District Reports: Membership

5 WAYS TO GET NEW MEMBERS
1. OPEN YOUR ADDRESS BOOK – everyone has an address book, whether it’s a paper-based book by your phone at home, or it’s your contacts listing on your computer or cell phone.
a. Look at the list
b. Who on the list isn’t a member?
c. Who on the list that isn’t a member, would make a good one?
d. ASK, ASK, ASK!

2. USE YOUR PROFESSIONAL CONNECTIONS – think about everything you do from day to day, week to week, month to month. When it comes to getting out prospective members, have you asked your:

a. Lawyer
b. Hairdresser
c. Mechanic
d. Dentist
e. Doctor
f. Teacher
g. Employees
h. Employers
i. Accountant
j. Bank Rep
k. Insurance Broker
l. Pizza Delivery Person
m. Travel Agent

3. WHO BENEFITS FROM YOUR CLUB? – If you just sponsored a hockey team, invite out the coaching staff or some of the parents to a meeting. Did you just sponsor Big Brothers/Sisters? Invite some out. Have you been approached by a group needing funds? Make them a deal – members/helpers for monies.

4. WHO JUST MOVED? – Develop a relationship with your local Welcome Wagon or take note when you hear of someone moving to town. As soon as possible, grab some of your fellow members and go welcome your community’s new residents. Invite them out to a meeting or social – ensure there is no pressure to join, just a way to meet people and make friends in their new community. You just might get a new member without really trying!

5. HAVE FUN NO MATTER WHAT – Whether you’re working the bar at an event, participating as a team in a fundraiser walk or having a social, the more fun you have, the more fun other people SEE that you’re having – and they’ll want to be a part of it.
a. Always make sure you’re having fun
b. Sing, dance, be silly, be loud (where appropriate)
c. Make sure they know who you are – wear Kin shirts/name badges, have signs, etc.
REMEMBER – as soon as someone shows interest:
• Get their contact information and CONTACT THEM
• Invite them out to a meeting, project or social and let them know they’re welcome to bring a friend, or two, or six (this makes people more comfortable)
• Follow up with your prospective member – ask them to another meeting, and if they choose not to, try to find out what decreased their interest, then THANK THEM for their time & feedback

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Recruiting Younger members

“We have a powerful potential in our youth, and we must have the courage to change old ideas and practices so that we may direct their power toward good ends.”
Mary McLeod Bethune

Making your club more appealing to younger members is not all that difficult, provided you understand the individuals you are trying to recruit.

In order to do this you need to understand some basic facts.

1) Today’s volunteers are NOT the same volunteers Kin recruited 80, 50 or even twenty years ago.
2) There is a whole arena of new volunteers out there, but they will only get involved on their terms.
3) Today’s volunteers have little spare time and they will not tolerate incompetent, inflexible, or inefficient leaders.
4) They do not wish to make a contribution; they want to make a difference.

We also need to understand the fundamental differences between the generations. We can loosely break them down as follows;

The Radio Babies – those born from 1927 until 1955. They won two world wars using a huge military organization and got through the depression helping one another. These individuals trust the chain of command and the hierarchical system to decide things for them. They are quick to volunteer and would complete any task assigned to them.

The Baby Boomers – those born between 1946 and 1964. These individuals have less trust in the hierarchical system. These are the children of the 1960s and they were taught to challenge the accepted wisdom. They grew up in an age of prosperity never having known war or depression. They volunteer because they wanted to change the world; they wanted to make a difference.

Generation X – those born between 1965 and 1981. These individuals grew up in a time of uncertainty. The face of the family was changing with the rise of single parent families and working fathers and mothers. They grew up with video games, MTV and computers. They saw the rise of corporate downsizing and the fall of the one job until you retire mentality. They believe commitment must be mutual. They will only accept competent leaders. They will go ahead on their own and disregard ineffectual leaders because they sign up to be empowered and make decisions.

Generation Y – those born after 1981. They have never know a world without technology and so are comfortable with all of it and depend on it for information, opportunity and for the speed it offers them to obtain both of these things. They grew up processing a lot of information quickly and therefore are much better at it than any other generation.

We know we are all different and we need to understand these differences to make our clubs more appealing to these last two groups of individuals, (Kin is currently made up of a majority of Baby Boomers so we are looking to increase the recruitment of Generation Xers and Yers).

Creating an environment which will appeal to Gen Xers and Gen Yers.

In the face of what we now know about the individuals we are trying to recruit, clubs need to be very aware of the following things;

1) Clubs must be fast-paced and technologically advanced. The Gen Xers remember are used to technology, they want to be able to take advantage of it, no matter what they are dong. If this means having a meeting on line, we need to be willing to look at the possibility. They are not interested in sitting through long boring meetings, or listening to individuals who call themselves leaders but do not have the stuff to back it up. Remember technology can offer them alternatives to Kin in a flash. They will not put up with anything they do not have to.

2) We need to offer them valid education for which they will see a payoff. Again these are video game kids. They persisted with a game because there was a reward if they learned to play. If we can offer them education which will show them a payoff they will take what we have to offer them. The attitude is what you put in determines what you get out and what you get out is worth the effort you put in.

3) Clubs need to communicate clearly using language that is understood. Perception is everything so we need to be clear what we are communicating and how you are doing it. Gen Xers do not want to receive commands. They want to be given a task they can make their own and complete whatever way they feel is the most effective and efficient. This does not mean they will not need guidance, it means you need to be aware of how you communicate your wisdom to them.

4) Clubs and leaders need to be less inflexible. This is a generation of individuals who see the results as the important part, not the process. This is not to say clubs should allow them to sidestep sound principles and guidelines. It means we need to allow flexibility in all aspects of our work as Kin. This group more than any other will resent hearing, “This is the way we have always done things”.

5) How well does your club manage change? Baby boomer and Generation X are the most likely to resist change decisions which come from the top. Neither of these groups will go along with change simply because the board told them to. They do not want to talk every decision to death, they want to find a need and come up with a viable solution and move to get the job done. And if they can do it by email, all the better.

6) Decisions must be made to suit as many members as possible. Clubs need to be aware that what works for the Boomers may or may not work for the Gen Xers and so they must come to terms with the fact that one size does not fit all. This is something clubs need to be able to recognize in their volunteers and there fore not punish those who do not see a particular project as valuable. On the other hand these individuals need to accept that not everyone will be engaged in every project the club does but they should be able to be involved in at least one project they are passionate about through the course of the year.

7) The youngest members of Kin are from Gen Y, is your club ready for them? These individuals are similar to the old volunteer in the fact that they are doers. However they want to do it as quickly and using as much technology as they can.

The younger volunteer culture will respond best to a club culture that involves;

Fun
A win/win situation for all parties
Efficiency
Up to date technology
Fun
A team based environment
Education and learning they can use
Fun
A certain level of freedom
Direct and no nonsense decision making
Flexibility
Fun
Did we mention fun?
Younger members will likely join a Kin club which;

• Has an active service calendar and actually do service projects and fund raising events

• Has members who are kind, humorous, motivated, and enthusiastic.

• Interests and motivates them to become involved

• Provides opportunities for members to become involved with hand on activities which may include family and or significant others.

• Provides an economical approach to Kin membership, i.e. love meal costs alternative funding for club operating costs etc

• Have a good rapport with the counterpart club i.e. the Kinsmen and Kinette clubs work together on projects, or in the case of a Kin club, has a good mixture of men and women

• Have members who represent a diverse range of ages, career and backgrounds that represent the demographics within their town or community

• Has well run, enjoyable meetings where members discuss issues rationally.

• Have members who are friendly and willing to lend a hand

• Have members who are open to new ideas.

In light of all you now know about what makes younger volunteers tick, here are some suggestions you might consider putting into practice in your club;

• Value the new ideas and approaches they bring to your club
• Listen to them express their opinions
• Encourage questions and be generous when sharing information about the project
• Train your new volunteers with skills and competencies which will not only help your club but will also benefit the volunteer and are things they are interested in.
• Allow them some flexibility and creativity in the way they do things
• Avoid micromanaging
• Keep in touch, offering constant precise feedback.
• Remind yourself these are project and results oriented individuals. Do not take the touchy feely approach with them.
• Put them on teams lead by dynamic individuals who can act as mentors and who demand a high level of performance without being dictatorial

Hopefully this educational module will help you to see where your club could improve or change things to make it more appealing to younger members. We are not saying you must now stop all the things you are currently doing, we are saying here are some things you can address to help you with your overall club culture and therefore with your recruitment of members particularly those 40 and under.

Helpful Hints for Sponsors

1. Explain protocol and parliamentary procedures to the new member.

2. Review your club's house rules.

3. Sit with the new member for the first few meetings.

4. Introduce the new member to all members of the club.

5. Get the new member involved in an upcoming club project.

6. Review the New Member's Handbook.

7. Review the awards program.

8. Encourage the new member to participate in the Maple Leaf Award of Distinction.

9. Explain Fall Leadership Conference, Zone Conference and District Conventions and encourage the new member to attend.

10. Encourage the new member to recruit co-workers, family and friends.

Charter Presentation

• Scour the Country for communities to start up or restart Kinsmen, Kinettes or Kin clubs. Look for communities where there were any clubs before that have since folded or for communities with stand alone clubs – i.e. Kinsmen but no Kinettes and vise versa
• Once you have found a possibility for a club – bombard the community. Use the media and get the message out that you are looking to start a club.
• Order the first charter kit from National. It has all the information needed to get started with the charter.
• Once you have everyone’s attention, choose the best venue to get people out to hear the message about what KIN is about. Once people hear about what we have to offer, they will be chomping at the bit to join our organization. Make sure that what you have chosen is right for the community – Don’t go for a wine and cheese if the community does not accept alcohol related events, etc.
• Pick the night and invite everyone possible. You will only have a percentage end up joining, so make the numbers larger to start with. Suggest that people come and bring a friend with them so that they will feel more comfortable.
• Make sure as many personal invitations go out as possible. Send them directly to people and follow up with a phone call. Make sure that it is understood that they do not have to be invited to come, but make sure the invitation goes out.
• Once people show up, make sure that they feel welcome. Don’t let anyone stand-alone by himself or herself for any amount of time.
• Don’t make the information portion too long; as if people are bored they will not be as interested in joining.
• If you are going to do any Kin traditions – like the song – make sure people understand what it is you are doing.
• Invite all the KIN from around you, especially anyone who has held a position outside their club to give a different point of view.
• Try and find someone motivated to chair the charter club. A Kin that has moved from another community is a perfect choice.
• Make sure that a charter sponsor club is close by with the commitment to seeing the club started and will be available for at least the first year to offer support and guidance. This is even more important if there isn’t a seasoned Kin member in the community.
• Make sure that you ask for interest to start the club at the end of the first meeting. This may not result in a positive answer, but you do not know until you are asked.
• Make sure plans are made for another meeting if there is any possibility of the charter happening. By making plans, you are motivated to follow through on them and not let the idea die. Also, you will have other people reminding you of what was decided.
• If the interest is there, order the Charter Kit #2. If is had been decided to charter, order Kit #3.
• If the decision is made to charter, a charter executive should be chosen by those in attendance. It is important to have a President, Secretary and Treasurer so that the foundation is laid for the new club.
• By the second meeting, it could be done as a “quasi meeting” so that those attending get the idea of how meetings are run and what to expect.
• Business cards are being developed at Head Office for the new charter executive. These can be ordered with the information available so that it is easy to know whom to contact for more information.
• Keep your promises. If you decide to have another meeting have it. If the date turns out to not work, make sure another one is picked and follow through.
• Ask for help. Numerous experienced people are just waiting to be asked for assistance. These people have been through a charter before and can make the way a lot easier for those involved.
• Treat the new charter as the KIN event of the year – It is that important.
• Set the date for a charter night – at least six weeks to have all the regalia ready. Make sure that the night is given the prestige it deserves.

RECRUITING AND RETAINING MEMBERS WITHOUT EVEN TRYING

Many Clubs have put in a lot of time and effort to do things like Bring-A-Buddy nights, Membership Campaigns, Membership Months, recruitment booths and various other programs aimed at gaining the interest of prospective members. Clubs have also taken great pains to solidify their retention numbers, from running more socials to creating new ways to recognize accomplishments to trying anything and everything to keep members happy.
All of these initiatives are certainly encouraged, but sometimes the energy runs low and it becomes a chore to recruit and retain members. There is a way, however, that Clubs can recruit and retain members without having to go those extra miles and spend all that time and effort.

INFO ON HAND: No matter what the project or event is, always have membership recruitment information on hand. If you’re working a coat check, make sure every coat gets returned with an invitation to attend a meeting. Working a food booth? Why not have napkins with your Club’s name and contact info on them? Charging admission? Make sure attendees receive a business card or brochure. Having these kinds of materials in place allows a Club to work their project and do a membership recruitment campaign without extra time or effort – it’s as easy as remembering to grab a box of flyers.

MAKE IT FUN NO MATTER WHAT – One of the most effective ways to recruit and retain at the same time, is to have fun. Whether you’re cranking the tunes while working an event, singing the Kin song at the top of your lungs as people wait in line or you’re dancing, joking or otherwise having an obviously darn good time, people who see you will take notice. Your fellow members will also enjoy themselves. Just as you can use membership materials at any event or project, you can also add some fun along the way. Fun & fellowship are two of the greatest benefits we receive in Kin and what better way is there to demonstrate to both current and prospective members that this is true, than to prove that your Club works hard and plays hard?

GET MORE BY DOING LESS – If there are items on your Club’s meeting agenda that don’t need to be there, defer them to your Executive, cut them out or table them for a time when the agenda is lighter. Often meeting length can be an issue for members, especially those that have family waiting at home or those that like time for fellowship. Keep your meetings as short as possible and you’ll not only make your fellow members happier, you’ll have time for social, giving prospective members and guests a taste of the best of both worlds.

WRAP IT UP SOCIALLY – Whether it’s a meeting, a project or event, finish it up with some fun. Whether it’s having a cold beer after a day of work or sharing some hot apple cider after a Christmas parade, any Club whose projects end with fun, is a Club attractive to anyone.

Who knew recruitment and retention was this easy, or this much fun?

Some Membership Ideas That Have Proven Successful In the Past

Here are some great membership ideas to try in your Club. Let us know about your successes so we may share them with the rest of our Association.

1. Steak n’ Beans Night - Organize a Steak n’ Beans Night in advance in your Club. If you bring a prospective member with you both of you eat steak, potato (Or some other great culinary delight). If you don’t bring a guest, you eat beans.

2. Kin Fun Night - Instead of bringing guests to a regular meeting, organize a Kin Fun Night for them instead. Make it stag, or invite spouses, it’s up to you. Ideas include bowling, billiards, card night, brewery or wine tours, etc. Make it fun for all!!

3. Use of Service Dollars - Many Clubs don’t realize that they have the right to use their service dollars for membership growth. Clubs may use service dollars to pay for prospective member’s meals, advertising for Kin, or anything geared towards membership growth within their Club.

4. Double the Fun - Ask prospective members if they want to bring a friend with them to the meeting, even on their first visit. Many times they bring one or more friends as they feel more comfortable and we end up with double or more the membership!

5. Check Your Old Rosters - Want to grow fast? Check your previous rosters and call past Kin who left in good standing. Many times, there are members who left due to personality conflicts, times constraints, or other factors that are no longer in existence.
Also, ask your K-40, K-Ette Clubs for ideas for prospective members.

6. Ask. - Many people would join if you asked. Some, such as Past National President Susan MEYERS, said no for two years until agreeing to join. Don’t be afraid to ask.

7. Send Letters - People love getting mail that are not bills. Have the Club president send out letters before and after a prospective member comes to a meeting. This will leave a lasting impression of an organization who cares.