Growing Your Group

Increasing your numbers:

To recruit new members, just get them into one discussion and the rest will take care of itself!

The best way to get new members is to respond (within 24 hours) to those who call or email you for more information. Take their names, email, phone, & address. Be sure to forward the contact information to Steve Burdick (carol.a.davis@ampf.com) to receive future mailings and the Institute Newsletter.

Invite people to a discussion, and if possible provide them with a copy of the reading to help them prepare.

After the discussion ask them how it went. Work with them to help them get the readings. Then follow up with prospective new members.

Putting out the Word

Use community resources that are easily available to you: libraries, community centers, college campuses, coffee shops, bookstores, company bulletin boards.

Modify this sample flyer (PDF or Word) to use in these locations. Also, you can place ads in local newspapers. Typically an ad like “Discuss Great Ideas at our Great Books book group. Contact <your name> at <your phone # or email address>.

Identify and encourage potential new leaders within your group (e.g. co-lead sessions with them).

Be sure to have name tents available to fill out, so that everyone knows people by their names.