by Lorine Parks
“Wheels like the Rotary Wheel turn other wheels, when the cogs connect,” said Membership Chair Greg Welch, demonstrating a remarkable dexterity with his fingers and hands as he illustrated our familiar symbol in action.
August being Rotary Membership Month, Greg gave us a review of the advantages of being a Rotarian. “Be involved. It’s cool,” said Greg. “No organization can live without its members,” as Greg pointed out. “The more members, the more we can do.”
But prospective members can’t be expected to join if we don’t ask them. Greg gave his own case as an example. His father-in-law Ray Risher had perfect attendance for almost 50 years in the Montebello Club, and his wife, Barbara Risher-Welch was Governor of District 5300 in 2003-04. “I had been thinking of joining for years,” said Greg. “But no one asked me.” Apparently a Downey Rotarian finally snared Greg for us in 2012, by asking the obvious question.
We do good things,” said Greg. “but we need to talk about them. Membership in this club is in trouble. What can we do to grow?”
Comments during the question period involved the by-laws changes which allow corporations to be members, so new representatives can be sent when someone is transferred. Retention was also mentioned as essential. Jim Reynolds suggested coordinating with the Downey Chamber of Commerce, to get names of new businesses as they open in Downey. Barbara Lamberth suggested a Rotary information booth at some Downey events to attract new members. “We have to get involved,” she said.