Recruiting New (and Keeping) Members

Today's entry is from Alana Bergeleen, National Executive Council Adviser, South Dakota.

We work so hard to “get” new members in our chapters, but it is often important for us to stop and think of new ways to retain the members that we already have. This is my fourth year advising the Highmore FCCLA Chapter. I started with approximately 40 members and this year we are up to about 72 (give or take a few seniors who can’t seem to make up their minds. ;)

I stopped to think about what it is that we do that seems to be working to keep the membership up. I believe that for anything, (school, work, sports,) there must be a certain level of FUN. We try to incorporate fun through the activities in which we participate. For example, the kids have a blast planning our Halloween Carnival/Haunted House and Trick or Treating for a Cause (local food Pantry). It gives them the opportunity to have fun with their friends while at the same time doing something that makes them feel good about themselves. I continuously look for ways to involve and recognize current members. We have a welcome party for all new junior high members, make locker signs for all members with their names on them, we have a member of the month, and I make it a priority to put our accomplishments in the paper.

It is so great that FCCLA allows the opportunity to recognize those students who don’t always make the paper for their athletic or academic abilities. I have also found that being a member of FCCLA has a trickle effect. Usually if you can get one member of a “clique” interested, you can get the rest of them. Furthermore, I have to admit that I feel there is no shame in bribery. Bribing the students with the great experience of attending a district, state, or national meeting in order for them to get their STAR Event completed well and on time is sometimes just what it takes

Finally, YOU are one of the best ways to retain members in your chapter. Students will know by all of the hours that you put in how much you care and they will want to give back. Good luck retaining those members and go FCCLA!

Below are three ideas from Nicole Perez, National Executive Council Adviser, New Jersey

1.  Ice cream social

Chapter officers provide icebreaker activities for members to mingle and become friendly with others.  Officers set up an ice cream bar for students.  Icebreaker activities can include finding a partner with the same birth month and then sharing 2 interesting facts.  Officers should discuss FCCLA’s purpose, upcoming activities and ways to be active in the organization. 

2.  Recognize outstanding efforts

Recognize current members for outstanding efforts such as volunteering for chair and leading a committee.  At a chapter meeting provide the outstanding member with a certificate, post name and picture (if allowed) on the chapter website or provide member with an FCCLA give-a-way such as a travel mug or tee shirt.  Have the chapter president explain to the chapter why this member received an “Outstanding Efforts Award”. 

3.  Hold a summer get together

If someone is willing to host, holding a summer get together for either the officer team or active members is a great way for the students to make better connections with each other.  Each student can bring something to contribute to the gathering or they can bring a canned food item, which can be donated to a local food pantry.  At the gathering students can discuss plans for the upcoming school year regarding community service, activities and fundraising.