Looking for new ways to recruit members? Check out these tips! 

By Erin Chandler

Building club membership increases your club’s community connections and ability to serve those in need — but it also requires constant effort. If your club is struggling to bring in new members, consider the following five ways to take recruitment to the next level.  

1. Host an open house. Whether in person, virtually or both, an open house will showcase Kiwanis and your club to the community and give you an opportunity to invite potential members to join. Provide an overview of how your club creates a positive impact in your community. Consider preparing a presentation that includes photos and past news coverage. For more ideas, check out the “Hosting an open house” resource in the Achieving Club Excellence toolkit.  
2. Host a guest session after meetings and events. Every club event is an opportunity to get to know potential new members. After an event or meeting with guests in attendance, host a 15-minute session for guests to ask questions about your club and Kiwanis. This also provides an opportunity to thank the guests for attending and invite them to the next club event. 
3. Improve your club’s online presence. You can expand your reach to far more people when you take advantage of social media. Elect or assign a club member to regularly update your club’s presence on platforms including Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X (formerly known as Twitter). Post photos and video snippets of service projects, fundraising events and club meetings, as well as testimonials from service recipients, educators, public officials and business leaders. Make sure you link to an online membership application to make joining Kiwanis easy! You can find social media resources at kiwanis.org/brand. 
4. Network with local businesses. Take time to recognize companies and organizations that believe in your club’s mission and support you throughout the year. Send thank-you notes to those who have partnered with you in events — and include an invitation to attend your next meeting, where they can learn more about becoming a Kiwanis member or sponsoring a corporate membership. 
5. Sign up for local events. Many communities publish event calendars that include festivals, farmers markets, fairs and more — and often these events provide opportunities for local organizations to have a booth and/or volunteer. This is a great way to serve your community and get the Kiwanis name in front of your neighbors and friends. Contact local organizers to see if your club can be involved. 

As you spread the word about Kiwanis in your community, remember that building your club’s membership is not just about recruitment — it’s about retention. Include social and bonding activities in your club’s schedule to ensure that members feel seen and appreciated. And make time to celebrate your club members’ contributions and accomplishments throughout the year! 

If you’re struggling to find prospective members, reach out to these groups in your community

By Erin Chandler

You’ve recruited family, friends and coworkers to join the Kiwanis family — but your Kiwanis club is always looking for new members to serve the children of the world! Here are five ideas to jumpstart your club’s recruitment efforts outside of your immediate circle. 

1. Partner organizations. Think about companies and organizations that believe in your club’s mission and support you throughout the year. Get in touch with their leaders and ask if they would be interested in taking your partnership to the next level by sponsoring a corporate membership in your club — or if they would be interested in joining themselves. 

2. Diverse groups and businesses. Diversity is key to a successful club — it is important to seek a diverse membership to offer a wide range of ideas for how to serve and enrich your club’s impact. Research various business groups and nonprofits — including minority-owned businesses and organizations — that represent the demographics of your community. Seek opportunities to speak during one of their membership or board meetings to promote your club’s contributions to the community. Invite them to speak during one of your upcoming club meetings as well. You can find Diversity, Equity and Inclusion resources on the Kiwanis members page. 

3. New businesses and nonprofits. Scan local business articles and think about inviting owners of recently opened businesses and new nonprofit executives to attend a club meeting. Allow them to make a two-minute plug for their business, and make sure you provide them with Kiwanis membership information. 

4. Retired teachers. Invite local teachers who have recently retired to a Kiwanis meeting or service project. These individuals have spent their lives working with kids and might be looking for a new way to continue mentoring young people. 

5. Former members. Sometimes Kiwanians leave clubs when they are not fully engaged in activities, when life circumstances do not allow time for Kiwanis — or when no one attempts to reinvolve them. However, circumstances can change over time. You can “ReMember” a former member by inviting them to attend a meeting or event and following up with any concerns they might have about the club. Remind them that kids still need Kiwanis in your community and ask them to rejoin. 

If someone needs extra persuasion to join your Kiwanis club, check out these four responses to common objections.

By Tony Knoderer

Sometimes the person you’re trying to recruit for your Kiwanis club has an objection, or just a hesitation. Some of these roadblocks are actually pretty common. Here are a few that many Kiwanians have heard — and responses that have helped overcome them.  

• “I’m just too busy.” Explain that most Kiwanians have additional priorities and responsibilities. In fact, that’s a strength. Busy people prioritize what matters to them. Also explain that clubs decide how often they meet, and members decide how active they will be. 
• “It costs too much.” Whatever appeals to someone about Kiwanis, member dues are what make it happen. Let them know that dues allow Kiwanis International to pay for leadership education for members, club membership resources, club growth support, Kiwanis youth programs and much more.  
• “It’s hard to join.” Actually, they only need to complete an application and pay a prorated dues amount, depending on the month they join. 
• “I’m part of another organization.” Ask them to consider what Kiwanis offers — and whether it could complement their existing affiliation. Either way, thank them for serving the community and ask whether they know anyone who might be interested in Kiwanis. 

Whatever the response to your recruiting efforts, don’t forget to mention that a Kiwanis club is also a place to network with community leaders — and that membership helps develop leadership skills that improve careers, communities and relationships.