Meetings should have purpose—and pizzazz

Linda Laski knows if people are going to get involved in something—like a Kiwanis club meeting—the occasion better be “well-run, purposeful, and energizing.”

Laura Watson helps a youngster with a craft project during a meeting of the Parma Area Morning Kiwanis club.

“Our meetings are predictable in length and follow an agenda,” says Linda, member of the Parma Area Morning Kiwanis club in Parma, Ohio.

A set of greeters, stationed at the door, smile and welcome members, speakers, and guests to each meeting, Linda notes. There’s also an “information table” at the meeting, to which members and guests can bring announcements and literature on a variety of topics.

“We also make sure there is variety in each meeting, from inspirational passages to speakers, from handouts to announcements. People join things to be active, so we make sure many people have speaking parts and are involved.

“So some of our most interesting meetings have been when we use our meting time to also do a service project.”

During one meeting this past year, the club served a Christmas breakfast for children who arrive early at Green Valley Elementary School, where it had recently chartered a new K-Kids club. The Kiwanians feasted with the students and then helped them with crafts.

“We donated the crafts we made to the local senior citizens home to bring cheer and holiday décor,” Linda says. “We all benefited from this worthwhile and fun time together. The children then returned the gift by singing several songs for us. It was a joyful way to start the day!”

A well-organized, energetic meeting is important to recruiting and retaining members, Linda stresses, but it’s only one of many things helping the club in its efforts. Others include:

• “When planning service projects and other activities, there must be a niche for every person or they won’t have a reason to join or stay.” Linda explains that it is not unusual for her club to be conducting more than one service project or fundraiser at a time so everyone can be involved in something.

• “Look for windows of opportunity to promote Kiwanis and the club.” Linda says these include talking with co-workers and neighbors; approaching parents of K-Kids, or parents who are empty-nesters and looking for opportunities to get involved; putting tear-off posters in coffee shops and restaurants, libraries, senior centers, and other public places; approaching businesses; making announcements at other organizations’ meetings.

• “Look for diversity in age, gender, and affiliation.”

• “Try to recruit people who are active networkers and who know many others.” The Parma Morning club, Linda says, uses many options, including putting notices in church bulletins, car dealerships, doctors’ offices—anywhere they are likely to be picked up and read.

• Celebrate. “We celebrate our successes at each meeting,” Linda says, “and this further encourages all of us to bring in more members.”