INDUCTION TIPs TO MAKE YOUR NEW MEMBERS GO WOW!
After being inducted into my club some 26 years ago, I can still recall the event as one of my most memorable Kiwanis experiences. I felt welcomed - I felt like I was wanted - I felt needed - but most of all, I felt important and that I was joining an important organization. My induction was no accident; it was not an afterthought, it was not just a routine procedure. It was a well planned and organized program designed by the Membership Committee. Over the years, I have had the opportunity to induct many new members into Kiwanis. I have also picked up many great tips from watching others get inducted. These are some of the things I have found that make an induction a special event for our most valuable resource - our new members.
Preparation and Background
At the pre-orientation meeting, the new members should be briefed on the induction procedures. The sponsor should get a brief bio to properly introduce the new member. The sponsor should secure a photo or take a photo of the new member for the club's bulletin. The new members should be encouraged to invite their spouse, partner, family, or co-workers to the induction.
Day of Induction
If you have over five new members to induct, you may consider that the Induction is the program. This will allow more time to get to know new members and allow for club fellowship. If less than five, non-essential club activity should be limited to allow time for the induction and the regular program.
The induction
Here are some ideas to make this special and remembered.
- Have the club roster updated with the members' name in the correct place in the new member packet.
- Plan the induction with the publication of the Club's newsletter. Present the club and new members with a copy. The front page should be a photo and welcome for new member(s).
- Provide a set of Kiwanis Club business cards for each new member.
- Have the sponsor and the new member's family join in the induction and recognize their other special guests.
- Invest in a frame for the new member certificate.
- Have a designed script using the Membership Manual as a guide or develop your own.
- If not presented at the pre-orientation meeting, have a description of all committees and a contact for all chairs.
- Provide membership recruitment material, including a new membership application, so they can invite their friends to a meeting or to join.
- Depending on the time and size of your club, consider having all members come by for a personal welcome.
Clubs have many traditions for giving the pin, badge, and other club items specific to your club. These are important for each club and should be maintained. However, the above items are designed to make the induction a special day. I believe it will make new members feel special and help assimilate them into our clubs. Hopefully it will be a day they will remember as I remembered mine.