All successful Phi Theta Kappa chapters have one thing in common. They know how to motivate their members to get things done! Chapters encourage participation in many unique ways, but all share a few basic concepts.

Deliver a Powerful First Impression

First impressions are very important when it comes to motivating chapter participation. Use your new member orientations to show potential members your chapter’s enthusiasm and desire to achieve success. Although participation in Phi Theta Kappa programs is not a requirement for membership, be sure to stress the benefits of active participation and give examples of how members can get involved. Let potential members know from the start that their input is important and that they are always welcome.

Empower Members to Take the Lead

Once new members are inducted, keep them active with effective chapter planning. Invite all members to participate in chapter planning meetings. Encourage everyone to share ideas freely and generate a list of chapter projects. Try to develop projects which appeal to a large cross-section of students.

Members should be invited to take ownership of projects and activities which interest them. Allowing members the freedom to shape their projects themselves will encourage pride in their work. Remember to avoid burnout by giving members the support they need to see their ideas through to completion. Establishing committees or teams is a great way to get several members involved in completing a project.

Use Effective Communication

Motivate continued participation by maintaining positive communication throughout the year. Ask members to report on the status of long term projects frequently. Encourage them to ask for assistance whenever it is needed. When tasks are completed be sure to communicate that success to the entire chapter. Effective communication lets everyone know what’s going on and what areas could use additional help. Encourage members to wear their Phi Theta Kappa clothing on meeting days to show their pride in the chapter and to help remind others of the meeting. Just having the Phi Theta Kappa name visible throughout campus in this way will spark interest in the organization.

Explore the many forms of communication and discover which work best for your chapter. Email newsletters are an efficient way to spread the word about upcoming meetings and events. A chapter website can provide greater detail about chapter news and activities. Campus posters and message boards can be an effective means to publicize upcoming events to the entire student body.

Survey Your Chapter Membership

Your chapter might consider creating and distributing a survey to all new members at orientation meetings and induction ceremonies. Ask what types of activities they would like to see the chapter complete and whether or not they would be interested in participating. Be sure to follow up on any responses indicating an interest in becoming involved. Keeping these members informed about upcoming events will allow them to attend as they feel time allows.

Recognize Individual and Team Efforts

Perhaps the most important step in motivating member participation is recognizing achievement. Let chapter members know that their efforts are appreciated. Communicate individual and team successes to the entire chapter. Develop an incentive based recognition program and always reward a job well done. Remember that personal notes of appreciation or congratulation can also be very effective in encouraging members to remain active.

Reward Hard Work

Rewards can come in all shapes and sizes. Cash rewards to the most active members in your chapter can greatly motivate participation. If money isn’t an option, find other unique ways to show your appreciation to active members. If your chapter has a message board on campus, use it to recognize members who assist the chapter in some way. A Wall of Fame is a great way to show non-members what your chapter is doing, as well as shine the spotlight on outstanding members.

Getting members motivated is not always easy, but it should always be fun. Keep meetings and activities lively and enjoyable for everyone who attends. When members enjoy being involved in Phi Theta Kappa events they will be much more likely to stay involved!