May Equals Membership

by PG Art Riley

May is a prime month for Kiwanis projects. Many clubs provide scholarships, participate in end of year school activities and other spring oriented projects. As your club completes these projects, don't forget that May can equal membership growth. A strong push for membership during May can help Kiwanis have positive growth numbers during the final five months of this administrative year. The following are some ideas that can help attract new members now and can make a positive impression on future potential members.

Now is the time to recruit current CKI members. With graduation occurring during the next few weeks remind graduating CKI members of the opportunities of Kiwanis membership. Recruit these members with a personal letter from the sponsoring Kiwanis Club congratulating the member for their years of service. Be certain to include the many ways in which they can continue the service that has become a part of their life in CKI. Also offer assistance in writing letters of recommendation or referral to a Kiwanis Club in another town if they are relocating. These are just a few ideas they can help grow Kiwanis, but the key element is personal contact with the graduating CKI members your club has supported.

Key Club members also need to be congratulated on the magnificent service they have provided their school and community. Letters of congratulations, sponsorship of service recognition nights, or visitation to the installation of new Key Club officers are important pieces of sponsoring a Key Club. Also, now is the time to encourage participation in CKI for those Key Club members who will be attending colleges in the fall and to encourage Kiwanis membership for those Key Club members who are 18 years old and staying within the community. Again the personal contact will make a difference in current recruitment efforts and the impression Kiwanis make for future membership.

The parents of SLP participants are another group that should be approached during May. Parents of Kiwanis K-Kids, Kiwanis Builders Clubs and Key Club recognize the importance and influence these programs have had in the life of their children. Now is the time to remind them of this importance and extra hands are needed to provide similar opportunities to future student members. Ands don't forget to invite these and all potential members to attend your May projects. If they see the good work of Kiwanians they will be more receptive to membership.

May equals membership, so use your imagination to recruit now!