by Kyrian » Thu Nov 05, 2009 2:47 pm
In Wolfpack during the fall semester, they would fight on the ISU quad. It was a high-visibility area with a lot of foot traffic. They would also have people ready to answer questions and hand out fliers about Belegarth. I also recall one year one of the fighters was an RA and brought almost his entire floor out to a practice. I'm not sure if there were any permanent members that resulted from that but it definitely helped. People see that there are people trying it out who aren't garbed and seem more willing to give it a shot.
Another thing that has seemed to work is getting a demo together during a college's quad day, i.e., the day where people can walk around and see all of the student organizations. Also, Wolfpack encouraged people to go out to dinner after practice. I've always considered it an important step to welcoming new members.
They would also try to have weapon building and garb making sessions before Octoberfest. That way a new person would be ready to attend. There's often an emotional investment that comes with making garb and weaponry. It's been my experience that new fighters who've had a chance to attend a major event such as Octoberfest are usually hooked after that.
So if I had to sum it up it would be:
1) Visibility--They have to see people fighting, having fun, and that there are people who aren't necessarily all veterans.
2) Inclusivity--Demonstrate that there is also a social aspect to Belegarth. Show them that there are other opportunities besides fighting.
3) Positive attitude--Welcome them with open arms and encourage them to meet the members of the group, both in fighting and non-fighting capacities.
4) Emotional attachment--Give them an opportunity to invest time and effort into the sport.
Admittedly, this is purely anecdotal and may not necessarily work for all groups. But I believe these are some of the reasons Wolfpack has done well in recruiting and retaining members.
"...change requires action, it doesn't just happen. Define your actions by how you think the game should be, not how the game is. The game will follow."--Big Jimmy