RI Membership Initiatives
Bold Approach to Membership
August is Rotary's Membership and Extension Month
This year, Rotary International extended the timeframe for four pilot programs that were introduced in 2011 in response to a call for increased flexibility for membership and in an effort to foster improved recruitment, retention and engagement of members. The programmes which introduced Satellite Clubs, Corporate Membership, Associate Membership, and Innovation & Flexibility programmes were initially slated to be piloted for a three year period 1 July 2011 to 30 June 2014. This was extended to June 2017 and the number of pilot clubs increased from 200 to 1000.
To participate in these pilot programs, a club must be in good financial standing and will need agreement from the current club president and club president-elect along with the agreement of 2/3 of the members of the club.
The pilot period is to allow Rotary International to assess the impact that alternative membership types have on a number of areas including:
- Club operations,
- Member activities and engagement,
- Membership growth and retention,
- Improved member diversity,
- Increased community and international service,
- Increased support of the rotary foundation, and
- Overall club effectiveness
Click More below for a brief description of each initiative.
Satellite Club Pilot Programme
The RI Board has established guidelines for a satellite club pilot program beginning 1 July 2011 to 30 June 2017 to conduct multiple club meetings during a week, each taking place at a different location, a different day and/or a different time. (October 2013 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 58)
Source: November 2010 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 87; January 2011 Mtg., Bd. Dec.117; Amended by October 2013 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 58
Associate Member Pilot Project
The RI Board has established an associate member pilot project beginning 1 July 2011 to 30 June 2017 to allow an individual to become associated and acquainted with a Rotary club, its members, its programs and projects, and the expectations of club membership with the intent of becoming an active member within a designated period of time. (October 2013 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 58)
Source: November 2010 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 88; January 2011 Mtg., Bd. Dec.117; Amended by October 2013 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 58
Corporate Member Pilot Project
The RI Board has established a corporate member pilot project beginning 1 July 2011 to 30 June 2017 to allow a corporation or company in the club’s area to become a member of the Rotary club, through an established membership approval process, and appoint up to four designees as the individuals attending club meetings, to serve on projects, vote on club matters, and to serve as club officers and on club committees. (October 2013 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 58)
Source: November 2010 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 88; January 2011 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 117; Amended by October 2013 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 58
Innovative and Flexible Rotary Club Pilot Project
The RI Board has established an innovative and flexible Rotary club pilot project beginning 1 July 2011 to 30 June 2017 to allow clubs to self-determine their operations to fit better with their members’ and community needs. (October 2013 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 58)
Source: November 2010 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 88; January 2011 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 117; Amended by October 2013 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 58 Rotary Code of Policies 15 October 2014