Team members, volunteers, and supports make Ventures possible. It’s important to you keep current members engaged and recruit new people to keep the Venture going strong.
Recruiting new members:
• Make recruiting a priority. Assign someone to recruit members and volunteers. This person should be outgoing, friendly, and welcoming. He/she should also understand your Venture and be able to easily talk about what you do.
• Use your current members. Existing members can help spread the word about recruitment. Ask them to invite friends who might be interested in getting involved.
• Advertise regularly. Publicize your project on websites, at school, conferences, public places, community events, and on the Internet.
• Network. When you meet new people, engage them in conversation and tell them about the work you do with your Venture. Invite them to contact you if they are interested in receiving updates or in coming to a meeting.
Maintaining membership:
• Create informational media. By creating a newsletter, website, or blog, you can keep members updated on your events and sustain their interest.
• Socialize. Organize special social events to have newcomers and old members meet, talk to each other, and have fun. If your members like each other, they’ll be more likely to stay involved.
• Offer opportunities. People lose interest when they aren’t being used to the best of their abilities. Offer members the opportunity to become officers of your Venture or to lead a committee. By giving responsibilities to your members, you make them feel needed and involved.