Newsletter | May 2024

May is Membership Month for Kiwanis

Part II: In the April Newsletter there was an article about Kiwanis Membership and the challenges not only Kiwanis has with Membership, but other similar Service Organizations have as well. After defining the issue in the April Newsletter, we will now talk about what we as a club, or individual members can not only help with in terms of membership, but ultimately help our Community.   

What do we recommend? 

• While in our Club our Vice-President oversees everything related to Membership, remember that all members are part of our Membership Team.   
• Potential members – Consider anyone to be a prospective member even if they belong to another club and have limited time.  The busiest people generally make great candidates for membership. Reminder, you can invite any prospective member, to a Dinner Meeting as our guests. Now that we meet at the Oscar Barn, not only do we great meals, but we also have a great venue. Help us to showcase our club and venue.  Don’t be concerned about inviting someone and having to entertain them at the Dinner Meeting because we have several members who would be willing to talk with them while attending.  Some prospective members might rather attend a less formal meeting and now that we meet with our Service Leadership Clubs (SLP’s) at Memorial School for the second meeting of the month that provides a nice alternative.  Finally, today we can’t push folks to attend a meeting so think about inviting them to attend one of our Fund Raising or Community Service Events.  For a list of these refer to our website www.hooksettkiwanis.org see Service Projects Tab.

Remember you don’t have a second chance to make a first impression.  That is why it is called a first impression.  

• Pursue a potential member until you receive a definite answer.  Think of it like playing baseball: you are not out until you have three strikes. 

Follow-up…

• Any plan for membership can only be as successful as the follow-up. 
• After a prospective member attends a meeting or event follow up to gauge their level interest. This should be done by the potential sponsor or club membership representative. 
•  We also need to stress the tangible benefits of Kiwanis membership.  What can your club offer a prospect that he or she may not find elsewhere:
  • Business Connections
  • Meet New Friends – Collaborate with like minded folks.  
  • Trade Expertise
  • Leadership Training
  • Community Service (helping to improve local community)
  • Ability to collaborate with local Kiwanians, New England fellow Kiwanians as well as International Kiwanians. 

In summary, where have all the Kiwanis members gone? Nowhere! We just need to seek them out and fulfill their 2024 needs.