Recruitment and retention resources

3.2. Publicity

Whatever you are going to do to attract new recruits, you are going to have to get the message out to people.

Be specific in your message 

You may have a tower open day just for public interest but if you also wish to recruit new ringers make sure you say so in your publicity literature.

Use the right medium

If you’re recruiting school children you need to talk to the parents. It is rarely any good approaching the children without their parents. The children are often keen to try anything on offer, but when they ask their parents if they can attend ringing lessons, the parents are suspicious of religion/expense/time commitments and say no.

Have a clear call to action 

Giving a talk to the U3A? At the end of the talk, offer a taster session on a specific date. Give out leaflets and collect contact details of those coming. The invite is what turns interest into action.

Use multiple channels of communication

Those who attended the Maids Moreton open day were asked how they had heard about the event. The open day took place in January and 1000 leaflets were popped through everyone village letterbox inside the church christmas newsletter.

• Leaflet through the door – 25
• Word of mouth – 10
• Leaflet in church – 5
• Local newspaper – 4
• Business magazine – 4
• Leaflet in shop window – 3