CHAPTER SESSION: Break the Ice to Become a Chapter Community Champion

Icebreakers and “Getting to Know You” activities create a welcoming environment for nonprofit chapters such as STTI chapters, by helping members feel more comfortable with their chapter, chapter leaders, and other members. It is ok to have fun during a professional event! Chapters with pleasant environments have an easier time developing relationships with potential members and community partners. This leads to greater awareness, higher acceptance rates, and a better overall membership experience. Members who are happy and comfortable with their chapter experience are more likely to stay involved, and therefore, more likely to renew their membership each year.

Even among the chapter board itself, it is important to build a rapport so each leader feels comfortable making contributions to the group, and continuing to stay involved with the chapter after their term has ended.

For individuals to feel comfortable connecting with your chapter, strive to create a hospitable atmosphere — both virtually and in person. A welcoming environment:
• Is full of enthusiasm, respect, and positive energy.
• Supports working together and building rapport with one another.
• Encourages questions and feedback.
• Discourages intimidation and negative energy.

This session will allow for interaction among STTI staff and other event attendees, to learn quick tips to create a welcoming evironment at the chapter level, using "A Chapter's Guide to Successful Recruitment" as a baseline for discussion. Attendees will also complete activities during the session that are icebreaker and getting-to-know you activities, so they can actually implement them sucessfully when they return to their chapter. In addition to the activities, learners will be able to discover quick tips to create a welcoming environment for their members. Tips will be applicable to in-person events and activities, as well as those that are virtual in nature.

Attend this session to learn how YOU can break the ice to become a chapter community champion.