Claus Johnson relayed D.K. Lee's message on membership retention to our club on January 30.
Rotary has a big problem in the United States - it is shrinking! From a high of over 450,000 in the US, Canada, and Carribean during 1995, membership has fallen to just under 405,000 today. Rotary is still a great organization doing great works for the community and world. What is the key to maintaining the organization? Retention of existing members and addition of new members!
The steps to growth and retention include:
- IDENTIFY well-qualified members
- INFORM non-Rotarian visitors or prospective members
- INVITE a prospective member with a personal visit
- ORIENT new members
- INDUCT new members in a meaningful manner
- EDUCATE the Rotarian at all membership levels
- INVOLVE the Rotarian in all aspects of the club
Ideas for strong clubs:
- ASK members to join
- BUILD an enthusiastic mentoring program
- CONDUCT vibrant club meetings
- ENCOURAGE exceptional fellowship
- IMPLEMENT meainingful service projects
- INVOLVE every member
RI President D.K. Lee has issued a challenge to all of Rotary - increase membership by 10% this year and add 2 new clubs to the district. A simple mathematical task of multiplication and division.
Propose a new member every year, make a difference in the world every day!