Recruitment Resources

A successful recruitment program is built on the satisfaction and the enthusiasm of the current membership. Naturally, if the members are having a good experience, it is easy for them to jump at the opportunity to share that with others. This does not mean the chapter has to be polished, so long as there is a feeling of excitement, of progress–an attitude that ‘things are headed in the right direction.’ That is something the members can believe in and sell!

You will find that the only limits you have are the ones that you have placed on yourself. Recruitment, in actuality, is much easier than we normally think. It is taking advantage of the skills that we have learned as current members and sharing our organization with potential members. It is about forming relationships, challenging ourselves, making friends, and building a better organization–a better AIAS!

Recruitment is not just one day or one week of events but is the culmination of the activities and perceptions of your chapter developed every day of the year. Many student organizations, however, have grown to typically rely on a one- or two-week concentrated recruitment effort at the beginning of the term. The typical student does not know of, or understand, the purpose and value of the AIAS and therefore does not seek it out. The secret to successful recruitment is building a relationship. Your objective when recruiting members should be to establish friendships. Informally, you can get to know the potential member, and he can get to know you without the artificial limitations of a structured and pressured atmosphere. Interacting with individuals on a personal basis is the most effective way to recruit. Informal methods can and must be used by all members of your chapter.

Membership Recruitment Video
However, there are several formal or structured events that you can utilize. One great tool to use at these events is the Membership Recruitment Video. It is an excellent resource that can be used to introduce potential members to the AIAS. The video explains the structure of the AIAS and profiles many of the exciting events such as the FORUM and Grassroots conferences that the AIAS organizes. The video also covers many of the other tangible and intangible benefits of membership in the AIAS. You should use the video at formal membership recruitment and orientation events. You could also make copies and distribute it to prospective members. (The total run time is 8 minutes).

View the recruitment video.

You can order a copy of the video by contacting the AIAS.

Marketing Brochures
The AIAS office produces a professional publication that you can share with potential members. It provides an overview of the organization and highlights some of the most popular member benefits and services. You can distribute them at the following places:

Freshman orientation events
Student mailboxes (with permission)
Studio desks
School cafeterias and coffee stands
Informational table in a central lobby or walk area/hallway
School library check-out desk
Campus kiosks

Please contact us to order brochures for recruitment events.

AIAS Posters
The AIAS has promotional posters that can be hung up in your architecture building’s hallways and on bulletin boards. The poster has a blank space at the bottom so you can add contact information or times for your next meeting. Contact us to order some AIAS posters.

You can also make copies of our membership flier, which provides an overview of the member benefits and services. It is a full-color publication and can easily be printed in black and white or color. You can distribute this flier to members and potential members.

Download the 2007-2008 AIAS Member Benefits Flier (PDF)

Membership Forms

Access the membership forms here. When sending forms to the AIAS office always include the Chapter Dues Report.