Melisa Schrock, District Governor, August 2018

Rotary International has designated August as Membership Month.  The purpose is to draw attention to new and innovative ways that clubs and Rotarians alike can focus on increasing membership in our organization.  While I agree that increasing the membership of Rotary International is always important, I believe that one of our top priorities should focus on making sure our current members are receiving the best possible membership experience in return for the time, talent and treasure that we ask of them.  Rotary International President Barry Rassin has this same mindset.  In fact, at the International Assembly in January, then President Elect Barry stated, “We are a membership organization.  If we want to be able to serve, if we want to succeed in our goals, we have to take care of our members.” 

 

When I heard him utter these words, I almost fell over!  I thought…did I hear that right??  Members first, not membership numbers!  FINALLY… someone who thinks like I do!   I have always believed that we need to make sure that the experience we call “Rotary membership” was an experience that all of our members find valuable.  I firmly believe that a happy, engaged member is a natural membership magnet.  This is the message I hope to bring to clubs as I make my visits this year.  Consider focusing on our current members.. their time is valuable.  Make sure that the Rotary “product” we give them, has a perceived value.  Much of that begins at the club level.  Meetings should be purposeful, projects must be meaningful, and our fellowship should be welcoming.  Every experience we offer should be intentional.  When our members feel as though they are getting a good value for their time, talent and treasure… their excitement shines.  They become enthusiastic about the projects they are working on, they engage their family and friends by sharing their Rotary story and they generate excitement about the organization… they become membership magnets without even realizing it!  I call it “Rotary Juju”… their Rotary juju gets rolling, others get excited by their excitement and then naturally want to get involved in whatever it is that has gotten their friend or family member so excited.  They want some of that juju for themselves, and they willingly reach out to us and ask how to get involved.  What an easy way to attract and retain members!  Keeping our current members satisfied and engaged may help to ultimately solve our long term membership problem.  Of course this isn’t the only solution to solving this problem, but I will argue until the end of time.. that this could be a major step in the process.

 

As a club leader, think about this the next time you are planning your next club event.  Is your club doing everything it can to address the current “needs” of your members?  Are you offering opportunities to keep them actively engaged in projects?  Are you consistently bringing ideas to the table that are in line with the creative, service minded culture of your club members?  If the answer to those questions is “no” – then we need to chat!  Let’s work together to find ways for you and your team to bring some Rotary juju back to your club!  If you answered, “YES” – then fantastic! You are well on your way to having a vibrant and active Rotary club.  I would suspect most of you are somewhere in the middle – and that’s ok!  We have a fantastic team of resources at the district level whose sole purpose is to help your club find ways to improve your current membership experience!  Email me at rotarianforever@gmail.com and I will be sure to put you in touch with someone from our Membership Committee who is more than happy to work with you.

 

While many factors will contribute to the future success of our organization, I passionately believe that staying focused on our current members and their experiences within our clubs, is very critical to that future success!