to transform new members into committed and engaged members

CLARIFICATION, CULTURE, CONNECTION

• Understand organization’s expectations of members

• Understand organization’s purpose, history, traditions, values, and norms

• Understand and develop formal and informal relationships

RETENTION: THE GRAPE PRINCIPLE

Growth—Are there growth opportunities for interested members?

Recognition—Do you recognize members for their hard work and accomplishments?

Achievement—Is there a sense of “team” achievement? Does everyone feel as if they have contributed to your organization’s success?

Participation—Can everyone participate in programs or events?

Enjoyment—Is it fun to be a part of your group?

Adapted from: The Ohio State University’s Student Organization Handbook (2003)

THE RULE OF THIRDS!

Top Third

Middle Third

Bottom Third

Adapted from T. J. Sullivan’s (2012) Motivating the Middle

RETENTION CONTINUED…

Retention: The “Middle Third”

• Ask their opinion, but don’t ask them to take on more responsibility

• Start and end your meetings/events on time

• Give choices about attendance (stop the mandatory events!)

• Thank them for showing up and participating at events

(Adapted from T. J. Sullivan’s (2012) Motivating the Middle)

THE MIDDLE THIRD • Find out what gets your middle-

third members excited and try it. Let them lead it if they’re interested.

• Give them a meaningful supporting task

• Take some personal time to get to know them

• Offer to help with other stressful areas such as studying and homework

RETENTION TABLE TALK!Share a successful retention idea

(strategy, tool) you have used in your organization

KEY TAKEAWAYS !!

• As a leader in your organization, it is your responsibility to attract, motivate, and retain your organization’s members

• Develop a recruitment plan. What type(s) of students are you looking to recruit and where/when/how can you best access those students?

• Intentionally onboard new members to help them have a successful transition into your organization

• Retain existing members by encouraging ongoing, active participation. Focus on the “middle third.”