As we dive into another round of membership month, we’re giving our chapters another challenge to grow! Here’s how it works:
We have broken the chapters up into two categories:
Small Chapters (30 members or less)
Large Chapters (31 members or more)
Category placement is determined based on chapter membership numbers from March 1st, 2019
We will select two winners per quad:
One chapter from each category based on their percentage growth as of March 1st, 2020.
Only chapters in good standing will be selected as winners.
Where to get info:
Chapter Leaders can get last year’s membership numbers and percentages from their Quad Director.
What chapter will win:
Each winning chapter will receive $100 that they can use for the benefit of the entire chapter. Like throwing an end of the semester celebration!
We asked last semester’s winners a few questions about the Growth Challenge. Here’s what they had to say:
How did you and your chapter discuss the challenge with your students and how did you think it affected the moral at your university?
“We promoted membership during our General Body Meetings and passed out the small flyers for how to join AIAS. I believe it positively affected morale in specific years. Now we have a significant amount of third year students.” – University of Houston, SQ
“We believed having a smaller chapter reduced our interpreted value, and presented a challenge to host events and general assemblies. Our Executive Board, as a result, discussed ways that we could demonstrate the value of being an AIAS member, and redesigned our approach to our general assemblies, both with marketing and programming.” – Roger Williams University, NEQ
“We emphasized the fact that AIAS is what it is because of the students that are a part of it and how much they participate. We also put a big emphasis on the opportunities that we would provide as a chapter, and those provided by AIAS national.” – Andrews University, MWQ
“Once we found out about the growth challenge, we just informed our members of it and that there was a reward if we won. We gave them membership numbers from last year and encouraged them to sign up. We let them know that their membership was important to us and we thanked them for being a part of the organization. Overall I think it had a positive impact on the group. I think they liked working toward a goal and then felt rewarded when it was met.” – Fairmont State University, NEQ
“Instead of discussing with our members as if it was a competition, we really reiterated the value of membership as well as the recognition often gained by the national office when we are a growing body. We also explained the larger voice we will have and the more resources we can have from the university and from dues to accomplish more things in the benefit of them with more membership.” – Bowling Green State University, MWQ
What would you say to other chapters wanting to grow their membership?
“I would say that it is very helpful to have members in all grades because it helps others learn about AIAS when their direct peers can talk to them about it.” – University of Houston, SQ
“I would definitely say not to be defeated, even if you feel like no one cares. We all live busy lives and sometimes people forget how important AIAS really is, so just continue demonstrating what we do and why we do it.” – Roger Williams University, NEQ
“We think it’s important to begin by hosting some free events that gives the younger students a chance to be more involved. We have found that the incoming freshmen are more energetic and eager to be involved. We went around and personally reached out to new students who hadn’t heard about AIAS or even some classmates who may have had negative experiences in the past and helped them see how they can get involved and use their voice to create change.” – Andrews University, MWQ
“Our chapter wants to tell them to not give up. Find an executive board that’s excited to be there and wants to see growth. Encourage your members! Be there for them! Be active for them! Plan events! Give them a reason to join!” – Fairmont State University, NEQ
“I think the best thing is to explain your experiences. It is easy to list off benefits, but include what these benefits do for you and what has the AIAS done for you. Tell them why you continue to be involved! And with that, students will better understand that value and be willing to pay for membership.” – Bowling Green State University, MWQ
