TOOLKIT: 23 Ways to Get More Members for Your GSA

Simple tips to recruit more members and create more accomplices!

1. Provide snacks at meetings - be considerate of allergies & restrictions

2. Share updates, including a brief meeting agenda, on the daily bulletin, morning announcements or at assemblies

3. Table, table, table: Advertise in a visible place at lunch, at special events, and at club day - pass out swag such as rainbow ribbons, candy, pronoun pins, or stickers with the name of your GSA

4. Participate in school pride or spirit week at your school

5. Ask teachers to permanently post your group’s general flier in their classroom

6. Take notes at meetings and send them out to those who regularly attend - people are more likely to come if they know what’s going on

7. Conduct a School Climate Survey and share the results widely!

8. Write a letter to your school board asking for support

9. Post fliers or posters about specific meetings, topics, or events around your campus 

10. Invite teachers, faculty, and staff to GSA meetings and send representatives to classes to discuss your GSA and how to get involved

11. Ask for an article about your group in the school paper

12. Hold a “Bring-A-Friend-Day” at your GSA meeting and encourage members to bring their supportive siblings too

13. Put together a panel of speakers for a conference or community workshop

14. Host a public movie night or TV show screening

15. Present your GSA at other clubs’ meetings and invite them to present their organization at your meetings - coalition building is crucial!

16. Get intersectional - make sure your GSA is a place all kinds of students whose identities are marginalized feel welcome, comfortable and safe!

17. Print business cards with the location, time, and dates of your meetings - pass them out or just drop them in random places wherever you go

18. Help conduct a faculty in-service/teacher training and ask your sponsor to talk to other school staff individually about ways they can support your GSA

19. Create a display in your library or hallway display case (e.g. an art installation for Queer History Month)

20. Engage other students and the larger community through social media - consider creating a hashtag unique to your school or event

21. Participate in the National Day of Silence Project and challenge your supporters to do so

22. Keep in mind safety and confidentiality, but do keep a guest log at your meetings! Personally invite people back with a follow up thank you card

23. Register your GSA with the Texas GSA Network!