Dennis Casey, long time member and leader in our club, was invited to the podium by President Patti. Dennis submitted the following notes:
The membership committee should consist of several Rotarians because the duties are varied. With a co-chair and committee, the practical part of providing the potential Rotarian with an application, a one page fact sheet for both Olean Rotary and Rotary International in general and a new member information sheet can be provided electronically. An effective orientation can be provided outside of the regular meeting by several current members and be a social occasion as well. Different members should help conduct induction ceremonies over the course of the year. Not only is a sponsor needed for one to become a Rotarian but a mentor is recommended as well whose duty it would be to follow the new member closely through the assimilation process. Social events, planned or spontaneous, need to occur so Rotary can be talked about in an informal setting.
If we are visible in the community, ideally monthly by doing service projects, then we will attract new members and should appeal to younger members under '40' who are wired for service but need the flexibility that newer Rotary rules allow.
You can see that it will take a committee to be effective at member recruitment and retention. Please consider letting either Patti or Dennis know of your interest.
During the 2016-17 Rotary year our club inducted 10 new members and lost 3 members, for a net gain of 7 new members. Yay! Several others are in the queue! We are engaged and growing. This is a good thing!