Many individuals join Kiwanis clubs specifically because we are an international
organization with a global mission-that lofty goal of changing
the world one child and one community at a time. To this
point, with a few notable exceptions, our Capital District
clubs seem to have focused on local efforts directed toward
helping our own children and communities. This is commendable,
but it does not address the incredible needs of children
worldwide...Accordingly,
our District Committee on International Understanding has
decided to pursue a new approach
to achieving our global mission. We have selected Africa because its needs are great and most of us know extremely
little about this part of the world...Club
Growth - Recruit and Retain
by Rosemary Cummings
The new Kiwanis year has begun with optimism and enthusiasm.
We expect great things from and with the Kids we serve, the
Service Projects we work, the Funds we raise, and the Funds
we donate for our Kids'needs, locally and throughout the
world. Kiwanians throughout the District worked diligently
and commendably this past year, yet we did not meet our expected
goals in new Clubs or new members. How can this be? Reviewing
the membership from October 2007 through September 08, the
total loss looks large; however, a closer look indicates
only subtle losses of one or two members in Club. Is this
a trend? Why did these members resign? Can we ask them to
rejoin, perhaps with another Club? If so, what can we do
different this year?
Kiwanians working in service with and for the Kids know how important Kiwanis is and the long lasting effect on our children. Very often, when we tell someone we are a Kiwanian, these friends, neighbors or even strangers relate how Kiwanis helped them as kids with their dream to play sports, participate in Scouts, go to college on a scholarship, or even the fun they had at a Kiwanis dance. How can Kiwanis ensure kids today will have those fond memories, ten or twenty years from now?
As each Club prepares its strategic plan, very quickly we know the bottom line to achieve our goals is to attract and retain new members. The starting point for Growth of any type is the Kiwanis experience in the Club. Why does a member join? Why do they stay? Are new members fully oriented to the work and service needed to improve Kids lives in their community? Do we listen to new members'ideas? Do we invite new members to have a role in the Club? One Club in the District EXPECTS new members to complete a number of tasks before the member transfers from "Newbie" to "Full Member" and receive the Club’s permanent badge. Club Presidents set goals, appointed a Membership Chair, developed a recruiting program, and sent notices to the media. However, the most important task is, for each Member to take the responsibility to ASK a friend, neighbor, or associate to join them in Kiwanis service. Do you know someone who you would like to work with you as a Kiwanian? ASK that person today - that may be why they are waiting to join.
The Growth Team, Communications, Club Growth, and New Club Building committees in each Region are ready with many innovative resources to share, and are available to work with the Trustees, Lt. Governors, Club Presidents and Members. Soon, a new Growth Opportunities page will appear on www.CapDistKiwanis.org as a guide to building, retaining, recruiting, and reporting Membership in the District.
Below is the Club Growth checklist for New Member recruitment.
- Develop a membership goal
- Acquire membership materials - Booklet and Application
- Create a club brochure
- Develop a prospect list
- Contact prospects
- Recruit new members
- Involve new members in club activities
- Orient new members to the Club and to Kiwanis
- Invite all members to attend Regional Training sessions
