10 Cool Tips for Finding New Members!

Nov 01, 2000

1) Advertise, Advertise, Advertise! Plan a meeting and make posters. Come up with catchy slogans, cool art, and colorful graphics. Bring in your favorite quotes. Posters can not only advertise meetings, but also educate your school and start interesting conversations. Never underestimate the importance of visibility! Many students have noted that their posters have been repeatedly torn down. While most students find that if you continually put the posters up again the people tearing them down will usually stop, some GSAs have started putting statements on the back of posters educating those who tear them down, such as "You have just committed a hate crime". You can also advertise using a Club Bulletin Board. Here you can share information about LGBT issues, current events and upcoming meetings.

2) Bring-A-Friend Day
Every member of the GSA brings a friend to the meeting. This can help getting new people involved in the group while changing people's perceptions about what the group is and destroy some stereotypes about sexual orientation and gender identity.

3) Open Meeting w/ Guest Speaker
Many groups invite speakers or guest from local LGBT or diversity community groups to discuss different issues. Speakers may be invited for an open meeting or an administrative-approved, school-wide event. When advertised, either can bring new people to the group. Common community groups that have been invited include GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network) Chapters, PFLAG (Parent's, Friends and Families of Lesbians and Gays) Chapters, the local ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union), local LGBT Community Centers and area Bisexual and Transgender groups.

4) School Newspaper
An editorial, letter to the editor or notice in the school newspaper can be a great way to let other students know about what's going on in your club and what your club is about.

5) Sign In Sheets
Having sign-in sheets allows students to give information about who they are and how you can contact them (i.e.; email, phone, etc) about upcoming meetings. NOTE: Be sure that you ask on your sheets only for information where it's safe to contact them.

6) Club Share
Work with other school clubs about having shared events. Each club can take turns holding a special open event and other clubs can go as a group to support it and learn more about that club. This is a great way to build connections with other clubs, while reaching students with your information.

7) Movie Time
Lots of people like good movies. Showing a movie with an LGBT-related theme can be a great way to draw people in. Afterwards, hold an open discussion about the movie that ties into the issues concerning the GSA. This allows visitors to see what your group is about, while being able to feel apart of the discussion and topics at hand. Need help finding LGBT movies, books or curriculum? Visit GLSEN's Bookstore through the link at the top of this page.

8) Tabling
Setting up an information table about your GSA can be a great way to give out information on your club, it's issues and current events. Some schools have a Club Fair where you can table, and others allow school clubs to set up during school lunch in the cafeteria.

9) Provide Snacks
It's always nice to have some snacks available, and this is a great way to encourage people to come by - especially if meeting after school or during a lunch period.

10) You're Invited!
Above all the advertising, snacks and events you pull to get people coming to your meetings, the most effective and easiest way is to simply ask! Asking someone in person, 1-on-1, provides you the opportunity to tell the person why they should come, what's happening and how important they're support of the club is. To help with this you can make a piece of paper with multiple sections on it that say something like "You're Invited! GSA, Meeting Time & Place! Take 1 and Pass It On!" As you pass this to your friend tear off one of the sections and ask them to "Take 1 and Pass It On!" This can help break the ice and start a GSA conversation.