The Journey
         A newsletter for Phi Theta Kappa chapter advisors, chapter officers, and regional officers.  

Fall Membership Drives
      Bring New Life to Chapters

What better way to revive your chapter for the upcoming academic year than to bring in new members with fresh approaches to traditional chapter activities? Fall is an ideal time to recruit eligible students to become members of Phi Theta Kappa for several reasons:

(3) Been there, done that. New members becoming active in the fall leads to a more experienced cadre of chapter officer candidates in the spring.

When recruiting new members, it is important to make a good first impression. With careful planning, your chapter will be able to induct the maximum number of informed and enthusiastic members.

As officers in your chapter, you can be of invaluable assistance to your chapter advisors. Chapter officers should consult their advisors for specific duties, but the following is a list of possible tasks for officers:

(1) Mailings to eligible students. This crucial first step has been found to be most effective if the college president or academic dean signs the invitation letter, and if the Member Benefits Brochure is included in the mailing. The president or dean's signature is an endorsement by the college administration of Phi Theta Kappa's prominence on campus. The Member Benefits Brochure, available at no charge from Phi Theta Kappa's Recognition Services Department, lets students immediately see the tangible rewards of Society membership.

(2) Second contact by phone and posters. This is your chance to personalize the invitation by contacting each potential member by telephone. It serves as a reminder to the students of the upcoming orientation, while also providing them an opportunity to ask questions about the organization. Be sure to take advantage of Phi Theta Kappa's "Let Your Journey Begin" posters and event announcement signs to advertise your chapter's membership drive. You may order "Let Your Journey Begin" promotional materials through the Recognition Services Department.

(3) Assisting with membership reporting forms. While the advisor is ultimately responsible for the information on the forms, chapter officers may assist the advisor in completing these forms and checking to make sure each Membership Application is signed by the inductee.

(4) Planning of new member orientation. Many details go into the planning of an effective orientation. Gathering Society material for a display table, ordering a copy of Phi Theta Kappa's "Key Opportunity Video," or planning an agenda for the orientation are all projects that can be delegated to chapter officers.

 While your chapter is busy recruiting new members this fall, keep in mind the option of provisional membership. Through this program, potential members gain exposure to the chapter and its activities prior to their induction. This program is ideal for high school honor students or college freshmen with high grade point averages who lack the required college credits to be eligible for membership. Although these students may not vote, hold office, or wear any insignia of the Society until full membership is earned, they may attend meetings, work on projects, and learn firsthand the benefits of becoming a member of the Society as soon as possible.

Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society
Center for Excellence
1625 Eastover Drive
Jackson, MS  39211
800.946.9995