Membership Corner - December 15, 2013
Posted by Thomas Sturiale
Membership Corner - December 16, 2013
It does take considerable effort to attract and induct new members
but it takes even more ingenuity and leadership to retain members.
Notwithstanding the legitimate reasons for losing members such as moves, job changes or illnesses, many members leave because they are not satisfied. They are not engaged and they lose interest. Why? There needs to be some genuine interest in joining Rotary in the first place. It may be the need to network, to give back to the community, the fellowship, the association with like minded people or any number of motivations.
However, becoming a Rotarian takes a much longer time. Club leadership does need to think about that. People become integrated in an organization over time. We go through a lot of hoopla and ceremony to induct new members and then what do we do? Do we greet them with open arms every week, do they sit with senior members, do they join an action oriented committee, do they attend a district event, do they share their biography with the club, are they included in fellowship events? Or are they allowed to sit quietly awaiting an opportunity to join in? Every member of every club should be assigned to some action committee.
At a meeting a couple days ago, I learned of an effective method for integrating new members - "A Dance Card!". Have your mentoring committee prepare a list of the 6-8 critical achievements for a new member which will require signoff as each are accomplished during the first 6 - 12 months of membership. Then at a second ceremony, honor the new member with their permanent badge. Honor and recognition! Help the new member feel important and critical to the success of your club and they will become permanent Rotarians.
Tom Sturiale - Membership Chair District 7910