How to Recruit Members

1. Use the “Invite a Friend” function and invite all your friends in your address book to join your new playgroup. Also, ask them to please pass on your email to anyone they would like to invite or might think may be interested.

2. Print out the Playgroups USA playgroup cards available on Playgroups USA and pass them out to potential members you meet while you are out. You may be surprised on how many parents/caregivers just like you are also looking for a playgroup to join but don’t know how to get involved. (Tip: check out vistaprints.com free offer for business cards). Also, give a stack out to your members to also help recruit.

3. Post your playgroup on parent websites offering classifies such as craigslist.org. Use your link provided to direct members to your playgroup.

4. Print out the playgroup flyer available to you and post them at your local library and family hangouts.

5. Submit an article to your community newsletter, homeowners association, and local newspaper for their event section.

6. Send us any contact information you have for your local parent resources and we will try to help you advertise.

7. Send your link to our newsletter editor to publish your playgroup in 'The Peanut'.

'Playgroups USA Group Flyer'
- Click Here for form in PDF format

'Playgroups USA Group Business Cards'
- Click Here for form in PDF format Example 1

- Click Here for form in PDF format Example 2
- Click Here for form in Word format

'Playgroups USA Single Business Card'
- Click Here for form in PDF format Example 1

- Click Here for form in PDF format Example 2


To Help Ensure a Successful Playgroup

1. When sent a notification that a new member has joined your playgroup, email them back as soon as possible and welcome them to your playgroup. This should always be done even if your playgroup hasn’t had a play date yet.

2. Once there are 5 or more members in your playgroup, go ahead and set the first play date to meet. We recommend the first play date to be in a public place, such as a local park, library, book store or coffee shop. Make sure to reacquaint yourself to the members that are joining. Most will know you from your welcome email.

3. When scheduling the first play date, plan accordingly when hosting/arranging by sending out an email to all members as to where to meet at least 3-5 days before. This will give others a chance to check their emails and respond.

4. At the first play date, make sure everyone has been introduced, and discuss the next play date for the following week (follow up with an email). It is essential to establish a rotation for hosting, too. An easy way to do this is by going alphabetically.

5. After your first play date, be sure to exchange members contact information. You may send out an email with everyone’s address, first names, children’s names, ages and phone numbers (if everyone is ok with giving out the numbers).

6. It is also easier to meet at the same place for the first few playgroups. Later, your group can venture off into other areas to explore when you feel your playgroup is ready and going strong! (refer to the information on ‘hosting’ and click on the PDF file on our web site).

7. Encourage members to get involved and to help by taking on one responsibilities such as helping recruit, setting schedules for playdates, organizing playgroup activities, etc.

Group Leader Tips: Page 1 | Page 2 | Page 3 | Page 4