Recruitment/Retention/Motivation Tips for Student Organization Officers

This information was compiled by the Dean of Students Office, 2/22/02

Recruitment

Goal Setting Within the Organization

  1. Why does the organization exist?
  2. What are current and/or future projects?
  3. Why are you a member of the organization?
  4. What benefits do you receive from membership?
  5. What makes your organization special?
  6. What do you offer to potential members that is unique?

Marketing

Selling your organization to potential members

  1. Identify potential members
  2. Appeal to new member's needs
  3. Sell benefits of membership
  4. Project the personality of the organization
  5. Provide opportunities for "sampling" (i.e. mixers, recruitment meetings)

Retention

Steps for Success

    1. Make new members feel welcome at EVERY meeting and event
    2. Provide meaningful opportunities for involvement
    3. Review organizational goals annually or semi-annually
    4. Provide opportunities for member input into the organization
    5. Create a positive environment in the organization (discuss problems/successes)
    6. Have fun!

Motivation

"Meet and Feed the Need"

  1. Find out why members want to work for your organization
  2. Get to know individual members and discover what "gets them going"
  3. Be prepared and motivated yourself: Energy is contagious
  4. Have clearly stated goals and objectives for each project or event
  5. Make members feel special and appreciated by:
    1. Treats (food)
    2. E-mails
    3. Personal notes
    4. Verbal kudos at meetings