The Observer, September 15, 2006
Volume XXXIX, Issue 3
Just in CASE...
... you're rushing members
During the first couple of weeks of class we see many student organizations recruiting new members. It's one of the most hectic and exciting times on campus and many of us look forward to all the activities being over so we can get on with life.
The post recruitment slump–whether you held a sign-up at some event or attended a series of parties, you now have new members and need to do something with them.
Your group might have a formal program for new members and if so that's great, but whether you do or not your group needs to continue to "rush" your new members. You brought them in and welcomed them; however, that's not enough.
Make sure you are contacting your new members. Don't take them for granted, especially if you first had people sign up at an event. If you aren't contacting them, the group is out of sight and out of mind.
Socialize with the new members outside of official group events. Most groups have meetings and activities that serve the group. Those are good, but they should not be the only way or even the major way you maintain contact with the new members. It is important to maintain relationships. Remember, people don't join groups for meetings or e-mails.
Now that I said you shouldn't be all meetings, I'll also say that you should involve them in the business of your organization. They need to be part of the group and need to know what is going on because they are going to take over some day. If you have a pledge program, you still have to keep new members involved in the business of the group.
We take new members for granted. I don't think we mean to, but there is a lot going on, so spend some time looking at what you do with your new members and make sure they are included both socially and organizationally.
