Role of Peer Communication in Recruiting Members of Youth Club: The Case of Philippine Society of Youth Science Clubs, Inc. Regional Council XI

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of peer communication in the growth of membership of a youth club. Specifically, the objectives of the study were: 1) determine the factors influential to the growth of membership of PSYSC XI; 2) determine the factors that affect the level of involvement of members to club activities; 3) trace the network of friends that were recruited as members of PSYSC XI; and 4) formulate recommendations on how youth clubs can increase membership through peer communication.

Quantitative research method was used in this study. The survey research questions were partially close ended, enabling the respondents to give reasons for their answers to the questions. Respondents were selected through probability sampling, specifically the multi-stage sampling technique. The technique is appropriate for the study since PSYSC XI has a region wide membership. The sampling was done in two (2) stages. The first stage was the regional council, from which the second stage – the division councils – were selected.

Fifty percent (50%) of the respondents said that their friends influenced them the most to join the PSYSC (Table 1). What happens is when one or two of their friends are already members of the club, they motivate others to join the group. Since friends share very intimate relationships, they want to spend a lot of time and company with each other. This results in them also joining the group. Networking then occurs when they encourage their other friends to join the club, (Figures 7 to 12) thus contributing to the increase in membership of PSYSC XI.

The respondents gave a variety of reasons for joining PSYSC XI. Results of the study showed the following: 1) Ninety-one percent of the respondents stated that compared to people who were not their friends, it was easier to convince their “barkadas” or friends to join the PSYSC. This was because of the rapport established between friends; 2) Forty-nine percent of the respondents actively participated in the PSYSC activities because they felt that it is their responsibility as members to help in the conduct of the activity; 3) Eighty-one percent of the respondents stated that their friends influenced their enthusiasm in joining PSYSC activities; 4) Fifty percent of the respondents stated that they were elected because of the influence of their friends; and 5) Among the respondents, 64 percent were elected as officers or had assumed office while thirty percent were not elected as officers nor assumed office.

From the results, it can be said that peer communication is an effective tool in increasing the membership of PSYSC XI. The networking of friends has a lot to do with the increase in the number of affiliated members every year. It also contributes to the success of activities conducted both by the regional council and division councils. Aside from being motivated by task or responsibility concerns, the members are enthusiastic in being active in the club since they would be working with their peers. These factors contribute to the success of the club.

The respondents also believed that they were elected to positions because their friends voted for the, believing and trusting that they are capable of handling the responsibilities anchored to each position. Based on the result of the survey, it is recommended that peer communication can be an effective tool in convincing and encouraging others to join a youth club. Having a network of friends in an organization can also help in terms of achieving its goals because members will be enthusiastic enough to work and conduct activities with their peers with whom they share the same interest.