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DKG Practice/Program

Membership Mindset: Navigating Mixers,

Energizers, and Icebreakers

By Andrea Fox

Knowing membership is such an integral part of DKG, when was the last time you considered how mixers,
energizers, and icebreakers contribute to the attraction and retention of members? Recent membership
surveys have highlighted challenges with attendance at meetings and declining membership. Fortunately,
a potential solution has been identified: incorporating icebreaker activities to foster better connections
among members (DKG NEWS, 2023).

It Started with an Ask

When I was a prospective DKG member, I was tasked with hosting a “table talk” at an area workshop
on “Mixers, Energizers, and Icebreakers.” Initially, I struggled with using random activities to unite
people, as my introverted nature and full workload made such activities daunting. However, I realized that
the key to successful engagement lies in aligning existing activities with our intended purposes, much like
planning a lesson in a classroom.
DKG hosts various events with different goals, such as social gatherings, educational programs,
recruitment events, and committee meetings. Regardless of the event type, our primary objectives are to
build relationships, develop skills, learn about new programs, and serve others—just as in a classroom
setting. When considering icebreakers or similar activities, it’s essential to keep the following factors in
mind:
1. Purpose: Clearly understand the event’s objective and how the activity contributes to achieving it.
2. Audience: Know the attendees and their familiarity with each other and the organization’s culture.
Choose activities that match their comfort levels. When this is not possible, select low-social-risk
activities and leverage inclusive practices.
3. Setting: Ensure the venue is accessible and conducive to interactions, considering possible
mobility, hearing, and vision needs.
4. Context: Explain the activity to participants, outlining its purpose and potential outcomes.
Encourage positive participation by creating a non-threatening atmosphere.
Consider the Following

Frances is a prospective member and has been invited to attend a program focused on the benefits of
communication. When she enters the room, she is greeted by a current member and helped to find her seat
and the light snacks provided. As the crowd gathers, she is given a small bag of M&Ms to accompany
the upcoming icebreaker. Still, she is not given context or instruction and eats the candy while waiting
for the main event. When the icebreaker begins and instructions are given, it is clear the candy was to be
used for the opening activity. Frances is embarrassed and a bit dismayed. How did an event with a topic of
communication begin with miscommunication? What might have helped the evening be more successful?
Now consider this situation: Sally is an established member of a young chapter with a tight-knit
membership. Each committee works together to ensure all in attendance are greeted and clearly understand
the event. Rather than stay in familiar, pre-established groups, members freely move about the room. In
conjunction with the programs team, the hospitality committee selects an icebreaker based on knowing
the event’s purpose is recruiting and relationship building. Today’s activity asks participants to partner
with their “Sole Mate” (someone whose shoes share something in common with their own. For example,
both are wearing sandals, have the same shoe size, are wearing a similar color, have laces … or not, etc.)

Collegial Exchange · 49