Reflections on Rotary Membership Attraction, engagement, attendance and the value of Rotary membership Pre-PETS Feb. 6, 2016
Membership trends in Rotary International
Membership Reflections o RI s purpose is to strengthen existing and create new Rotary clubs. o District main objective is to support locally existing clubs, strengthen them and create new ones. o Every club s purpose is to retain existing members, strengthen them, and create new Rotarians.
Attracting New members Attracting Instead Recruiting New Members: o Attraction focuses on gaining productive and engaged long-term members. o Recruitment focuses on rapid club growth even if that means gaining short-term members.
Treat Rotarians/Potential Rotarians as customers. o It is not just what the club wants from a member, but also what the member wants from Rotary. o When we say service, it may translate in serving the needy, the homeless, the community, etc.
Why to treat Rotarians as customers. o Businesses survive by serving their customers. o In business, including the not-for-profit sector, customers are the base of their success. o In Rotary clubs, members are our customers.
Attracting New Members: o Rotary Clubs have to connect in one way or another with what people do, like or wish. o The value of joining Rotary should be more than the cost of membership.
Attracting New Members: o We should never base our decisions just on perception. Ask somebody to join and you may need to ask a couple times. o Diversify your base; membership should be opened to many people of good character who may look different than our current membership. Does your club reflect the diversity of your community?
Attracting New Members: o How does your club try to make visitors feel welcome? o Are there negative perceptions of Rotary clubs? o How we can change that in our local communities? o Does your club incorporate Rotary core values into their activities?
Attracting New Members: o Assess the club in its willingness to embrace individuals that are different from them in gender, ethnicity, race, faith, life style, differently abled, etc. o A change in mindset may be needed in order to effectively accept, embrace and retain individuals that are different from the group they join.
Membership Engagement What does your club do to engage both new and current members? How do you train new and current members and how does your club keep members informed? Club best practices (use or develop them)
Membership Engagement Does your club have a meaningful new member induction and new member orientation? Does your club have a mentoring program and make periodic member satisfaction surveys? Does your club use the five Avenues of service to attract new Rotarians?
Membership Attraction and Engagement Fears Membership Attendance Membership Expansion
Rotary Membership-Value Proposition Rotary is more than just a service organization. Ask any member why they joined Rotary and the answer will be between service and fellowship. Why join Rotary? The answer goes in line with what Rotary is all about: service, leadership, fellowship, diversity and integrity.
Rotary Membership-Value Proposition Rotary service embodies the Five Avenues: Community Service, International Service, Club Service, Vocational Service, and Youth services. Yes we volunteer, but we also build personal relationships, provide leadership development, emphasis on business ethics and other personal and professional benefits.
Planning Ahead Membership Club Assessment Membership Diversity Club Assessment Commitment to Diversity and inclusion Be innovative and flexible Think outside of the box
Tips to diversify clubs When inviting new people who are significantly different from the norm of the group, coordinate your invitation efforts to bring in a critical mass of similar people during the same meeting.
Tips to create a culture of inclusion
Tips to create a culture of inclusion Be aware that visitors are not familiar with your customs or formats, and they do not know that they are welcome to return for another visit, unless specifically invited. They also do not know that they are welcome to join your club as a member, unless they are asked.
Central Club Central 2013-14 Total 2014-15 Total 2015-16 Year To Date Male 78% (1,824) 77% (1,796) 77% (1,804) Female 22% (519) 23% (544) 23% (542) Unreported 0% (1) 0% (1) 0% (0) Does this reflect the gender breakdown of your community? Might this represent an opportunity for expansion?
Rotary Trends
Appoint a Membership Chair Develop a Membership Plan Establish Membership Goals Educate New Members Mentor New Members Engage New Members Review Plan Quarterly