Membership GROWING OUR CLUB Why become a member of Rotary? (per Rotary International) The Object of Rotary is to encourage and foster the ideal of service as a basis of worthy enterprise and, in particular, to encourage and foster: FIRST: The development of acquaintance as an opportunity for service; SECOND: High ethical standards in business and professions; the recognition of the worthiness of all useful occupations; and the dignifying of each Rotarian s occupation as an opportunity to serve society; THIRD: The application of the ideal of service in each Rotarian s personal, business, and community life; FOURTH: The advancement of international understanding, goodwill, and peace through a world fellowship of business and professional persons united in the ideal of service 1
What is your classification, and what does it mean to the club? Classification is simply your profession. Per the Constitution of Rotary International* Each club shall have a well-balanced membership in which no one business, profession or type of community service predominates. The club shall not elect a person to active membership from a classification if the club already has five or more members from that classification, unless the club has more than 50 members, in which case the club may elect a person to active membership in a classification so long as it will not result in the classification making up more than 10 percent of the club s active membership. Members who are retired shall not be included in the total number of members in a classification. *https://www.rotary.org/myrotary/en/document/standard-rotary-club-constitution, updated June 3, 2016, Our current members by selfidentified professions Loosely grouped classifications # of members % Medical and related professions 6 16 Construction related professions 5 13 Real estate related professions 4 11 Engineer of all kinds 3 8 Accounting 3 8 Financial services 3 8 Development 3 8 Retail 2 5 Single member professions 6 16 Unidentified 2 5 * Numbers based on 37 members on the list we had, % using standard rounding 2
Classifications: So what are we missing? Lawyers Salon-related professions Automotive professions Landscape related fields Public utilities Public servants of all kind Media Education Travel and tourism professions, since that is one of our largest industries Boat captain, Transportation, travel agents Tennis & golf pros, other professionals in sports and Food Services chefs, restaurant owners Music & the arts The Process of Finding New Members Current members identify prospective club members. Business contacts, friends, acquaintances, family Members of other service organizations or clubs you belong to Prospective members are introduced to club. Invite prospective to an upcoming service project or meeting or designated new membership event Alert president, board members, membership committee to ensure prospective member is welcomed Introduce to as many club members as possible 3
The Process of Finding New Members (cont.) Prospective members are cultivated. Sponsoring members contact their guest and report interest If guest is interested and seems like a good fit for the club, invite to another meeting or service event * Two (2) meetings minimum are suggested Share feedback with club officers and membership committee If you find people who are interested in Rotary and qualified for membership but not a good fit for our club, refer them to another club. Formally Submitting Prospective Members Of course, they ll want to join our club! Now what? Complete and submit the Membership Proposal Form* and Prospective Member Questionnaire. Sponsor to engage prospective member, instrumental in completing Be sure to go over, give copy of membership requirements Transferring or former member of another club may be proposed to active membership by former club without local sponsor NOTE: Items and bullets marked with a * are taken from the Sunset Club Bylaws. 4
Formally submitting members (cont.) Name of prospective member submitted to Board in writing through club secretary.* Board ensures that proposal meets all the classification and membership requirements of the standard Rotary club constitution Board approves or disapproves proposal within 30 days of submission, notifies proposer, club secretary If Board approves and prospect is committed to membership, proposal and information about prospective member published in newsletter. * Formally submitting members (cont.) If no written objection stating reason is received by the Board from any member (other than honorary) of the club within seven (7) days of publication, proposed member is considered elected.* If any objection filed, a vote will be taken at next board meeting. If membership is approved despite objection, member is considered elected.* Honorary members may be proposed by the board in accordance with the standard Rotary Club constitution.* 5
After Election New member assigned a mentor by president.* As suggested by RI, the mentor should accompany new member to club events occasionally Make introductions as necessary Explain club/organizational procedures Assist in identification of committees and opportunities to serve Ensure new member s comfort with role in club Member attends informal Rotary information session(s)/orientation Sponsor and any available board members should attend Usually informal, welcoming Member is inducted or sworn in. Ceremony scheduled at President s discretion* Remember these membership T. I. P. S. T : TALK about Rotary in the community I : INVITE people to meetings, service events P : PROPOSE new members to grow club S : SOLIDIFY new members in Rotary experience 6