Gaining active members in BBYO chapters and preparing Alephs and BBGs to lead at the chapter, regional, and international levels is essential for the organization’s success. Serving as MIT Mom (Vice President of Recruitment) of my chapter, Tikvah BBG #1233, has equipped me to recruit, retain, and increase membership. Here are three ways to maintain membership momentum in your home chapters!

1. Recruitment

Form strong bonds with prospects and emphasize that involvement with BBYO is possible even with a busy schedule. It seems that potential members do not join chapters merely because they can’t make meetings that happen on the same day every week. You can maintain your chapter’s current meeting schedule, but include special activities, events, and more casual meetups on other days so that more prospects and members have the opportunity to attend fun events and immerse themselves within the organization. Encourage all new members to appreciate BBYO’s many opportunities and offer incentives for participation!

2. Retainment

Incorporate initiatives to make sure that new and current members feel like they belong. This principle is vital because community is what attracts most people to BBYO. Also, work with your chapter members to create and maintain a membership directory with contact information. In addition, you can work with your chapter’s Mazkirah or social media chairs to make frequent social media posts that spotlight members, celebrate birthdays, and express pride for BBYO achievements. If you can implement these fun initiatives and activities, your chapter will build even stronger bonds that will hopefully lead to recruitment efforts.

3. Retention

Ensure BBYO's institutional memory by preparing members to participate and lead. Teach BBYO traditions and procedures in a high-spirited and interactive way. For example, you can host a BBYO informational meeting that includes cheer teaching, bonding activities, and the promotion of leadership opportunities to honor our organization’s legacy. This will help BBYO members and prospects to feel connected, informed, and prepared to step into leadership positions in the future.

Through emphasizing recruitment, retention, and engagement, we can ensure that every member not only joins our beloved organization but also feels connected and ready to lead. When we build strong relationships, celebrate each other, and continue important BBYO traditions, we strengthen our BBYO chapters and help to keep our organization alive.