Promoting Your Club

Volunteer on the lunch hour or at school special events so you can build a relationship with the students and the staff.

If you volunteer on the lunch hour, ask the principal if you can pass around a sign-up sheet for those interested in the club. If not, ask for permission to pass out fliers to the students. They may even include it in the school newsletter.  However, please remember you cannot pass out fliers or use a sign-up sheet without first getting permission from the proper authorities.

 Work with the principal or the PTA to schedule a school assembly about character traits. There are a number of Christian speakers that talk at public schools about developing strong character. Ask the administration for permission to set up a table or booth where kids can sign up for the CIA club after the assembly.

Hold a couple of special events during the year to draw attention, i.e. Back to School Bash, Harvest Party, Christmas Party, School’s Out Party, etc.

Put your check-in table for the club in a visible area. Outside the cafeteria or in front of a classroom down the main hallway is ideal because the kids will see it as they’re heading out for dismissal. You can order CIA banners to bring more visibility.

After your first meeting, make sure a volunteer makes reminder calls the day before the next meeting. If you work the lunch hour, remind them at that time.

Tips For A Successful Club

Purchase one “big ticket” item that you will use to draw students in (iPod, portable DVD player, etc.). Tell the kids that every time they come to the club, they get their name put into a drawing to win that item. If they bring a friend, they get their name put in twice. Draw for the big prize at the end of the year.

Every couple of months, you can have a drawing for smaller items (movie tickets, Best Buy gift card, bundle of candy, etc.). These drawings help bring in visitors, as well as increase incentive for the regular attendees to keep coming.

Pass around a sign-up sheet for snack; this will help cut down on costs.

Visit the kids on their lunch hour weekly. If possible, see them the day before the club meeting to remind them to come.

Schedule a special event every couple of months to get to know the kids better. Make it a cheap outing, such as bowling, hayride, etc. These outings help build unity within the group. Perhaps the club could even take on a service project for the school.