New Way to Recruit New Members: Revealed!

by Jennifer Dugent

One of the biggest challenges that is facing clubs today is figuring out new, effective ways of recruiting. Once prospectives learn about Kiwanis and the good work we do around the community, it's a no brainer to join. The challenge falls in actually getting them to that first meeting.
So how have we been doing that? Clubs often go the traditional routes: fliers at libraries and community centers, brochures distributes at fairs and other events. Most clubs find these techniques to be stale. One of the newest tools that Kiwanians aren't aware of is free and just a click away: Craigslist.

Craiglist is an online classifieds page that is regionalized by cities and towns. Thousands of citizens go to www.craigslist.com everyday to buy/sell items, look for jobs, and looks for community activities, as well as numerous other features. The Kiwanis Club of Tysons Corner started using Craiglist back in 2006 to recruit new members. "We post on Craiglist the Monday before each of our Tuesday meetings in the 'Volunteers' section" says 08-09 Club President Jennifer Dugent. " We've gotten anywhere from 1 to 7 new prospectives at each of our meetings thanks to Craigslist."

So how would a club get started?

First, go to www.craigslist.org. Click on your state, and then click on the town/city that is appropriate for your club. This will take you to your local Craigslist page. In the upper left section entitled "Community" click on "Volunteers". There will be listed the most current ads requesting volunteers. If you would like to post an ad for your club, go to the upper right portion of the page and click "post". It will take you step by step through how to post a free ad for the club. Make sure that you put something eye catching for your title (example: "Enjoy volunteering in the community? Do some service projects with a fun group!") In the body of your ad, list info about your meetings, what service projects you do, and a website address if you have one. You can even add a photo or logo. Your ad will last for 2 weeks.

You may be wondering, why not post in the "groups" or " events" section instead of volunteers? "I tried different ways of posting to see what the best results would be" says Jennifer. "The members we want are people that are looking to do volunteer work. We've gotten the best results by posting in the 'Volunteers' section because those are the people that want to get out and get their hands dirty."

Everyday more and more organizations are using Craiglist to reach people that are looking to get involved. Now is the time for YOUR club to get those increased membership numbers! Try Craigslist: it's easy and best of all, free!