Membership matters for Franklin County clubs

It is almost that time of the year when clubs restart their activities, following a summer break. 

One of the first activities is membership recruitment. Clubs might host a membership tea, conduct a membership drive or mail invitations to prospective members, inviting them to join.

Some clubs have closed membership, which means only a limited number are allowed to join.  These clubs – such as Book Lovers Study Club and Cultura Garden Club – meet in the members’ homes, which limits the size of the club’s membership.  

Other organizations, such as Franklin County Education Retiree Association, have an open membership, which allows as many qualified members – such as retired education retirees – to join as wish to do so. Their meetings are generally held in larger venues, such as churches, country clubs, hotel banquet rooms, community and civic centers. 

For some clubs, recruiting new members is essential. “Unless we get new blood in our clubs, we are going to disband,” one president stated. 

Clubs are focusing on recruiting younger members. Growth is vital to the continued success of any club, and this concept needs to be shared by everyone in the organization. Growth produces new talent, brainpower and manpower. It propels the club to greater involvement and more meaningful community service, and it boosts the club’s ability to raise funds for charities and service projects. 

All club members, both new and seasoned, should know exactly how they fit into the club’s structure. All members are important and should be a part of committees and projects. 

The viability of your club depends on the participation of every member, and new members should be involved from the day they join.

Always keep meetings and projects fun and stimulating. People join a club because they think it will add value to their lives. 

All members should be positive and welcoming and willing to share their club knowledge and personal expertise, while also being open to new ideas and opportunities presented by the newcomers.

Clubs should be forward-thinking. What worked 10 years ago, or even three years ago, might not succeed now. 

Overcome the fear of trying new things; learn as much from what does not work as from what does work. Embrace new ideas and new members!

By Susie Malone

Franklin County

PROGRESS 2024: Veteran Spotlight – Mousey Brown

News

Russellville First Baptist Church receives historical marker

Franklin County

PROGRESS 2024: Meeting a higher standard – Russellville High School JROTC

News

RCS BOE announces new superintendent  

News

Miss Dream Girl Pageant names winners

Franklin County

First Metro Bank hosts FAME Girls’ Ranch donation drive

News

PCHS holds annual Shelby Grissom Memorial Fashion Show

Franklin County

PROGRESS 2024: VFW Post 5184 – ‘No One Does More For Veterans’

Features

Supporting students’ futures

Features

Red Bay Garden Club discusses amaryllis planting

Franklin County

UA announces local students for fall 2023 President’s, Dean’s, graduation lists

News

School news

Franklin County

PROGRESS 2024: Veteran Spotlight – Troy Oliver

Franklin County

Appropriations bill passes, allots more than $3 million for new Russellville library/multipurpose center 

Franklin County

Franklin County Cattlemen’s Association names Cattleman of the Year 

Franklin County

Franklin County votes: Unofficial March 5 primary election results 

Franklin County

Funding for new Russellville library, multipurpose community center expected this week

Features

Faces of Franklin County: BTCPA

News

GFWC Russellville Book Lovers Club sponsors downtown art crawl

Franklin County

PROGRESS 2024: Veteran Spotlight – Cody Bragwell

Franklin County

42nd annual Miss RHS pageant names winners 

News

Miss RHS pageant takes place Friday

Franklin County

Political announcement: David Hester speaks about run for reelection as county commissioner

Franklin County

BTCPA auditions for final production of season take place March 3-4 

x