The Formula for inviting young professionals to your club Jon Hethcox Trustee, Carolinas District

Take notes in your program to help you retain the information you hear. Speaker contact information: Jon Hethcox

Objective for this session Evidence that we achieved our objective: You should leave today’s session understanding that young professionals are different and need to be “met where they are.” This is The Formula: Love it. Share it. Live it.

“Who am I? Why am I here?”

Let’s clear up some misconceptions…

Is this the face of Kiwanis?

Is this the face of “young” people?

Are young people engaged in their communities? According to the Corporation for National and Community Service, people ages 35 ‒ 44 have the highest volunteer rates of any age group (31.3 percent).

So, now what? We’ve acknowledged that we have a problem with how we perceive each other. Let’s focus on what we can do to get young people engaged in Kiwanis.

The invitation > Basics Think about it: Where are you finding new members? Have you conducted a roster analysis? Have you asked your members to complete a prospect list?

The invitation> “Meet them where they are” When was the last time your club considered… your meeting time? your dues structure? the types of service projects your club does? your club’s traditions?

“I’d like to be involved, but…” Club meetings Objection: “I’d like to be involved, but I can’t make your meetings.” Reply: “That’s ok ― we have a monthly evening social.” Reply: “That’s ok ― we have a Saturday service project coming up.” Reply: “That’s ok ― we have a club satellite that meets online.”

“I’d like to be involved, but…” Dues Objection: “I’d like to be involved, but I can’t afford the dues.” Reply: “Let me tell you more about what your dues pay for.” Reply: “I understand. For new young professionals, we’re offering a special dues structure.” Reply: “That’s ok ― we won’t charge you for meals.”

“I’d like to be involved, but…” Service projects Objection: “I’d like to be involved, but I prefer a different kind of project.” Reply: “Tell us about your favorite project! There’s always room to add a new project.” Reply: “I understand that you might not be able to make it to a Saturday project. How about an independent project?”

“I’d like to be involved, but…” Club traditions Objection: “I’d like to be involved, but your club meetings are weird.” Reply: “Lots of service clubs have great traditions and act silly to make meetings more fun.” Reply: “I understand totally. Let’s talk to our club leadership about creating new traditions.”

Some advice… “Give them a way to get involved right away. Don't just invite them to a meeting. Invite them to a project. Invite them to offer ideas.” “If someone is willing to join, always reach out and be welcoming and let them be as involved as they want to be with no pressure to be involved more than they are comfortable with.” “Letting someone lead something, even if it's just the pledge or the menu for the meeting, shows trust and respect.” “Ask them how they would like to volunteer their time and relate that to one of your current projects.” “Have an older member serve as a mentor. Making sure they are aware of meeting times, projects, etc. Call to check in on them.” “We are starting a new club here in Tucson; it is a Brewery Club. We say a ‘Social Club with a Service Problem.’ Made up of 20 ‒ 40 year olds. They want service and they want meetings where they can socialize, too, and not be forced into a meal.”

“Who am I? Why am I here?”

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Thank you for attending! To continue the discussion, please join us in room 116–117. Speaker contact information: Jon Hethcox