The Observer, September 22, 2006
Volume XXXIX, Issue 4
Worst Case Scenario
For students involved in campus groups, this is a real "Worst Case Scenario": your student organization, thriving after years of existence on campus, is suddenly foundering. There are simply not enough members to sustain the backbone of the organization. How can this be prevented? Recruitment is key to any student organization. Simply put, without numbers, an organization dies. Therefore, it's always best to keep your eyes and ears open for potential new members. It's especially important at Case for three reasons:
1. Population is growing. The Case undergraduate population will soon exceed 4000. That is 500 more than the 3500 students at Case for the last several years. You know what 500 more people means? More energy for your organization. More ideas. More vitality. Think about how creative five of your closest friends are at any given task from academics, to arts, to athletics, to anything at all. Multiply that creativity by 100 and that is how much more raw manpower is available, let alone the 3500 other undergraduates you count on normally while recruiting.
2. The number of student groups is increasing. With the increased number of leadership opportunities on campus, the best talent at Case is going to be sucked up very quickly. If Joe Schmoe is an awesome kid, very smart, kind, energetic, etc., 50 different groups will want him. And it used to be that just USG, RHA, Greek Life, Media Board, Class Officers, and UPB held opportunities for leadership. Now Joe can be a part of Student Turning Point Society, ELP, LeaderShape, Journey Council, Share the Vision Committee, etc. As the number of student groups increases, more arms will be pulling every which way on each talented potential new member. Be one of them.
3. Because you can. There are so many students on campus. So many great ideas out there. No one to stop you from approaching them about joining your group(s). It's your prerogative. Go and take advantage of the talents of the nearly 4000 undergrads out there.
In addition, here are three things to remember about recruiting new members:
1. Judgement happens. Every action you take and every word you speak is not only a reflection on you, your friends, family, and heritage/background, but also on the campus groups you choose to join. Every bad and good action you make speaks volumes about those groups. A positive mental image will give the potential new member something good to remember about you, and hence your organizations.
2. Just ask. If you don't ask, you can't get members to join. Go get some guts and do it. The worst they can say is "no."
3. Be yourself. No one wants a fake smiley face pasted on your face while you try to recruit. Being yourself is the most attractive tool not only for finding a relationship partner at college, but also for recruiting new members for your chosen campus organization.
If you're not currently a member of a student group, maybe now's the time to join! The friendships and skills you'll gain will be well worth one or two extra meetings a week.
