Helpful Hints For Increasing Particpants In Your Eco-Club!
Finding support for your eco-club can be a difficult task. We have put together some suggestions from groups that we have worked with. Maybe one of them will help you increase your participation!
Building an Eco Club:
- Begin activities immediately – don't wait until the membership reaches a certain level.
- Think about what activities would get you to join, and balance between service projects and social get-togethers.
- Use the following formula: 40% Community Service / 30% Education and Advocacy / 30% Fun.
- Educate people about the problem, and show enthusiasm when you do it.
- Stay active and visible. If other students see you having fun with your group they may be inclined to join in.
- Show how project will help the school at an assembly. Those who want to do the right thing will join.
- Stay consistent with your message, lead by example, and follow through on meetings and events scheduled, even if turnout is small at first.
- Demonstrate how important and easy it is to get involved.
- Get administration to allow student to miss a class for this event.
Recruiting Members:
- Advertise yourself! Have your club wear club t-shirts on certain days of the month. This can be really great at the beginning of the semester!
- The best advertisement is word of mouth.
- Advertise the project in the school newspaper and on your website.
- Ask teachers that are interested in environmental issues to mention the club in their class and ask students to get involved.
- Offer free food at meetings.
- Plan/announce a party or celebration at the end of the project.
- Highlight the social benefits of getting involved.
- Promote the community service angle. Many high schools have a required number of community service hours for graduation!
- Include recognition, fun, and field trips to increase excitement for those who get involved.
- Include parents, at least a little – they can help with the details in the future.
Last notes...
- Don't over commit and burn yourself out—think about goal membership, number of activities, and your purpose.
