WSCA Digital Spotlight www . wsca . org 2023 - June - 9
Boosting Your Rosters
Let ’ s talk about the health of your saddle club . How are you doing ? A frequent concern expressed by clubs is dropping member participation …
Has your club considered a Welcome Committee ? A group set with the task of greeting and assisting newcomers at your shows and events , a Welcome Committee is a great tool for creating a friendly environment to grow membership and invite people to become more involved . The benefits to your group include :
• Fostering a Sense of Belonging : Joining a new organization or community can be overwhelming . This group can help alleviate that feeling by providing a friendly face , answering common questions , sharing upcoming events , and making new members feel valued from the start .
• Facilitating Social Connections : Serving as a bridge between new and existing members , this group helps new friendships form . New members are invited to learn about WSCA and their club through event participation and group gatherings .
• Improving Retention & Engagement : Most of us would agree that a feeling of belonging and support serves as motivation to stay involved in a group . Cultivate long-term engagement by checking in with new members , inviting questions , or collaborating on new business relationships .
• Bringing New Skills to Your Club : Getting people involved means learning about their skills and talents . Part of involving members will be learning about their skill sets and outside community involvements and how those might make your club stronger .
By recognizing the needs of newcomers , we can all create healthier , more involved membership . Be it a couple of members talking with exhibitors at your shows , or a more organized effort centered around meetings and events , the impacts of involvement can be lasting for clubs and new members alike .