DG Pravin's August Message

The membership challenges that we face today are considerable. There is no denying the difficulties posed by the current financial situation. Added to this, we have challenges in diversity of our membership; and challenges in becoming relevant to the younger generation of potential Rotarians.
These challenges also offer an opportunity for clubs to double their efforts in recruitment and find innovative ways of growing. It also offers an opportunity to look into reasons why you lose members and make the necessary changes to reduce attrition to the minimum.

One of the prerequisite of a successful membership recruitment effort is to open our doors wide to guests. You are in Rotary because you believe in the mission of Rotary and enjoy the fellowship of your fellow members and the opportunities for service that your membership offers to you. Wouldn't it be nice to share all this with someone else - your neighbors, your business associates & your friends. Remember, the future of Rotary and your club lies in your hands. Please get into a habit of inviting someone to your meeting regularly. There is no reason why a Rotary club should not have several guests at every Rotary meeting. You do not have to sell Rotary if you have a good club. With good programs and warm fellowship at your weekly meetings, Rotary sells itself.

It is also essential that our members learn how to talk about Rotary & their clubs in an exciting and convincing manner. All of us have a ready answer when asked about our business or work. Learn how to describe your club & Rotary in three or four sentences. Then you will not be afraid to ask someone to be a guest because you will know what to say if they ask you, "What is Rotary and what does your club do?" Your answer must convey an excitement of a fun and informative meeting, the warmth of a group of friends, the prestige of worldwide service and the rewards of building a better community.

Last five weeks have been very exciting time for membership in many of the clubs in the district. Perhaps some clubs held over inducting new members until after the new year began. What ever the reason, many clubs have inducted new members since July 1 and some have celebrated multiple inductions. In the club news section of this newsletter, you will read about some of the new members and which clubs have inducted them. I personally have done a few inductions. The highlights of my inductions have been the induction of Peter Robinson who was sponsored by Michael Norris, President of the Lockport Rotary Club and the induction of Navpreet Jatana sponsored by Rob Klingensmith, President of the Rotary Club of Amherst East. And I met a young future Rotarian at the Albion Rotary Club who is being sponsored by William Diehl, the club President. When I see club Presidents lead their club by example, I know that these clubs would be leaders in membership growth this year. In fact, Lockport has already induced four new members.

The task of membership growth is a serious one. There are too many people in the world depending upon the good work of Rotary, we cannot let them down. And we will not, if our clubs are strong, energetic and filled with excitement of good Rotary programs and fellowship. Remember, the future of your club and thus the future of Rotary lies in your hands. Ask someone to join you at your next meeting.

Your Fellow Rotarian and Friend,
Pravin D. Suchak
Rotary International Best of Friends
District 7090 Governor 2009-2010