The Journey
A newsletter for chapter advisors, chapter officers, and
regional officers.
October 2000
Issue
Strategies for Motivating Members and Keeping Them Motivated
There is a growing concern among advisors and officers on how to motivate and activate membership within chapters. At many events I attend, I hear the same questions from those in leadership positions, “How do I get more members to understand the benefits they are missing by not being active in the chapter activities?” My response to this question is multi-layered. Keep reading for ideas to ponder, customize and use for your chapter.
Phi Theta Kappa offers diverse programs and opportunities to every eligible student on your campus. Each of these programs has been designed for any member, whether from a small or large chapter, to be able to enrich their lives and the lives of others. Each hallmark has the opportunity for scholastic, professional and personal growth. All that is required is ACTION.
Just Ask!
One of the most valuable lessons I have learned from Phi Theta Kappa is that I need to ask people to become active. As a member, I have had experiences of being asked to take on leadership roles that I did not believe I had the ability to perform. From these experiences, I learned that others saw in me abilities I did not see in myself. They believed in me before I believed in myself.
Do you know someone like that? Sometimes if you personally ask a member to take on a leadership role in your chapter the response will be something like, “Do you think I can? Oh, I am not sure that I have the skills for that.” When you respond with a passionate, “I know you can, I have seen you ...” or share your own examples of what you were able to do when someone believed in your abilities, you’ll be empowering others to take on new challenges!
I have found that when I personally ask someone to commit to a task, not only is that person willing, in most cases the person has been looking for a way in! Just as I needed to know that someone believed I could...others need to know that someone believes they can do it, too.
Get Those Creative Juices Flowing ...
Signing on some new, passionate, motivated members is only the first step. How do you maintain their momentum? One strategy is to get members together for a “Creative Thinking Session,” where they can work in smaller groups or teams to establish goals and a game plan.
Make sure that each team is setting “SMART” (Simple, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Timely) goals. You can read more about this goal-setting system in the June issue of The Journey.
After the brainstorming session, allow each team leader to share the results of the session. Appoint someone to record the outcomes and objectives, stating dates, and who does what when, in writing. At the end of the session, make copies of the written record and ensure all participants have a copy before they leave. This will ensure ownership of the commitments and the ultimate insurance of the completion of the goals.
We’re Here to Help
All the resources and support for the outcome of your goal can be found in Phi Theta Kappa publications such as The Journey newsletter and the Advisor and Officer Resource Packets, the Society web site, your Headquarters Staff, Regional Officers and International Officers.
As a leader you should communicate the vision and then ask for the commitment. When you share the passion, you will witness the miracle of motivation! This commitment, taken one activity at a time, ensures wholeness and continuance of the ideals that founded this organization. My decision to commit myself to excellence to this organization and to every area of my life has allowed me to grow spiritually and personally.
This is just one idea to ponder on your journey of excellence in Phi Theta Kappa. Remember what David Easton wrote, “Passion is what you need to be good, an unforgiving passion.”
Contact Lois at lois.gagne@ptk.org.
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