In August of 2021, the Lincoln Trail Area Extension Homemakers conducted a SWOT analysis. While many strengths of the Extension Homemakers were listed, weaknesses also arose. Lack of technology, fundraising, structure, size, and more were all listed as minor weaknesses. However, a few kept being mentioned again and again: publicity, marketing, image, and how to be inclusive. A quick threats assessment listed similar concerns – technology, time, perception, negative thinking, and personality conflicts. In response to this, the area Family and Consumer Sciences Extension agents began planning a “kickoff” for the 2022 year. The event included topics that would help strengthen weaknesses and avoid or overcome threats that were listed in the SWOT analysis.

The 2022 Kickoff began with research findings that revealed that when people hear the term “homemaker,” more than 75% think of someone, generally a woman, who may or may not work outside the home, but still participates in housework (including but not limited to sewing, cooking, cleaning, and more). Only 20% considered a Homemaker to be someone involved in the community working to improve the lives of others through leadership development, volunteer service, and education. Additional data revealed that 27% individuals who are not part of Homemakers have not joined because they do not know what the Homemakers do, and 44% have not joined because they do not have the time. Another 12% reported not joining Homemakers because they weren’t aware that they were allowed to join Homemakers.

The program continued to included speakers who shared additional information on how stakeholders see the organization and how to present a clear and concise message about the Extension Homemakers.  FCS agents shared activities that members could use to welcome new members, make a good impression, and gain a better understanding of personality and generational differences to assist in recruiting new members.  

Many members reported that they realized that it is their job to get out in the community and, by word of mouth, let people know who the Extension Homemakers really are and what they do. It was also discussed how to make meetings more fun, how to include men and minorities, and how to educate their communities on Homemakers through using social media since 77% of individuals surveyed said that was the best way to be reached.

At the end of the day, 98% of attendees reported gaining confidence in their leadership and recruitment abilities. 96% said they were more likely to approach recruiting new members differently since attending the training, and 100% said they planned to share the information they learned with other members.

One attendee reported that she would actively work to be more creative when describing Homemakers because of what she learned at the training, making Homemakers sound as fun and engaging as they truly are. Another reported learning how eye contact, personal invitations, and a friendly demeanor can encourage someone to join and feel welcome at a Homemaker meeting.

Another said that their biggest takeaway from the day is to not assume that people know who Homemakers are, and that she would work to be kind and inviting and change the perception of who people assume Homemakers to be.