Meetings and Membership
Club meetings should be held at least twice a month
at a time and place that suits the members (school-based
clubs usually meet at the school).
This suggested format can help you hold productive meetings:
- Open the meeting with a pledge, anthem, or some other local custom.
- Have the president introduce guests and make announcements and reminders.
- Have the secretary, treasurer, and committee chairs make any relevant reports.
- Introduce new members.
- Present the meeting agenda.
- Close with thanks to the speakers or others who have participated.
- Adjourn the meeting.
The success of an Interact club depends on the commitment and hard work of its membership. When recruiting new members, seek out those with special interests and abilities who would be enthusiastic about the social and service opportunities Interact provides. The following suggestions can help you build a strong, committed membership:
- Set membership goals and encourage all club members to work to meet them.
- Challenge members to bring in one new Interactor each year.
- Present an award to the member who recruits the most new members.
- Organize a special event to attract new members. Explain the purpose of Interact, and show the video Serious Fun (650-EN) along with slides or pictures of your club’s activities.
- Display the Interact Poster (639-MU) and hand out the Interact Brochure (600-EN).
- Publicize your club’s activities in the school paper and in the community.
- Ask experienced Interactors to "adopt" new members and make them feel welcome.
- Assign committee responsibilities to veteran members (this will let them know they’re important to the club).
- Monitor attendance and make sure everyone attends at least 60 percent of the meetings.
- Maintain a good balance among age levels and among males and females.
- Get feedback from members on the types of meeting agendas they would like.