Many clubs could do with more self promotion. Memberships are shrinking and the "old guard" is aging out. This post begins a blogging series that I hope can help clubs all across the country. Feel free to share this at your next local club's meeting or for your club's newsletter. (please just put my name as author credit, thanks)
Posters - Use lots of photos and color to draw attention to the fact that there is a local Rabbit Club. As the saying goes, "a picture is worth a thousand words". So dress the poster up with more pictures than words. Engage youth members to contribute, perhaps have a poster contest. This will give you a variety of posters to place around. If someone comes up with a poster that is especially useful, consider having copies made at Staples or Office Depot. You can even laminate some to make them look better and last longer. There is so much you can do on computers now without being an accredited graphics artist. Caution - don't cut, pirate and paste off someone's web site without permission! Most people won't mind if you ask permission first if they know it is for a good intentioned cause.
Connecting - Keep the poster simple. the people who are truly interested will read past the pictures and hopefully make contact. Okay, about contact, make sure you list two or even better three people they can phone or email for more information. Make sure these member contacts are good ambassadors for your club, are responsive, are enthusiastic about the rabbit hobby and patient with answering many questions.
List your club's web site for shy folks who would rather investigate on their own before contacting someone directly. Make sure the web site has up-to-date info of club activities and perhaps a membership list with breeds raised.
Info - Besides contact info, if you have an upcoming event such as a show or display, list it. State it is Open to the Public.
Ideally you change out the posters every few months for a fresh look and update on activities.
Where? - Here are some places to put your posters, ask permission first. Not only your local feed store, but all local feed stores, pet stores, community bulletin boards, maybe even a vet's office might allow a small poster for a short period of time.
Stay tuned for more club promotions that both adult and youth members can participate in. GO CLUBS!!!