How to increase enthusiasm for your chapter

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By MJ Rousseau, Southwestern Area Vice President

Hey Illinois FBLA! With the start of a new school year underway many of us FBLA-errs have
started our chapter meetings and have elected our chapter officers. Most of us have
boosting membership as a big goal for both our state and individual chapters. What is the
best way to not only retain current members but also gain new members as well? In my
opinion, the best way is to increase enthusiasm in your chapter!

Many leaders find themselves confused on specific ways to increase the enthusiasm for
their chapter, but I have complied a list of different methods to do so.
1. Set Clear Goals
Start the year by defining clear and achievable goals for your chapter. Involving members in
the goal setting leads to increased excitement. I think that encouraging goal setting
surrounding competitive events is a great way to have all members working towards
something.
2. Create Engaging Meetings
Make your chapter meetings exciting and interactive! Consider incorporating icebreakers,
guest speakers, or engaging activities. Keep meetings concise but direct with the important
information. Encouraging individual members’ input on meeting agendas can also help
them feel more invested in their chapter.
3. Celebrate Achievements
Recognizing accomplishments is a great way to maintain enthusiasm for your chapter!
Celebrating and recognizing members’ successes in completive events and personal
milestones is important for making sure all of the members of your chapter feel
recognized. A suggestion I have is to create a “Member of the Month” program or a
recognition board that highlights contributions and achievements made to your chapter.

4. Foster Leadership Opportunities

Encourage all members to lead their chapter, whether they have a leadership title or not.
This could be to excel and mentor others in their competitive event, helping with chapter
initiatives and events, or running for chapter, area, state, or even national office!
5. Utilize Social Media and Communication
Leverage social media platforms to keep members informed and engaged. Share updates,
event highlights, and inspirational content on your chapter’s Instagram page to keep
members informed and engaged, as well as promote FBLA to non-FBLA members.
Here’s to a fantastic year ahead!
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