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How to get more youth group members

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Overview

Here are some tips for recruiting more youth group members, including running an effective stall, creating eye‑catching banners, and combining actions with fundraising.

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Hold a stall

Holding a stall at the beginning of term is a great way to get noticed, recruit new members and fundraise.

Location Show

Choose a location where there will be lots of people passing by.

Make an impact Show

- If you are in a large space make sure you have posters and banners as a backdrop.

- Small leaflets won’t be seen in a large space.

- Give away freebies such as stickers, posters, fair trade chocolate.

Take action Show

Make sure you have an action for people to do at the stall, such as making a patchwork square for Johan Teterissa.

Fundraise Show

Sell Amnesty merch such as pencils and badges, or food (always a winner!)

Be organised Show

- Make sure you leave enough time to order materials from us.

- Try to have the details of your next meeting confirmed and advertise it on your stall.

Group stall

Make a banner to attract attention

  • Hang a large piece of cloth onto a large flat area of wall
  • Print an image or words onto a piece of acetate used for Over-Head Projectors and project the image onto the cloth. Use chalk or pencil to trace the image/words
  • Paint directly onto the banner using the outline you have just traced as a guide, or...
  • Cut out the image or words you have just traced and glue onto another piece of cloth. Use water based PVA glue – it dries clear.

Tips for making a banner

  • Go to a charity shop to pick up (clean) old sheets and cut them to size.
  • Best paints to use: Acrylics If painting the banner on the floor, put newspapers or plastic sheeting underneath first!
  • Banners may need to be made fire-retardant. Consult the relevant person in your school to be sure.
  • You can buy spray from artists or builders shops.
Youth activist toolkit

Whether you’re starting a new group, planning a campaign, or looking for new ways to get more members, start by checking out our tried and tested advice based on previous youth group's experiences.

Toolkit, Groups and networks resource 17 May 2013
What is an Amnesty youth group?

We campaign and fundraise for human rights in 500 schools and sixth form colleges across the UK. Our youth groups make a big difference to their members, their school and those they campaign for.