Adding Members in Smaller Clubs

In a small club attendance varies from few members to as many as 18-25 present.  District and international leadership continuously encourages the leadership of a small club to grow because you are told that a larger membership will make you a more productive club, and we agree.  However, being fewer in number does not presuppose that a club of 25 members or less can’t measure up.  On the contrary, when your members are motivated and dedicated, a small club can accomplish great deeds!

However, no matter how great the accomplishments, any small club with a short membership roster needs new energy.  Expanding your membership base is critical to the future of your club.  Far too many small memberships become comfortable in a tight-knit group and fail to realize the impact of losing just a few key members.

Understanding and promoting the importance of adding new members to a club of your size is extremely important, and a membership drive must be planned. 

·      Solicit help from your district officers, district membership committee or other organizations in your area to conduct your membership drive.

·       They might also be able to bring prospects, but don’t count on this.  Your club must do this job! 

·      Try to have a good representation of club leaders and active members at your membership meetings to help fill the room and sell the prospects. 

·      Don’t be afraid to admit that you are small.  Be enthusiastic and establish a strong, positive attitude. 

·      Inform prospects that they have a golden opportunity to bring in their own circle of friends and make the club “their” club. 

·       Emphasize the opportunity to move into leadership positions quickly. 

·      Sell them on the relaxed, informal atmosphere of your meetings. 

·      Tell them your club is going places, and they have a unique opportunity to get in on the ground floor and grow with the club. 

·      Stress what you’ve been able to accomplish with a few members.

·      Solicit new members on the grounds that the club needs them so that they and the club can be an even greater contributor to the community.