If we’re going to continue increasing membership, we need to consider this statement:
In order to recruit Generation X, Millennials, and Generation Z, we’re going to have to engage them online using social media FIRST.
“…using social media FIRST” is an extreme statement, but I mean to sound extreme to challenge some of you to understand the importance of your lodge and Grand Lodge having a competent presence on social media and the web. Of course this statement is more truthful:
In order to recruit Generation X, Millenials, and Generation Z, we’re going to have to engage them online using social media FIRST or SECOND.
For some who may not understand the difference: a website is simply a page online. When you visit a news site or ebay or amazon, you’re visiting a website. Social media is different. It creates the ability for people to actually interact with one another personally through posting photos, videos, or statements about their lives. Facebook is a prime example of social media. So is instagram, twitter, pinterest, etc.
Trying to increase membership and visibility by showing up at the county fair, farmer’s market, or doing good works are ways to reach the FEWEST potential members. Gone are the days of meeting someone at a Comic-Con, in the grocery line, at the car dealership, etc., and making them aware that we exist. And EVEN if you get their interest, what will they do? 
They’ll take out their smartphone and google Odd Fellowship RIGHT THEN AND THERE, to see if you’re being authentic with them. If you don’t have something amazing for them to engage in on the spot, they’ll move on, and your lodge or Grand Lodge blew it again!
Authenticity is what many people are looking for these days, even though they may not realize it. Authenticity is part of the reason people take pictures of food in restaurants, selfies while hiking in death valley, or attending a concert: to prove to others they’re having authentic life changing experiences. They are attempting to prove they have a life outside of the internet.
Engaging your lodge on social media is a key component of an online presence. And if your lodge isn’t doing it, you’re missing out on a key component of recruitment.
I want to make something clear about Odd Fellowship: it offers SO many venues for continuing your self education. You can learn how to run a non profit, you can learn acting, you can learn HOW TO BE A SOCIAL MEDIA GURU (sort of). All you have to do is study just a little!
Here’s our SGL on Instagram. Visit it and be amazed! https://www.instagram.com/the_odd_fellows/?fbclid=IwAR1ticTcKBkUOvO2C9BwVWr3s-urWUeCJMcvplopYo7-6ozRp7VMDJQ4tCs
9 Articles Or Videos On Using Social Media!
- Tips For Creating An Effective Nonprofit Campaign On Social Media
- 11 Ways To Grow Your Nonprofit Social Media Followers
- 3 Cs to build your nonprofit social media presence
- How To Create A Social Media Marketing Strategy In 8 Steps (this article and its links are a bit technical)
- Nonprofit Social Media Tips
- 4 creative ways to improve your nonprofit social media presence
- How To Get More Followers On Social Media (Less than 10 minute video)
- Marketing for Nonprofits on Social Media? (13 minute video)
- Social Media For Nonprofits. (38 minute video. I recommend starting at 11:30. I have NO connection to Becker Digital.)
I also recommend that you do your own research for the best ways to market your lodge!
Scott Moye is an award-winning history educator and collector of Arkansas folklore. He grew up on a cotton farm and is currently a museum worker. Hobbies include: old house 
restoration, writing, amateur radio, Irish traditional music, archery, craft beer, old spooky movies, and street performance. He is a member of Marshall Lodge #1, in Marshall, Arkansas, and a founder of Heart In Hand Blog. He currently resides in Little Rock, Arkansas. He’s available for writing and editing gigs.
Heart in Hand 