How to Increase a Student Group Membership

A student-based group or organization needs to have a significant number of members. Student groups geared towards special interests or skills often take special measures to attract new members and increase their membership numbers. This can earn the group itself more recognition or funding and help generate interest in the group's cause. Here are some ways to help increase a student group membership.

Instructions

1. Aim for students of all ages. Obviously a student organization is only going to recruit members from the educational institution where it is located. Since you can't recruit members from outside the school, recruit members from all grade levels within the school. A student group that only admits senior class members will probably be able to double their numbers by recruiting juniors as well. Recruiting students of all ages will make your student group appear more accepting and inviting to all students.

2. Increase awareness. A great way to increase student group membership is by spreading the word about what the group does and what purpose it serves. Giving students a better understanding of your group's cause or function will increase student interest. Include information about what your group stands for and its regular activities in the flyers or advertisements you use to recruit new members.

3. Use sign-up incentives. Car dealerships offer extended warranties to car buyers and credit card companies give new cardholders special low interest rates; use this same strategy to recruit new members into your student group. Print fun t-shirts to give to new members or enlist local businesses to donate gift certificates or free merchandise to give away to students that sign up.

4. Enlist the aid of current members. The best advertising for your student group is its current members. Have your current group members help with the recruiting process by bringing in their friends and classmates or by setting up a question-and-answer session for students that are considering joining your group that can be manned by current members.

5. Utilize all forms of media. There are many forms of advertising that you can use to promote your student group and get the word out that you are looking for new members. Put up flyers, advertise in the student newspaper or make an announcement about your group and membership drive on student radio. Using many formats to recruit new members will make your group more recognizable to a more diverse group of students.