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In January, when Rotary International President Holger Knaack announced this year's theme at the International Assembly in San Diego, we did not know what we would be walking into, having to deal with this pandemic. Rotary Opens Opportunities, it certainly opened positive opportunities for us. We learned how to adapt and use technology to our benefit. Who would have thought I would be attending a Club meeting in Saranac Lake in the morning and attending another meeting at noon in Ottawa?
I have asked the Area Governors to start scheduling my official club visits. My virtual visits will start in the first week of August. I look forward to visiting every club in our district, and when circumstances permit, my visits will be in person.
August is Membership & New Club Development Month. I am hearing many clubs have inducted new members. It looks like many friends of Rotary and guests who visit our clubs virtually like the way we do Rotary. They are joining our clubs and getting to know us. Many clubs are looking at different ways to attract members utilizing several avenues whether it is social media, word of mouth among friends, or just people who want to serve and are looking at our websites. Here is my question to you, are our websites and social media pages up to date? Do you have a current Rotary logo displayed? This is what visitors and prospective members look at first to see who we are! Remember the theory of first impressions, this is it! This is marketing 101, what do we have to offer our visitors to impress them and make them want to come back? Keep your messages clear and inviting. Many of you will say, we know all of this. True, but professionals need continuous training, reminders, and practice. So do we!
I want to share something written by Past Rotary International President Cliff Dochterman: " Potential club members are everywhere. But to get them to join Rotary, clubs must use creativity and imagination. Rotary International leaders keep emphasizing membership growth and extension because Rotary's very survival depends on it. If Rotary is to grow, we all must take action."
Seeking new members:
- Clubs must have a specific plan in place.
- Use a team approach, several members meet with qualified business and professional leaders to discuss the benefits of joining Rotary.
- Set aside one club meeting a month to be a "visitor day", to which all club members would invite a friend or prospective member.
- Seek out natural prospects, including Rotary Foundation Ambassadorial Scholars, Rotaractors, and Group Study Exchange team members.
Retaining current members:
"Keeping current club members is just as important as bringing in new ones. The key is to adapt and change."
- Make sure club meetings, service activities, and social events are interesting, fun, and worthwhile.
- Initiate more hands-on projects so club members will feel that they're making a difference.
- Eliminate 100 percent attendance requirements.
- Be alert to the symptoms that lead to resignation. Club leaders should be considerate of members' problems.
Sponsoring a new club:
"It's time to think about sponsoring a new kind of Rotary club." For example:
- A club composed entirely of executives and professionals under the age of 40. The nucleus could be former Rotaractors, GSE team members, and Foundation program alumni.
- A club in an ethnic or minority section of the community, with members who share common economic and cultural interests.
- A club that meets in a shopping mall, airport, high-rise office building, golf course, or other non-traditional but convenient location.
Setting Club Goals in Rotary Club Central
Clubs can earn a Rotary Citation for achieving goals that help to strengthen your club. Please go into MyRotary on the Rotary International Website. To achieve the Rotary Citation, select/enter at least 13 goals in Rotary Club Central. To date, only 51 out of 65 clubs have entered their goals. Let's see if we can get that closer to 100% of the clubs!
I want to emphasize the importance of The Rotary Foundation. I am sharing with club presidents Foundation Moments from the Rotary Foundation. I hope you are enjoying them.
While I am on the Foundation subject, I want to take this opportunity to recognize Jean Gagnon and Fatima Lahmami Langlois of the Rotary Club of Montreal, for their generous contribution to the Rotary Foundation. Jean and Fatima reached Major Donor Level 2 recognition by Rotary International. Jean and Fatima, thank you for your Major Gift support to our Rotary Foundation.
I want to congratulate the Interact Clubs of Longfield-Davidson Heights Secondary School in Nepean and Gloucester High School in Gloucester for receiving a Citation from Rotary International, awarded to them for accomplishing requirements from Rotary International. It has not been an easy year to fulfill these requirements. LDH Interact is sponsored by the Rotary Club of South Nepean and Gloucester is sponsored by the Rotary Club of Orleans.
This is a reminder to everyone to register for the District Conference coming up on October 16, 17 & 18, 2020. Go to https://rotary7040.com/sitepage/discon-2020/ It is free of charge, but donations are accepted. We have many interesting keynote speakers and I promise you fun is on the program. Our Online Silent Auction organizers are accepting items valued of $100 and up to auction off. Proceeds go to the Rotary Foundation. Please reach out to Luc McEachnie at LMcEachnie@arbormemorial.com We also have sponsorship opportunities and House of Friendship entries.
Until next time, stay well, stay safe, and make sure you have fun! #wearebettertogether
Remember, Rotary Opens Opportunities, what is yours?