It’s time to recruit

Recruitment has to be like a membership campaign — it needs thought and development. This activity will take students through reflection, message development and implementation.

Note: This should take place at least three weeks prior to the start of the recruitment season.

Quill and Scroll Guiding Principles:

Leadership, Initiative

Materials: 

  • Calendar access
  • Computer with internet access

Set up:

None

Step-by-step instructions:

  1. The group leader should ask students to take the next 30 minutes seriously. 
  2. Group leader could say, “Now is the time to outline our recruitment timeline and action plan. Some of the best recruitment involves student voice and outreach. The future of the organization depends on you.”
  3. Ask the others the following basic questions to help your plan:
    1. Why did you join?
    2. Why did you stay?
    3. How can we show this to students? (Think visually through promotional video, social media, English class presentations etc.)
    4. Does our staff represent the school as a whole? How?
    5. What message or tagline might be a good recruitment slogan?
    6. What are some areas in which we need to make sure we recruit? (Both in staff composition and needs)
    7. What is the timeline we need to adhere to?
    8. What can we do within that time frame?
    9. What are the components needed? (Social media, posters, classroom visits?)
    10. Who is responsible for each component and its coordination?
    11. What is the due date for each component?
    12. What is the plan if someone isn’t able to fulfill what they signed up for?
    13. Do we involve the rest of the staff?
  4. Some schools have special invitations to join or apply to staff. Should we do this?

Other beneficial items:

  • Some staffs use Quill and Scroll membership as a recruitment tool. (After all, it is an honor you should add to your college application and resume.)
  • When visiting classrooms, make sure students know how to counter hecklers — and have them wear their shirts.
  • Post recruitment posters in the restrooms above the urinals and on the back of the stall doors.

Depending on the timeframe, advisers might need to meet with those who signed up for the action plan items in a few days for an update.

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