Developing and conducting an organizational recruitment campaign is very important. Yet, as we know, retaining these members is another matter entirely.

All too frequently groups skip any form of orientation and just place their new recruits directly on committees or organizational projects. Although involvement is crucial to the longevity of the group, understanding the organization and its goals and objectives, structure, norms and taboos is equally as important.

By taking the time to orient new members to the responsibilities and privileges of membership to create a more educated membership -- people who can and will make significant contributions to the organization.

A Successful orientation program should include:

• Organizational history, traditions, and programs
• Assimilation of new members into the organization
• Rights and responsibilities of members
• Organizational governance, operating policies and procedures
• An overview of campus services, activities and programs for student organizations
• Information about any support groups or affiliations the group may have

When planning your orientation program, keep the word AIM in mind.

A	cquaint
I	nform
M	otivate

ACQUAINT: The purpose of any new member orientation program is to acquaint your recruits to both the organization and to each other. Knowing the ins and outs of the group is only one aspect of being in an organization. It is important to note that people join groups for many different reasons such as:

• Wanting to get involved
• Learning new skills
• Making friends
• Having a good time

INFORMING your members should include the organization's history, purpose and structure. If there are written records, be sure to give everyone a copy. In addition, include organizational charts, officer descriptions and a complete membership list. If you do not have a written history, have the group write one. The following will be helpful in starting this project:

• Ask membership to tell what they know about the organization
• How the group was formed
• When and where it started
• What past members were like o Programs and/or services they offered
• How the organization was structured
• How the organization has evolved over the years

When recording this information, utilize your creativity and think up interesting chapter titles It is important to remember that this is an oral history and that you are recording people's perceptions about the group. Although these may be inaccurate, they are important because they color how people feel about the group. This collective writing of your group's history also provides the leadership with the opportunity to dispel myths and rumors that may be brought up.

MOTIVATE your members and get them excited about the group. Provide time for "older" members to meet the new recruits and share ideas and expectations.

FINALLY, it is important to find out what the new members' interest are and what skills they bring to the group. Using this information, try to give them tasks, which will successfully use their talents. Further, give them a reason to be committed. Whenever possible, recognize members' accomplishments, both publicly and privately. If they report to a committee chair be sure to let their superior know about their contributions. By including the above suggestions in your new members orientation program you will discover that you have built group cohesion.

By following these tips you will ensure:

• New members know the organization and are able to articulate purpose
• Members understand their rights and responsibilities to self and organization
• Leadership and discipline