When you reach out together, you help make growth a part of your culture.

By Tony Knoderer

The strongest Kiwanis clubs don’t grow by luck or magic — they make membership growth a continuing part of club culture. Of course, it’s great to have members who invite individuals they know or meet, but consistent growth requires actively seeking people as a club. (For example: Does your club have a growth committee?) 

Here are five ideas for clubs that want to reach out to the community: 

• Roster analysis. Regularly examine your current club roster. Identify professions and skillsets that aren’t represented in your club and develop a prospect list. Our roster analysis worksheet can help.  

• Social media. Advertising on social media can attract attention to Kiwanis clubs. But remember: A person who expresses interest in Kiwanis needs to be guided into membership. They’re fact-finding — so they’ll likely send comments and questions to your Facebook page. Respond immediately with the information they’re seeking. Don’t just refer them to another source: Help them make sense of your club, its projects and its contributions to the community.  

• Guest contests. A good competition can inspire great action. Some clubs have created teams and “competed” against each other. Others have made it a contest for individual recognition. Either way, the best results come from something that can be tracked and easily displayed.   

• Special guest days. Identify an upcoming meeting or service project that reflects what’s important to your club — and highlights the best of what you do. Invite potential members to experience what Kiwanis is about.  

• Leads. The “Find a club” feature on Kiwanis International’s website gets thousands of queries every year. If you receive one by email, follow up right away. Someone is looking to be part of a group like your club.  

If you’re looking for other ways to strengthen your club, check out our club toolbox. You’ll find resources for club strengthening, digital marketing and more. 

Getting new members and visitors is great, but here are some tips for keeping them interested and active.

By Tony Knoderer

Every person’s time is valuable, and each one has choices on where to spend it. That’s why you need to make sure your Kiwanis club is one of the most dynamic options in your community. For your club to grow, members and visitors must find the Kiwanis experience enjoyable, meaningful and memorable. Remember these simple tips: 

• Keep meetings moving. Welcome new members and visitors, quickly summarize the meeting’s focus and then move into what everyone has in common: the desire to help kids in your community.  

• Don’t bore ’em with business. If prospects and new members sit through budget reports, committee updates and the like, they might not come back. Make time for these parts of the meeting — but keep it tight. Don’t lose sight of why people come in the first place. 

• Include everyone. Encourage member input and interaction. And make sure people have opportunities to meet and mingle. Conversation and contribution are key to maintaining members’ interest. 

• Combine service with socializing. Set aside some meetings for fun activities where old and new members — and member prospects — can enjoy one another’s company. 

There’s no greater sense of belonging than the fellowship of people who serve kids together. Club meetings should make it feel that way. Attend to the matters that keep the club functioning — but don’t forget the big picture. Make the joy you feel in the service you do part of your club’s culture!  

Get more details and ideas for making meetings meaningful here.