Keeping New Members: Inclusive, fun and sociable
Case study: York
York University P&P group have weekly meetings at which everyone is involved in making group decisions. Anyone who wants to be on committee can join it, allowing the group to share responsibilities between as many people as possible. They use a variety of different campaign tactics from Students’ Union motions to direct actions to ensure all group members can campaign in ways that they’re comfortable with. Finally, the group have their own allotment with a rota of volunteers for its upkeep, and where they hold regular socials, including regional gatherings.
Having fun and raising dosh at Cardiff University P&P’s ‘Fairplay’ party
It’s important for the diversity and continuing sustainability of your group that you are always open, accessible and inclusive towards new members. Being sociable at, after and outside your meetings will really help to create a strong and vibrant group.
Be welcoming at all your meetings and events
- start by introducing yourselves;
- have a lighthearted icebreaker, for instance a name game, at the start;
- have a ‘doorkeeper’ - someone to explain what is happening to people who arrive late;
- don’t use acronyms or complex terminology without explaining it during meetings;
- make sure “old hands” mingle with newcomers at your events.
Have regular socials - maybe even appoint a ‘social secretary’
- think about where you will hold these so that you are inclusive and accessible to all - a pub or bar may not always be appropriate.
- take advantage of chances to socialise - banner-making parties, post-meeting trips, etc.
- national events like P&P’s Shared Planet are great fun and a good chance to bond.
Be obviously open to new members
- advertise lots - put posters in all departments and halls giving general info about your group and about special events
- on stalls have leaflets about your meetings in case people want to get involved further.
- have contact details and your plan for the term on your society noticeboard.
- be flexible, allowing for different levels of involvement.
- find out what new members are interested in right from the start - maybe at your freshers fair.
Use fun and creative campaigning
Case study: Roehampton
As they have grown in campaign success Roehampton University P&P group have remained inclusive and fun by campaigning in loads of exciting ways from a wall of messages to which any student could add their thoughts, to a bicycle workshop and an acoustic night during their Go Green Week. As a group member commented: “for me the highlight of the week had to be acoustic night, it was good to see everyone partying for green issues, and we even got a crowd up on stage to sing Earth Song!” They are also moving towards running their meetings in a participative manner to ensure that group members all have a sense of ownership of the campaigns.
The best and most effective campaigning is usually the most fun and creative.
Creating vibrant protests, street theatre, artistic and colourful banners, and witty leaflets is not only fun to do but also makes joining the group a more attractive prospect. You can find lots of ideas in the creative skills section.
A good place to start is your group emails - try to keep them upbeat and entertaining (but not at the expense of clarity).
