2023 Best in Federation Club Awards Winner – Engagement

The Best in Federation Club Awards recognize the outstanding work of clubs and celebrates the best practices in their support of SIA’s strategic plan. Clubs who achieve 100% of the Club Roadmap Metrics are invited to apply for the award. Read on to find out more about the Engagment winner:

SI/Bloomington-Normal, IL (Midwestern Region)

A yearlong celebration of SI/Bloomington-Normal’s 35th anniversary served as a member recruitment, retention and engagement tool. The planning and implementation of four events (35th Kickoff Picnic in July, 35th Anniversary Celebration [Community Cocktail Party] in August, 35th Charter Dinner in November, and Holiday Gift Wrap Celebration In December) served as a bonding experience resulting in a 100% member retention rate reported to SIA. The Club Assessment done the following March verified the high satisfaction with members’ involvement, respect for each other, and a sense of accomplishment with our mission.

While the Charter Dinner provided an appropriate conclusion to the year, it was the 35th Anniversary Celebration (Community Cocktail Party) that yielded results in new membership and participation in our Dream programs.

The outdoor “community cocktail party” held Sunday afternoon in August was at a local venue owned by the foundation of our resident university. It had a beautiful castle, inviting walkways and gardens throughout. of SI/Bloomington-Normal invited everyone in the community whoever volunteered, won an award, donated, been a member, or attended our events. Overall, over 150 (mostly women) were invited. We wanted to “celebrate us and our mission” with the community. Recruiting members was not the goal but rather to share stories, look for projects for collaboration, women to help with our Dream It Be It/Live Your Dream projects, and to thank them for their interest and participation with our club through the years.

With over 60 in attendance, there were catered appetizers/beverages and a cash bar. Seating was minimal, but high tables everywhere encouraged mingling and conversation. A local photographer captured conversations and laughs. A member’s husband provided live guitar music adding to the party vibe.

Postcard invitations were mailed to all contacts from prior events, Facebook, a local NPR radio station, and members’ personal contacts. Online resources from SIA were used for the Club Assessment, branding, and Dream project information. At the event, there was a guestbook (for follow up), the club banner, vision boards with photos and articles about our Dream projects. Every member was prepared with basic information about the Club and SIA, plus a couple projects or programs they were excited about to jumpstart the conversation as they approached and engaged with guests. Six new membership were gained due to these efforts. By involving guests in the Dream programs, the club two more new members. SI/Bloomington-Normal found their best recruitment is getting women involved in our Dream programs, our mission, and knowing us first … then approach them about joining.

Special moments included two Charter and several early year members attending the Celebration traveling from Ohio and Indiana. One of their newest member’s mother, a Soroptimist from the Ruhegeri Club in Rwanda was able to attend. The 35th Anniversary Celebration yielded results never fully imagined. They wanted to celebrate being Soroptimists ... and were enriched by growing their club members and enhancing our recognition in the community!

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