Membership Strategies

How to find new members and how to encourage interested people to join our local societies, are some of the most relevant needs facing organizations these days. Prospective members are looking for many different things: information, mentoring, social opportunities with like-minded people, fun and new friends. Prospective members may communicate in different ways (Facebook, Text, NextDoor, Reddit, Instagram, Twitter and more).

Where and How to Find Prospective Members

Prospective members can be found in a variety of ways. Sometimes people are actively looking for rose-related connections. The first thing persons do when wanting to connect: Google Search for nearby rose events, clubs and info; and/or do a Facebook search for a Rose Page or Rose Group. The next step is the direct Website visit. They want to know when and where you meet, where you are located, what you are doing. Make sure your websites, pages, groups and posts are up-to-date!

Other times, it is the chance encounters, the personal interaction with a rosarian who invites the person to come to a meeting with them, that makes the difference. Teach your membership that they are vital. Members need to be ready to strike up conversations, invite people to events and meetings, and to hand out brochures or calling cards (business card sized ‘brochures’ for your organization).

• #1 Way: Social Media: Facebook, Snap Chat, Instagram, Reddit, WhatsApp?, Forums, Pinterest, Nextdoor, X/Twitter, Youtube.
• Facebook and Eventbrite Events – publicize your events. Post and post OFTEN. Post on other rose-related sites, build reciprocal online relationships.
• Website – an updated website is a MUST. Websites should have meeting/event dates, times and directions, who/how to contact for more info, updated rose information, special event pages. Websites should have clear options to easily join the Society right from the website.
• Other local advertising opportunities: member’s church or synagogue’s newsletters/websites, PSA (public service announcements), flyers at local mom and pop garden centers (ask before posting).
• Do rose related presentations at public libraries and schools, encourage students, teachers and families to learn more.
• Volunteer at public gardens, teach classes.
• Talk to neighbors, friends. Blog, Vlog, and Snap.
• Have the most beautiful rose garden in the FRONT of your house. Then talk to everyone who stops to admire the roses!

A new person showed up! What now?

Local Rose Societies should consider carefully what a newcomer needs as they consider becoming a member. First contact may be a website, advertisement for an event, a Facebook post, or chance meeting with a Rosarian who happens to have a brochure or calling card ready to give out. Once the newcomer actually decides to attend an in-person or virtual event or meeting, what do they experience when they come into the parking lot, into the building, and more? What can we do to make things bright, cheerful and fun, engaging, informative?

• Provide good directions and signage for those arriving to meetings and events. Don’t make a newcomer drive or wander around looking for the Rose Society’s meeting.
• Have great lighting, clean meeting areas, clean restrooms.
• Offer refreshments, perhaps bottled water or even coffee.
• Have an info table with well-done brochures, information for people to take home.
• Have a few members stay by the table to meet people and talk with them.
• Smile. Smile. Smile.
• Include the newcomer at the table. One or two members should invite them to sit with them during the meeting.
• Start on time. End on time. All the time.
• Don’t talk ‘down’ at beginner rosarians, talk with them. Gear your programs with the newcomer in mind.
• Have a clear, easy and immediate way to join your Society available at every event, meeting and on the website.
• If possible, get a newcomer’s contact info (cell phone or email) and follow up that next week.
• Enlist them to help at the next meeting, can be with anything simple.
• Have interesting, informative and hands on programs. Bored people will not return.
• Always have them take something home: a brochure, a plant, a door prize.

Other Articles on Growing a Rose Society

Recipe for Rose Society Growth- by Carol Green. A first hand report with fantastic ideas on how to grow a rose society. First published in the DSD Bulletin SPR 2012.
Tips on Building Membership
Building Strong Societies in the DSD, a 2013 DSD presentation by the now deceased, Master Rosarian, Philip Paul. Many of his ideas, tips and tricks for Membership Building are just as valid today.

ARS President’s Meeting – December 2023 Leadership & Membership Ideas

Leadership Tips For Effective Rose Society Meetings: Well-run meetings make for enthusiastic members. Whether it is your first time as president of your society or you are a veteran, keeping the board meetings and monthly meetings running effectively can sometimes be a challenge. Here are some tips to help make your meetings run more smoothly and effectively.

Local Rose Society Fundraising Ideas: Easy to more complicated, full event ideas for fundraising. Examples: Plant Sales, Rose Bingo, Garden Tours, Rose and Fertilizer Sales, Dinners, Raffles, Pruning Events and more. Included is info about the most elaborate and successful annual fund-raising event: Kansas City Rose Society’s Annual “Wine and Roses” Garden Party in the Rose Garden at Loose Park – raising more than $73,000 in one night. Wine & Roses Fundraising Letter.

Rose Show or Rose Display?? Presentation by Rita Van Lenten, President, S.C. Rose Society; First Vice President, Greater Greenville Rose Society; Carolina District Secretary, Carolina District Horticulture Judge and Judge Chair. Tips for successful Formal or Informal Rose Shows and ways to use Rose Displays as fun learning moments.

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Sample Local Rose Society Brochures, Flyers, Calling Cards