New Year, New Members: Top Recruitment Tips for 2022

Many of us know that membership recruitment can be a never-ending project. Growing strong clubs and increasing our ranks is essential to achieving our mission of providing women and girls with access to the education and training they need to achieve economic empowerment.

Soroptimist headquarters offers many resources to help your club with its recruitment efforts. To help get you started, we compiled our top recommendations to support your club’s successful recruitment strategy in 2022! 

 

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• Embrace Diversity.

  Having a diverse membership creates an inclusive, welcoming club environment for all. According to the National Council of Nonprofits, when an organization's membership comprises people from a range of racial, ethnic, religious, gender, and sexual orientation backgrounds and lifestyles, we are more equipped to meet the needs of those we serve.

• Create a list of all the great things about your club.

  Now turn this list into an elevator pitch or a concise and impactful description. Your elevator pitch serves as an introduction, telling the listener who you are and all the great things Soroptimist membership has to offer!

• Talk about Soroptimist wherever you go.

  First and foremost, people must know about your
  club in order to seek membership. Word of mouth is the most powerful way our existing members can drum up interest. You will be amazed at how easy it is after practicing for a while. 

• Highlight our Dream Program impact and ways to get involved.

  We know that members join Soroptimist because they are drawn to our mission. By talking passionately about your volunteer experience helping women and girls, you can show you're committed to a cause that matters. By sharing personal stories of impact, you can most effectively influence others to want to help, too. 

• Follow through on contacts with prospective members and past members.

  As soon as your club is contacted by a prospect, whether through SIA’s Introduction Form or another source, contact them! And don’t forget about former members. People who had enough interest to join the club in the past are hot prospects for joining again. Use past-member lists to reach them. In some cases, you may have to show them that things they did not like have been changed. 

• Coach members on creating a welcoming and civil experience.

  Retaining engaged, happy members is key to increasing membership. People stay in a club where they feel like they belong and when it adds to their life. Work with your club members to create a kind, welcoming, and safe space where members can get to know each other on a deeper level. This will foster greater camaraderie, motivation, and a commitment to the organization.

• Recognize club members who recruit new members.

  Recognizing the recruitment work done by your club members must be a priority for your leadership team. You may want to offer recognition such as certificates, spotlights on social media, or other incentives to members who recruit new Soroptimists!

• Share member stories and testimonials on social media.

  Show your community how great being a Soroptimist is! Consider sharing a member profile story on social media every week. This promotion recognizes each member and introduces them to the community, as well. Also, post on social media every time you have a club meeting or event. Share pictures and information about the event, and encourage viewers to reach out if they are interested in joining. 

• Host "bring a friend" events.

  Referrals continue to be a top source for bringing in new members. Create opportunities or a recurring event that encourages members to bring a friend. Events such as workshops, forums, and annual meetings are fun ways for prospective members to see what Soroptimist is all about!

• Take part in SIA's 100th Anniversary Member-Get-A-Member challenge!

  Don't forget to use the hashtag #SIADiamondMembers to celebrate your recruitment success!
  

Do you have a fun or exciting recruitment strategy to share? Be sure to post it on social media using the hashtag #JoinSIA, and we'll share some of our favorites!