Developing a Club Membership Plan

Fundamentals/Pillars for Growing Club Membership Increase the visibility of your club within the community Develop effective outreach mechanisms Don’t lose sight of the need to retain your existing members

Possible means to increase Club Visibility –Publish photos/stories in local newspapers and newsletters –Develop a slide presentation on club activities to present to other community groups and at membership dinners. –Get club business/calling cards –Purchase refrigerator magnets. –Wear Lions shirts and display banners and signs at club activities –Participate in community parades, fairs, etc. –Develop a club website –Develop & distribute a brochure specific to your club –Provide Lions Magazines to libraries, schools, doctor’s offices, etc.

Outreach Mechanisms to Consider Schedule a membership dinner Provide membership applications to all members Have a members recruitment booth/day at the local mall Identify prospects to ask: –Neighbors, family members, friends, and co-workers –Parents of Leo Club members –Local school teachers, staff, PTSO, & PTA members –Homeowner Associations –New residents to the area –Community organizations to whom the club has made contributions –Individuals with whom you do business –Members of other civic or social organizations

Retention – Keeping members in the fold Get members involved and keep them busy Plan interesting/entertaining dinner programs Contact members who have been “missing in action” Develop and present a formal orientation program for new members Educate members on the need for membership growth Assign a mentor to each new member Improve communications within the club via club meetings, bulletins, newsletters or Encourage having fun at club meeting and activities Provide networking opportunities for members Praise freely; give positive reinforcement for a job done well

Define quantifiable goals to measure success What will your net increase in membership be? How many/what new projects will you undertake to increase your visibility within the community? What concerted efforts will be made to retain members? Set a goal for a minimum number of "publicity" items to be submitted to local media. Set a goal for percentage of women in the club.* Set a goal for percentage of members under age 40.* * New International President’s “Campaign to Change suggests a goal of 25-30%