To keep your members engaged, make them feel valued as individuals and as a group. These suggestions can get you started. 

By Julie Saetre

Members of your community join your club because they want to make a difference in the lives of children. But if their efforts are taken for granted, they might participate less — or even worse, stop attending club meetings and events altogether. To keep them involved and engaged, it’s important to celebrate members’ successes, recognize their contributions and make them feel valued as individuals and as a group. Here are some suggestions to get you started. 

For individual acknowledgment 

Little gestures make a big difference: A simple thank-you note, quick social media post or verbal recognition during a meeting takes little time but lets someone know they matter. Or give a small token of appreciation, such as a small gift from the Kiwanis Family Store, a cupcake or a “thank you” balloon.  

Take it public: If someone has achieved a major accomplishment, such as a milestone membership anniversary or a long-time tenure as project chair, public recognition can shine a spotlight on that individual (and boosts your club’s visibility). Nominate them for a community award or look for media opportunities that profile volunteers. 

For group efforts 

Make it an event: Host a cocktail/mocktail/appetizer hour, treat members to a meal during a meeting, attend a local sporting event as a group or take in a performance of an area play. If you have the time and budget and want to go bigger, consider a recognition night, an annual banquet or even a formal gala. Invite the public and showcase the great work your members do in the community. You could add a fundraising element by selling admission tickets, auctioning items or letting attendees know donations are welcome. 

For more ideas and tips on celebrating success, head to the Achieving Club Excellence tools webpage. You’ll find other common challenges clubs face and the tools that help club leaders address them.