How to Get New Members Involved

Direct new members to club activities that match their interests.

A member or other club leader can use an inventory of interests to determine a new member's areas of interest and then match them to ongoing projects or positions. Once you've determined these club activities be sure to discuss the options with the new member and listen to his or her feedback about availability and level of comfort with the amount of responsibility presented. It's important not to overwhelm new members with too much responsibility too fast.

Assign new members to highly visible tasks.

The more that other club members see new members, the more likely they are to interact with and get to know them. Some clubs have new members serve as greeters or introduce guests and visitors at meetings. Other clubs put a special designation -- a red sticker, for example -- on new members' name badges or have them sit at a different table at every club meeting. Another approach is having each new member give a spotlight speech (also known as a vocational/classfication speech or job talk) within the first few months of membership. In this speech, the new member talks about something of personal importance. Many tell about their vocation, but others may choose to share a favorite hobby or pastime.

Encourage new members to bring their spouses or partners to club events.

Many new members enjoy participating in a club where their families are welcome. And a husband or wife who has seen club activities firsthand is more likely to approve of the spouse's involvement.

Ask new members for their ideas.

Most new members want to be seen as contributing members whose ideas are valued, not as junior members. They'll be more likely to get involved and stay involved in club activities if they feel that their opinions are heard and respected.