The Omicron outbreak really screwed up many clubs’ recruitment plans. Most are relying on social media and word-of-mouth, but are finding they cannot replace a good ol’ Clubs Day tent.
For the Otago University Tramping Club (OUTC), historically the largest club on campus by membership, Clubs Day is huge - “the biggest thing for recruitment”, according to OUTC President Anita. However, after Omicron cancelled the event, they’ve had to shift to “pretty passive” methods, “relying on social media and freshers from halls”. Despite being “quite famous anyway”, membership numbers have collapsed from 550-600 in previous years to just 200 this year. The lack of international students probably contributed also.
The Otago University Japanese Club has found that “the number of signups are currently nowhere near… what we recruited last year, or even what we hoped for.” President Justine and Vice-President Amy told Critic Te Arohi that, like many clubs, they’re pivoting their focus to social media platforms, and also will try and reach out to new members through the Uni’s Japanese language programme.
Kathryn Corry, at OUSA Clubs & Socs, said “Keeping our clubs active, and front of mind, is of utmost relevance.” Some initiatives they’ve run include “social media, marketing-supported advertising, Radio One features, a display wall in the Link, meet-and-greet opportunities… and booklets in hall packs”.
For the Otago University Snow Sports Club (OUSSC), surviving without Clubs Day was “doable” said Vice-President Katie, but “you can’t get that reach anywhere else”. According to Nick, OUSSC President: “That's a lot of money coming in that we use to offset club costs. It makes skiing more accessible by having that subsidised. Additionally, we need money to put on events and that's not happening.”
As well as cold, hard cash, clubs also lose out on new connections, added Nick: “You can't sell a club on a Facebook post. You have to see that there are students behind the scenes running the show. It’s the personalities behind the club that make people fall in love with it… first years and new students might not have any idea where to look.” Justine and Amy agreed: “Social media is not effective in recruiting members outside the club… particularly if they don’t follow our page.”
The overwhelming advice we got from clubs: find one you’re passionate about, follow them on social media and spread the word, because they really need it right now. As serious young professionals, Critic Te Arohi will start by connecting with as many clubs as we can on our platform of choice: LinkedIn. OUSSC already has a page.