Strategies for a Successful Outreach to Prospective Members
Ten proven ways to increase membership acceptance
- Call on chapter leaders. Involving chapter officers in your membership campaign develops leadership and promotes ownership in the chapter's success.
- Involve faculty and administration. Ask instructors to promote membership acceptance in their classes, and ask administrators to sign invitation letters and speak at prospective member meetings and inductions.
- Promote, promote, promote. Devise imaginative ways to promote membership benefits. Place Phi Theta Kappa advertisements in your college newspaper or post PowerPoint slides about the benefits of membership on video screens on campus.
- Cover all bases. Post a list of eligible students and advisor contact information on a bulletin board, or provide the list to faculty on campus and ask them to encourage their students to accept membership.
- Scout for scholars. Approach students whom you believe have the potential to become members. Inform them about the $36 million in transfer scholarships and the extensive career development resources for members.
- Phone-A-Thon. Call eligible students who did not accept membership during your last prospective member meeting. Inform them about the unique opportunities that are available to members.
- Give second chances. Send follow-up emails or letters to anyone who did not respond to the first invitation.
- Consider the cost. Is membership affordable for your students? Lowering your chapter fees or offering installment payment plans might increase your membership acceptance.
- Invite a friend. Encourage chapter members to invite friends who are not members to learn about the many benefits the Society has to offer.
- Use campus connections. Reach out to other campus organizations, like the Student Government or Honors Program, to find individuals who are eligible.
