Get Ready to Grow Membership Campaign

Posted by Kevin Crosby 
 

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT OUR MEMBERSHIP CAMPAIGN

We are undertaking a broad membership campaign and we expect every club in our district to benefit. In preparation for the 3-month campaign, which begins March 1, we are offering several free webinars during February that are open to all Rotarians. You can register for these by clicking on the “Get Ready to Grow Membership Campaign” link under Upcoming Events on the left column of the Home Page.
 
Here the the principles underlying our approach to this campaign:
  • Rotary is a wonderful organization. Most people would find it appealing if they knew about it. Most people would be interested in being part of an organized effort to help others in need – especially in their own community.
  • The keys to bringing people into Rotary:
    • Inform people about what Rotary is doing in their local community
    • Explain that people from all walks of life are welcome to become part of Rotary
    • Emphasize that the key qualification is a desire to help others and embrace “Service Above Self”
    • Make it easy for people to learn about the Rotary club options in their community (as well as e-club)
    • Provide opportunities for prospective members to experience Rotary through hands-on service or fund-raising activity
    • Ensure that the initial experiences with a Rotary meeting are positive:
      • They feel welcome and appreciated
      • Fun, fellowship, and mutual respect are obvious
      • Speakers/programs are interesting and enlightening
      • It is evident that the club is engaged in contributing to quality of life in the local community
  • The “courting” process should be consistent and convey a sincere interest in the candidate
  • Clubs should review their policies regarding meeting attendance and the total cost of membership (dues, meal cost, expected support for fundraising, contributions to TRF & PolioPlus). Consider how these could be adjusted to reduce barriers to joining your club.
  • The “on-boarding” process should be clearly defined and designed to help the new member feel appreciated and ensure that the new member becomes engaged in activities of the club and also begins to learn about the world of Rotary beyond the club
It is important that clubs collaborate with other clubs in their Area to:
  • Create awareness of what all Rotary clubs are doing to serve the local community (as well as other activities like international service projects; youth services; scholarships; etc.) – through regional Public Image efforts and regional recruitment events
  • Conduct multi-club service and/or fund-raising projects in order to provide ample opportunities for prospective members to experience Rotary as a “hands on” activity (not to mention engaging existing members)
  • Orient new members to the world of Rotary beyond the club and enable new members to become better acquainted with other clubs in their Area